In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Afton Martin, a seasoned estate planning attorney whose career has been shaped deeply by her family and a passion for helping others. Amanda shares how her name carries her father’s legacy and how her decision to retain “Afton” as her middle name reflects both personal and professional respect for her roots. We talk about her long-standing legal partnership with her father, who still practices at 93, and the evolution of their practice over two decades.

Amanda gives us a window into her family life, including raising her daughter, who shows signs of inheriting her mother’s advocacy spirit. She reflects on how being raised by a lawyer father and a brilliant legal secretary mother shaped her worldview and influenced her pursuit of law—not for prestige, but to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Our conversation explores Amanda’s deep commitment to what she calls “creative legacy planning.” This goes beyond just estate and tax law—it’s about helping people identify what matters to them and crafting personalized plans that preserve relationships and meaning. She discusses the satisfaction of receiving handwritten notes and postcards from clients—proof that empathy and advocacy go hand-in-hand in her work.

Amanda also opens up about her academic path, from her JD at Detroit College of Law to an LLM in taxation from Wayne, driven by her desire to understand and demystify complex tax laws. Though tax laws change constantly, her focus has shifted to estate taxation and helping families through transition with thoughtful, emotionally intelligent planning.

We also learn about Amanda’s personal interests—sailing, photography, and hiking (yes, she listed it twice)—and how her time living in England gave her unexpected opportunities and appreciation for leisure and family. At Kemp Klein, she’s found more than just a workplace; she’s found a collaborative and supportive environment where friendships form quickly and professional generosity thrives.

A highlight of our talk is Amanda’s heartfelt explanation of the Turtle Effect Foundation, named after a beloved family member. The foundation supports future Air Force Academy cadets and elite cyclists, keeping his spirit alive through meaningful support and outreach.

We close the episode reflecting on our shared experiences of working with our fathers and how both of us were drawn to law by the desire to do good. Amanda exemplifies the kind of lawyer who leads with heart and intelligence, and we’re lucky to have her here at Kemp Klein.

More info on the Kemp Klein Law Firm can be found at kkue.com