Stokes Lawrence is pleased to announce that Saul Tilden and Chandler Olson have been accepted to the inaugural class of the Western Fellows Institute (WFI) of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). ACTEC is the preeminent organization for trust and estate lawyers and law professors in the United States and internationally.
WFI provides a pathway toward election into ACTEC, with candidates requiring three to eight years of trust and estate law experience and the backing of a Fellow who considers the candidate(s) worthy of a nomination.
Home to some of the region’s leading trust and estate practitioners, Stokes Lawrence has a longstanding connection with ACTEC and is proud to include four Fellows—Kirsten Ambach, Karolyn Hicks, Alison Warden, and Ann Wilson. Building on that legacy of leadership and involvement in ACTEC, Saul and Chandler’s participation in WFI will further deepen their already substantial knowledge and experience, strengthening the firm’s premier trust and estate practice.
“Saul and Chandler’s acceptance into WFI comes as no surprise given their professionalism, depth of knowledge, and commitment to excellence,” said Alison Warden, trust and estate litigation shareholder and ACTEC Fellow. “They consistently deliver thoughtful, high-quality counsel and have earned the respect of not only our clients, but the greater legal community. I look forward to their growth in the Institute and maintain confidence that they will make meaningful contributions to the trust and estate profession.”
WFI will host two immersive three-day sessions each in Portland, Oregon, in July and October. In support of the Institute and our candidates, Stokes Lawrence is also proud to be a partner sponsor, underscoring the firm’s commitment to the advancement of trust and estate law and the development of future leaders in the profession.
About Saul Tilden
A trusted advisor to high-net worth individuals and families, Saul Tilden is a shareholder and valued member of the firm’s Estate Planning practice. He advises clients on estate planning, business succession planning, and probate and trust administration matters. In addition to his legal practice, Saul was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year in 2024 by Central Washington Legal Aid for his outstanding pro bono service. His extensive knowledge and thoughtful approach enable him to navigate clients through complex and often highly personal estate matters.
about Chandler Olson
Chandler Olson is an associate on the firm’s Trust and Estate Litigation team, representing clients in all aspects of trust and estate disputes. She regularly represents beneficiaries, executors, trustees, and other interested parties in disputes arising under the Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA).
