American Academy’s Membership Surpasses Required
Continuing Legal Education Hours
Member Attorneys Complete Average of Over 40 Hours for 2008
SAN DIEGO, California – February 13, 2009 - When deciding how your loved ones will be cared for after you are gone it is important to have an attorney that knows their field inside and out. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys places a high value on significant substantive training that is essential to be effective when counseling clients. Academy members have responded by completing more Continuing Legal Education hours than required by the Academy in 2008. Member attorneys recognize that to best serve their clients it is imperative to stay updated on changes in laws and strategies.
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys requires all member attorneys to complete 36 hours of Continuing Legal Education in the areas of tax, estate planning, probate or elder law topics. For 2008 Academy attorneys averaged 40.6 hours of Continuing Legal Education. Requirements for Continuing Legal Education vary by state, averaging between 10 to 15 hours per year. The Academy is proud to have attorneys who are among the most sophisticated and educated attorneys in the nation.
“Our members’ thirst for knowledge only reinforces the confidence I have in the Academy and its systems,” says Robert Armstrong, President and Co-Founder of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. “Our members are committed to providing solutions for their clients and focusing on all that is important to families, not just a comprehensive understanding of the law, but understanding the importance of estate planning for each client’s specific needs.”
The Academy offers various methods for attorneys to satisfy their Continuing Legal Education requirement. The Academy holds two educational conferences each year with multi-day trainings on educational topics as well as practice management and marketing. Classroom Conference Calls are conducted by the Academy’s Education Department on a monthly basis. Two-day additional training sessions are also held to keep the membership up-to-date on areas of the law that are pertinent to members’ clients. Member attorneys can also attend local events and listen to audio recordings on relevant topics.
In addition to the Education Department, the Education Advisory Board was created to ensure that the Academy's development of educational support for the members remains on target. This Board consists of 6 members and a Chairperson of the board. They assist the Academy with the planning of future projects and provide essential feedback on projects in progress.
Founded in 1993, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is the premier national organization promoting excellence in estate planning by providing member attorneys with the legal research and education it takes to serve consumers with the highest quality advice and estate plans.
If you would like more information about the Academy or to schedule an interview with Robert Armstrong or Sanford Fisch, please call Erin Laverty at 858/453-2128 x111 or email Erin at erin@aaepa.com.
“I was moved to share a recent story from my practice. I am sure you hear things like this all the time but I still wanted to share. As a new attorney (new to the practice of law and new to Estate Planning), I started my practice with the Academy. I often find myself relying on Education to feel comfortable in assisting clients or anytime something is or even 'feels' new. The end of last year, I had a case that was very different I emailed Education about the client's problem. Not only did I receive an answer back but Steve took time to talk me through the fact pattern and send me fact scenarios to run through with the client, not only helping me understand the law but what I needed to do to assist the client and properly draft the document. Last week, I had a lunch and learn with the advisor that referred the client to us and she commented that without my knowledge she sent the plan and documents to her brokerage company's attorney. They told her that it was the 'most thorough and complete estate work they have seen in years.' Needless to say, the advisor will be sending me additional work in the future. I am sure you hear things like this all the time but I really appreciated the time all the Academy staff takes to invest in our practice and lives and felt compelled to share this story.”
Melanie L. — Virginia Member