Young Leaders Stories

Success of the Program

The Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program has had notable success in fostering the development of young lawyers in the trust and estate field. Here are some key areas of success:

1. Promoting Career Advancement
   • Many alumni of the program have gone on to achieve leadership roles within their firms, bar associations, and professional organizations.
   • Participants often report increased confidence, knowledge, and skills that help them excel in their careers.
2. Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion
   • The program has successfully attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a greater participation of underrepresented groups in the trust and estate profession.
   • By promoting inclusion, the program helps create a more equitable legal community and ensures a broader range of perspectives in leadership roles.
3. Building a Strong Network
   • Participants develop lasting relationships with mentors, fellow participants, and ACTEC Fellows. These connections lead to professional collaborations and opportunities.
   • Alumni frequently describe the networking aspect as one of the most valuable components of the program.
4. Fostering Leadership Skills
   • The program equips young lawyers with the tools to become leaders in the trust and estate field. Many alumni go on to lead committees, initiatives, or advocacy efforts in trust and estate law.
   • Leadership training helps participants make meaningful contributions to their communities, their firms, and the profession.
5. Raising Awareness of Trust and Estate Law
   • The program has inspired young lawyers to mentor others in trust and estate law, a field that is often overlooked by new attorneys.
   • By encouraging interest in this area of practice, the program helps sustain the profession and address generational gaps in expertise.
6. Creating Mentorship Opportunities
   • The mentorship component of the program is often cited as a transformative experience. Participants benefit from personalized guidance and insights from seasoned ACTEC Fellows.
   • Mentors also express that working with young leaders rejuvenates their own perspectives and understanding of the profession.