Bogus Asset Protection Accreditations

[Riser Adkisson LLP]

by Jay D. Adkisson

My opinion is that there are no legitimate asset protection accreditations or designations, and those who offer them are basically scamming the people (usually insurance agents) who take the courses by making them think that they are getting a valuable credential. While some groups offer such accreditations after a two- or three-day course (for a hefty price), the topic of asset protection is so broad that even in such time a person could only being to discern the tip of the iceberg, much less gain any meaningful knowledge of how to practice in the area.

For a wide variety of reasons, not the least of which is the importance of attorney-client privilege in this type of planning, nearly all the legitimate asset protection planners are attorneys. However, there is not a single state's bar association that offers accreditations or specialties in asset protection planning, for the reason that no legitimate program exists that is sponsored by the bar association or a law school that would properly accredit a planner or qualify them as a specialist in the area.

No current or former Chair of the American Bar Association's Asset Protection Planning Committee claims to have an asset protection credential, or belong to any group that accredits asset protection planners as a specialty. This speaks for the fact that no such legitimate organization exists.

This is not to say that the various educational programs regarding asset protection are bad; that depends on the quality of the presenters. Valid educational programs regarding asset protection are taught by the American Bar Association, Lorman, the National Business Institute, and various state bar associations.