L. Henry Gissel, Jr. Spirit of ACTEC Lecture Series
Lectures Exploring the Values That Define Excellence in Law
L. Henry Gissel, Jr. (1936–2020)
The L. Henry Gissel, Jr. Spirit of ACTEC Lecture honors the life and legacy of L. Henry Gissel, Jr. (1936–2020), a respected attorney, leader, and mentor who devoted nearly five decades of service to The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Known for his warmth, integrity, and larger-than-life presence, Henry served as President of both ACTEC and the ACTEC Foundation, helping to strengthen the organizations and advance their missions. He was admired not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his commitment to welcoming and supporting colleagues throughout the trust and estate profession.
Established by ACTEC and the ACTEC Foundation, the lecture is presented every other year and features distinguished speakers who explore the ethical, professional, and collegial values that define excellence in the practice of law. Through these lectures, ACTEC celebrates Henry’s enduring belief that legal expertise should be paired with integrity, mentorship, and a spirit of service. The lecture series preserves his legacy by encouraging thoughtful discussion about the responsibilities lawyers have to their clients, their profession, and one another.
Lectures
“Minnesota Nice” Collegiality in Today’s Trust and Estate Practice
Presentation by Ann B. Burns
March 21, 2025
In this engaging lecture, ACTEC Past President Ann Burns drew on her extensive experience to explore the obstacles to collaboration, the skills needed to overcome them, and practical solutions that foster trust. She also discussed issues important to trust and estate lawyers, including conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, working with other professionals, and working with families.
The lecture demonstrated that collegiality is about more than simply getting along. By taking collegiality to the next level, lawyers can build deep, trusting relationships with clients and colleagues. Ann explained how embracing this approach not only enhances the service provided to clients but also creates more fulfilling and enjoyable professional experiences.
Throughout the presentation, Ann examined how strong, collaborative relationships create opportunities for better outcomes and deeper client trust. She also addressed how lawyers can maintain collegiality while remaining truthful, honest, and authentic, and how to navigate these challenges while upholding their professional responsibilities and ethical obligations.
At the Intersection of the Ethical and Collegial Aspects of the Practice of Law: What Would Henry Do?
Presentation by Judith W. McCue
March 3, 2023
ACTEC Past President Judith W. McCue (“Judy”) presented the first L. Henry Gissel, Jr. Spirit of ACTEC Lecture (“Lecture”) during the 2023 Annual Meeting. The Lecture approved by the Board of Directors of the ACTEC Foundation and approved by ACTEC’s Board of Regents, is to honor and recognize the importance of ACTEC Past President L. Henry Gissel, Jr. to the College, the Foundation and the Fellows of the College. The Lecture will address the ethical and collegial aspects of the practice of law, focused on the trusts and estates practice area.
ACTEC is a unique professional organization, a “college” and not an “association.” The Model Rules of Professional Conduct (and other similar state laws provisions—the “Rules”) provide rules for lawyers in all areas of the practice. However, of necessity and by tradition, lawyers engaged in trusts and estates law demonstrate an exceptional level of collegiality, both with respect to their clients and to the other professionals with whom they are working on an engagement. In the Lecture, among other topics, Judy considered the applicable Rules, the ACTEC Commentaries on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and the ACTEC Code of Conduct. Her goal for the Lecture was to synthesize these topics and to describe how these various matters intersect and have an impact on the trusts and estates practice.