American College of Trust and Estate Counsel - ACTEC

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel - ACTEC The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a nonprofit association of lawyers established in 1949.

The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a professional society of peer-elected lawyers and law professors from across the United States and abroad with expertise in estate planning, probate and trust administration Its members are elected to the College by demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence and experience as trust and estate c

ounselors. All ACTEC members have made substantial contributions to the field of trusts and estates law through writing, teaching and bar leadership activities. The members work together in a collegial manner to
• Enhance their ability to provide the most efficient and highest quality services to their clients;
• Develop qualified trust and estate counselors;
• Improve and reform probate, trust and tax laws, procedures, and standards of professional responsibility; and
• Cooperate with bar associations and other organizations with similar missions. ACTEC members advise clients or teach in one or more of the following areas: planning for the orderly and tax efficient transfer of wealth during life and after death and preparing all related estate planning documents; administering trusts, decedent's estates, guardianships, conservatorships and other family entities; planning for incapacity and elder concerns; planning for employee benefits; Planning charitable gifts and advising exempt organizations; and handling tax controversy and fiduciary litigation. Membership in ACTEC is by election of the regents of the College. Individual lawyers meeting the criteria for membership are nominated for membership by fellows of the College, and subjected to careful review by both state and national membership selection committees, prior to consideration by the regents of the College. Applications for membership by members of the bar are not accepted by the College.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way attorneys work, and one of the most practical applications today is ...
06/16/2026

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way attorneys work, and one of the most practical applications today is document review.

In this episode of ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk, we explore how AI can help trust and estate attorneys review trusts, tax returns, marital agreements, business documents, and other client materials more efficiently. Learn practical prompting techniques, important confidentiality considerations, and why professional judgment remains essential when using AI in legal practice.


Learn how estate planning attorneys can use AI for document review, trust analysis, client intake, and drafting assistance while maintaining professional judgment and confidentiality.

ACTEC welcomes Deborah Gordon of Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law to the College!
06/12/2026

ACTEC welcomes Deborah Gordon of Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law to the College!

ACTEC welcomes Gregory Martin, LL.M. of Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP to the College!
06/12/2026

ACTEC welcomes Gregory Martin, LL.M. of Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP to the College!

Directed trusts have become one of the most flexible and powerful tools in modern estate planning. But what exactly is a...
06/09/2026

Directed trusts have become one of the most flexible and powerful tools in modern estate planning. But what exactly is a directed trust, and how do roles like the trustee, investment advisor, distribution advisor, and trust protector work together?

Learn the modern directed trust structure, the impact of the Uniform Directed Trust Act, and why trust protectors often hold the "keys to the kingdom" when it comes to trust flexibility and long-term planning.



Learn how directed trusts divide trustee responsibilities, the role of trust protectors, and how modern trust design creates flexibility in estate planning while maintaining effective trust administration.

How should wealthy families structure a modern single-family office? And what happens when tax efficiency becomes just a...
06/02/2026

How should wealthy families structure a modern single-family office? And what happens when tax efficiency becomes just as important as governance and investment oversight?

This ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk podcast explores two approaches to structuring a family office: the traditional “classic” model and the more complex profits interest structure, sometimes called the lender model. The discussion covers investment management, deductibility of expenses, evolving tax law, and practical considerations for families and advisors navigating multi-generational wealth planning.

Listen now to learn how today’s family offices are adapting to changing tax rules and increasingly sophisticated investment strategies.


Learn how modern single-family offices are structured, including classic and profits interest models, tax efficiency, governance, and investment management.

Wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other disasters can leave families and communities facing overwhelming loss with litt...
05/28/2026

Wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other disasters can leave families and communities facing overwhelming loss with little warning. For attorneys, charitable organizations, and advisors, preparation before a disaster strikes can make a critical difference in how quickly and effectively relief can reach those in need.

The ACTECFoundation has gathered valuable disaster relief planning resources in one place, including guidance on charitable assistance programs, trust and estate planning considerations, and practical strategies for responding to emergencies. The page also features educational podcasts and tools designed to help professionals better support clients and communities during times of crisis.

Explore the resources here: https://actecfoundation.org/news/disaster-relief-planning-resources-for-attorneys-and-charitable-organizations/

Free disaster relief planning resources for attorneys and charitable organizations, including a 49-page guide and podcasts on charitable assistance, preparedness, and recovery.

What exactly is a family office—and how are ultra-high-net-worth families using purpose trusts and private trust compani...
05/26/2026

What exactly is a family office—and how are ultra-high-net-worth families using purpose trusts and private trust companies to strengthen governance, continuity, and legacy?

In this ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk episode, we explore how purpose trusts may offer families a creative way to align control, mission, and long-term stewardship across generations.


Modern family offices, private trust companies, and purpose trusts: governance, tax considerations, and legacy planning strategies for ultra-high-net-worth families.

ACTEC welcomes Aejaz Dar of Yates Campbell LLP to the College!
05/22/2026

ACTEC welcomes Aejaz Dar of Yates Campbell LLP to the College!

ACTEC welcomes Jessica Grover of Maynard Nexsen to the College!
05/22/2026

ACTEC welcomes Jessica Grover of Maynard Nexsen to the College!

What exactly is a family office—and how do ultra-high-net-worth families decide which structure is right for managing we...
05/19/2026

What exactly is a family office—and how do ultra-high-net-worth families decide which structure is right for managing wealth, legacy, and complexity?

This episode of ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk breaks down the family office landscape, including single-family offices, multi-family offices, virtual models, core services, and the strategic decisions families face when building a structure designed to support wealth across generations.



Explore family office models, services, and key planning considerations for ultra-high-net-worth families, from single-family offices to MFOs.

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