American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys - Members in the News - AAEPA

Academy Newsroom


Members in the News

  • Academy Member Mark Eghrari had an article published by Investment News. "Estate tax confusion leaves survivors in fiscal purgatory," looks at the uncertainty surrounding estate tax and the pending expiration of the 2001 Bush tax cuts. With estate planners not knowing what will happen this year or next, their clients are the ones that suffer. Until decisions are made by Congress the families of loved ones who have passed away must wait to begin the healing process. June 2010

  • Academy Member Robert Way was elected as President-Elect for the Arizona Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys for the 2010 year. Congratulations Robert! March 2010

  • Academy Member Mark Eghrari was published in the Personal Finance section of Forbes.com. His piece titled "Planning For The Estate Tax's Return" comes right from the expert himself. Mark discusses setting up family limited partnerships and how to avoid estate taxes altogether by creating an estate plan that protects you and your assets. Be sure to go and check it out. Congratulations Mark! February 2010

  • Academy Members Dean Hedeker and Tony Perrelli have published the book Cut Your Tax in 2010. The book has been mentioned on cnbc.com, businesswire.com and WHAS Radio. Cut Your Tax in 2010 is available for purchase on Amazon.com. February 2010

  • Congratulations Academy Member Richard Behlmann for becoming Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The certification process requires meeting specific practice and education requirements as well as a rigorous written exam. January 2010

  • American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Member John O'Drobinak Elected to ICLEF Board. December 2009

  • Charles Pyke was quoted in the Money Magazine article, "Marrying Finances - For the Second Time". November 2009

  • Michael Bonfrisco's new book, Smart Estate Planning in New Jersey: What You Really Need to Know, was announced in SNJ Business People. The South New Jersey magazine is published monthly. November 28, 2009

  • Academy Member Stephen Unsworth was named Super Lawyer for Third Consecutive Year. November 18, 2009

  • New Member John Rogers Burk's Membership with the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys was announced on his Community Website, MyRoseville.com. October 30, 2009

  • Dean R. Hedeker Named Academy Fellow by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. August 22, 2009


“In my 23 years as an attorney, I've been through many practice models. I've worked in a prestigious firm, worked for the Federal Government, worked in a small firm, operated in a partnership and ultimately opened my own firm. During the first half of my career, I was diligently searching for the model which would make me happy and allow me to honorably serve my clients and still have a balanced family life. I've worked closely with the two gentlemen who helped write this book and I attribute my success and happiness as a lawyer and layperson to their coaching. This book is the perfect primer for new law school graduates and seasoned attorneys seeking the answers which have alluded them in striking the right balance between life and law. Unfortunately, while law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, it does a poor job of teaching you how to operate in a law firm or run a legal business. I've read all of Michael Gerber's books and heard him speak numerous times. I think he's right on point. This book is a supplement to his other books and specifically addresses the challenging issues which cause attorney dissatisfaction and law firm failure. If you are a satisfied attorney you shouldn't read this book. It's not for you. If you are not happy, this is the place to start. Legal practices are changing at a rapid speed. The old models are being replaced like yesterday's garbage. Successful, happy lawyers understand the skills involved in operating their practices as businesses. In my experience, this creates happy, satisfied clients. It's a win-win situation. Two of my children are now in college, both wishing to pursue different passions. I've encouraged both of them to get business degrees and learn accounting, computer skills, social networking, human resources, entrepreneurship and the myriad of other components mentioned in this book.”

Cheryl D. — North Carolina Member