Rev. Raymond C. O'Brien, professor emeritus at Catholic Law, has recently contributed an article to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Law Journal. Titled "Law Firms as Trust Directors," the piece delves into the evolving practice of allowing third parties, beyond the traditional roles of settlors and trustees, to guide trustees in specific aspects of trust management. This trend reflects a growing desire among settlors to maintain greater control over their wealth transfers. While a handful of states had previously enacted legislation permitting directed trusts, the 2017 introduction of the Uniform Directed Trust Act aimed to establish a more consistent framework across jurisdictions, addressing the increasingly interstate and international nature of wealth.

In his article, Rev. O'Brien uses the Uniform Directed Trust Act as a foundation to examine critical issues surrounding directed trusts. He explores the balance of power among the involved parties, their respective responsibilities, and the fiduciary duties owed within these arrangements. The ACTEC Law Journal, known for its in-depth analysis of tax, trust, and estate law, provides a platform for both academic exploration and practical insights into the rapidly evolving legal landscape. Rev. O'Brien's work contributes to this dialogue, offering valuable perspectives on the implications and applications of directed trusts in modern estate planning.