American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

A highly respected attorney, a prosperous legal entrepreneur and a co-founder of two national organizations for estate planning attorneys, Robert Armstrong is committed to making the business-savvy practitioner the standard for professional success in estate planning. His philosophies, systems and strategies help great lawyers become great, satisfied and successful business owners. He is frequently sought out by attorneys from coast to coast for advice on building successful practices of their own. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was inspired by his conviction that attorneys, in order to be successful, need more than just technical legal skills. Today, Robert serves as President of the Academy and is responsible for collaborating on the strategic direction of the organization. On a day to day basis, he oversees the Academy’s Marketing, Technical Support and Software Development departments. His creative vision combined with his deep understanding of how to run a successful law practice, generate innovative ideas that make both the Academy and its members leaders in the world of estate planning. Robert is a much sought-after authority on estate planning and is widely quoted in national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, Individual Investor, and Money Magazine. In 2010 Robert and Academy co-founder Sanford M. Fisch teamed up with small business expert Michael Gerber to co-author The E-Myth Attorney: Why Most Legal Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It. The book combines small business expertise with real life law firm experience to show attorneys how to make the most out of their practice. In addition, he is a co-author of several books, including the practice management book for attorneys, Creating a Loving Trust Practice, consumer centered books, Total Wealth Management and Estate Planning Basics, A Crash Course in Safeguarding Your Assets. He also contributed his expertise to the bestseller Terry Savage on Money. As an articulate spokesman for the advantages of trust-based planning, he has been a frequent guest on radio talk shows, and has also appeared on PBS and CBS news programs as an estate planning authority.

Professional Experience

Robert has been a practicing attorney since 1976 and is the founder of one of the most successful estate planning practices in the country. In 1989, he joined forces with fellow estate planning attorney, Sanford Fisch and together they serve as principals with the San Diego, California law firm, Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli where they have created thousands of quality estate plans for grateful clients. His first experience in providing products and services to other attorneys came when he helped found the first nationwide network for estate planning attorneys, The Loving Trust Educational System (later, National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys). As part of that organization, he helped create and market an advanced document assembly software system. In 1993, Robert co-founded the American Academy to help members build successful and robust practices through a rich array of products, services and systems. His innovative real-world solutions to common professional and business problems help members become the premier estate planning attorney in their communities. With step by step coaching, the Academy helps members effectively use technology, successfully and ethically market estate planning services, create accurate accounting systems, inspire law firm staff and stay current with the ever changing estate planning laws.

Education

After four years in the U.S. Navy, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, Robert attended the University of California at San Diego, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Greek. In 1976, Robert earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego, where he was a staff writer for the Law Review and was awarded the prestigious American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in insurance law. Robert holds Series 7 and 66 Securities Licenses and a California Life Insurance License so clients receive the benefits of coordinated estate and financial plans.

Personal

Robert spent his early years in Toronto, Canada and moved to San Diego as a teenager in 1962. He is married and has two children, Lauren and Matt. Robert is an insatiable reader, devouring anything that grabs his interest. In addition, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their children, watching movies, working out every day, and traveling the world.