Based on the information provided by the applicant in the form of resume, application and interview by one or more current board members, an applicant meeting the requirements above shall be assigned to a membership category in accordance with the guidelines below, although the board of directors may in unusual circumstances exercise its discretion where more than one category is fitting.
Once a member has been assigned to a category, a member will not be reassigned to a different category unless an application is made to the board of directors and approved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board has discretion to recategorize members as appropriate.
Attorneys: Applicants involved in the active practice of law shall be assigned to the Attorneys category and no other category. An attorney will meet the requirements for membership in the Attorneys category if such individual is actively involved in the drafting of estate plans or elements thereof, the administration of elements of such plans, or in litigation relating to such plans.
Accountants: Applicants (other than attorneys practicing law) whose professional responsibilities include the regular preparation of tax returns shall be assigned to the Accountants category and no other. In addition, individuals employed by firms (other than law firms) where a significant portion of such firms’ professionals regularly prepare tax returns but who do not themselves prepare tax returns shall be assigned to the Accountants category and no other. An applicant will meet the requirements for membership in the Accountants category where such applicant regularly prepares tax returns related to estate planning and administration, and also where such applicant regularly advises clients on tax and other matters related to estate planning and administration.
Financial Service Provider.: Applicants employed by financial service firms (other than trust companies) shall be assigned to the Financial Service Provider category and no other. This is true even where the applicant is not involved in giving investment or other financial advice. An applicant will meet the requirements for membership in the Financial Service Provider category if such applicant regularly discusses estate planning with clients and/or regularly assists in the implementation of estate plans for clients.
Trust Officers: Applicants employed by trust companies shall be assigned to the Trust Officers category and no other. In addition, applicants whose principal business is to serve as the trustee of one or more trusts shall be assigned to the Trust Officers category and no other. An applicant will meet the requirements of the Trust Officers category if such applicant regularly serves as a trustee of a trust, is officially designated as a trust officer by his or her employer, holds himself or herself out to the public as a professional trustee, and/or is employed by a trust company and regularly advises clients or his or her employer on tax or other matters related to estate planning and trust and estate administration.
Academic: Individuals whose principal profession involves serving as a professor or other academic in a college, university, or other accredited educational facility shall be assigned to this category and no other. An applicant will meet the requirements of this category where such individual regularly teaches one or more courses related to estate planning.
At-Large: Applicants not assignable to any other category based on the foregoing criteria shall be assigned to the at-large category. Gift planning specialists and valuation professionals, for example, shall be assigned to this category. An applicant will meet the requirements of this category where such applicant is regularly involved in aspects of estate planning appropriate to his or her profession.