American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Believing that law is both a rewarding business and a noble profession, Sanford has dedicated himself not only to honing his own legal and technical expertise, but also to helping other attorneys improve their skills and businesses. His ardent desire and deep commitment to helping fellow attorneys drove him to co-found the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Today, Sanford continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer at the Academy. He is responsible for collaborating on the strategic direction of the Academy as well as building alliances with other organizations which provide resources to Academy Members. He oversees the Accounting, Operations, Education, Member Services and Recruiting departments. By constantly seeking simpler, better and more effective ways of doing things, he continues to make a real difference in the Academy, Member Law Firms, in the lives of families, and the way estate planning law is practiced in the United States. In 2010 Sanford was able to share his expertise with attorneys across the nation and around the world with The E-Myth Attorney: Why Most Legal Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It. He co-authored the book with Academy co-founder Robert Armstrong and small business guru Michael Gerber. The E-Myth Attorney combines Gerber’s small business expertise with the knowledge and wisdom of two highly successful attorneys. Sanford and Robert explain the importance of systems and working on the business so attorneys are able to have a work-life balance.

Education

A solid legal education, including a Masters degree in tax law, was the foundation for Sanford’s career. He graduated magna cum laude from Boston University in 1977, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, where he was a member of the National Mortar Board Honor Society. In 1980, he went on to earn his law degree from the University of San Diego, where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in civil procedure. He was also published in the Law Review, “To Be or Not to Be – Tax is the Question?” In 1982, Sanford earned a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in Taxation, from Georgetown University Law Center.

Professional Experience

In addition to building a prominent estate planning law firm, as well as co-founding the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, he has used innovative approaches to help families plan for a comfortable, crisis-free inheritance. Through his work at the Academy, he has become a recognized leader and much sought-after advisor, and consultant to law firms throughout the United States. From 1982 through 1983, he worked as a Tax Specialist with Coopers and Lybrand, an international accounting firm. He also taught at the American College for Certified Financial Planners and Chartered Underwriters. He then started and served as principal of the Law Office of Sanford M. Fisch. In 1989, he joined forces with fellow estate planning attorney, Robert Armstrong and served as principal with Armstrong & Fisch, APLC and is currently a principal of Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli. In 1993, Sanford helped co-found the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Personal

Sanford is the Co-Founder and former Chairman of the San Diego Senior Olympics. He enjoys surfing, running, hiking, biking, basketball, martial arts and golf. He lives in Pacific Beach with his wife Julie, and their daughter Tahlia.