As we gather with our family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to savor the food and our time together. This time of the year offers a special opportunity to show our loved ones just how much we care. We can do this in any number of ways, including […]

In estate planning and elder law, even small mistakes can have lasting consequences. A typo in a trust document, an outdated clause, or a missed follow-up can mean hours of rework or worse, lost client confidence. The good news: technology can now do the heavy lifting for you. CounselPro 8, the Academy’s proprietary estate planning […]

When people think of a law firm, their first thoughts are often about complex legal matters, challenging cases, and tireless work hours. But behind every successful law firm, there’s something more than just legal expertise—there’s a culture that drives the firm’s long-term success. A positive law firm culture is not just a “nice to have”; […]

The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (the “Academy”) recently held its annual Fall Summit in its home city of San Diego. San Diego offers plenty of activities for Members and Member guests alike and boasts incredible weather as well as numerous eateries. We stayed at the Catamaran Resort and Spa, and I know I’m […]

Each time we gather for the Academy’s biannual Summit, something remarkable happens. Beyond the sessions, the presentations, and the flurry of learning, there’s a sense of renewal — a reminder of why we do what we do, and how much stronger we are when we come together as a community. Our Fall Summit, held last […]

Most estate planning attorneys recognize that their website is essential for credibility, but few realize how much it influences online visibility today. A website can either help you get discovered by qualified prospects or quietly push you down search results. Your website is no longer just being “crawled” by Google; it’s being interpreted, summarized, and […]

For most attorneys, control isn’t a weakness; it’s a survival skill. You’re trained to anticipate problems, manage risk, and protect your clients’ interests. However, that same instinct can make it challenging to trust others with meaningful tasks within your practice. If you’ve ever stayed late fixing someone else’s draft, or thought, “It’ll be faster if […]

The way law firms operate has transformed over the past few years. Hybrid work, where some staff are in the office while others work remotely, has become the new normal. This flexibility offers many benefits, but it also introduces challenges like miscommunication, workflow bottlenecks, and feelings of disconnection among team members. The good news? With […]

Note: This on-demand training is designed for non-Member attorneys. If you’ve wanted a reliable way to fill seats, boost live attendance, and turn attendees into qualified consults without chaining yourself to a calendar, this one’s for you. We’re doing something we don’t usually do: we’re offering on-demand access through October 31, 2025. You can watch the video […]

Running a law firm requires more than managing cases and serving clients. True leadership begins with mindset. The way attorneys think, communicate, and approach challenges influences every aspect of the firm. Leaders set the tone, and their mindset ripples outward, shaping the culture, the energy of the team, and the experience clients receive. When law […]