Iowa Trusts, Estates, and Wealth Preservation shareholder Breanna Young was recently selected as Iowa’s incoming State Chair of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Next year, she will begin her first term as sitting State Chair.

ACTEC is a national association of leading members of the trust and estate profession who have made a substantial contribution to the field of trust and estate law.

The designation of incoming State Chair allows Breanna to closely observe the work of the current State Chair, the membership-selection process, national and regional communications, and other initiatives prior to taking office. Additionally, she will attend State Chair functions across the United States, including the ACTEC Annual Meeting when she will take office as the sitting State Chair.

“From the time I started practicing law 20 years ago, one of my biggest career goals was to become an ACTEC Fellow—they’re the best and brightest trusts and estates lawyers in North America and beyond, and the continuing education and other opportunities that the College provides are really invaluable,” said Breanna. “When I joined ACTEC as a Fellow in 2016, I hadn’t planned on one day serving as State Chair, and I’m really looking forward to leading this wonderful group of lawyers.”

Breanna is based in Dentons’ Des Moines office, where she helps individuals and families develop estate and succession plans. She has particular experience advising her clients on complex matters, including estate planning and administration, tax implications, and guardianships and conservatorships. Breanna is often sought after for her experience advising LGBTQ+ clients on their legal matters, as well as helping individuals and families create business and farm-succession plans.

Breanna is the second lawyer from Dentons Davis Brown to be named State Chair; the first was now-retired shareholder Margaret Van Houten.

Dentons ACTEC Fellows and Regents

ACTEC Fellows are leading members of the trust and estate profession who have made a substantial contribution to the field of trust and estate law. Fellows have well-deserved, outstanding reputations; are lawyers other Fellows would readily refer a relevant matter without reservation; and demonstrate exceptional skill in trust and estate law.

Breanna is part of a distinguished group of Dentons ACTEC Fellows, which also includes State Chairs and National Regents in their respective states.

• Katherine N. Barr – Alabama

• Gregory N. Barrick – Utah

• John R. Cummins – Kentucky

• Alan F. Hilfiker – Florida

• Thomas J. Houser – Iowa

• Elizabeth H. Hutchins – Alabama, National Regent

• John S. Lueken – Kentucky, Indiana

• Melinda Mathews – Alabama

• Mario Santilli, Jr. – Pennsylvania State Chair

• Jonathan M. Schmerling – Pennsylvania

• Tanya K. Shunnara – Alabama

• Jana Weiler – Iowa

About the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

Established in 1949, ACTEC is a nonprofit association of lawyers and law professors skilled and experienced in the preparation of wills and trusts; estate planning; and probate procedure and administration of trusts and estates of decedents, minors, and incompetents. Its more than 2,400 members are called "Fellows" and practice throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. To qualify for membership, a lawyer must have no less than 10 years of experience in the active practice of probate and trust law or estate planning. Fellows are elected based on their outstanding reputations, exceptional skills, and substantial contributions to the field.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com