Who Is Austin Fleming?

 Posted on March 28,2013 in Estate Planning

The Chicago Estate Planning Council, which has been around since 1938, is comprised of attorneys, financial planners, trust officers, chartered life underwriters, etc. Every year, they present the Austin Fleming award to an estate planner who has helped improve estate planning practices in Chicago and the surrounding counties.

But this brings about the question of who Austin Fleming was, in relation to estate planning. Austin Fleming started making a legal name for himself back in 1929, when he co-authored an article in the Michigan Law Review, debating whether a judgment concludes non-partners of whose interests the plaintiff had no notice. Fleming wrote articles pertaining to many legal aspects up until his death in 1979, touching on topics that are still important today (apportionment of estate taxes and the varying standards of prudence applicable to fiduciaries, for example).

In addition to his writings, he served on the staff of the general counsel of the Office of Price Administration in World War II. Afterwards, he joined Northern Trust in 1945, working in the bank's legal department until he retired in 1974. He remained Of Counsel with them until his death.

Continuously working on improvements for trust and estate legislation, he was also an avid believer in continuing education and gave a tremendous amount to the estate planning community as a whole. Because of this, after his retirement the CEPC decided to create an award to congratulate attorneys or other persons who help improve estate planning.

Estate planning is an important process that should not be procrastinated or ignored. If you're starting the process, you should consult with a lawyer who can help you with the procedure. Contact our law firm in Wheaton, Illinois today to learn more.