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- Author
- Cannon Financial Institute
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- Published
- March 3, 2025
Articles
From Estate Planner to Trust Leader: How Brianna Vaughn Turned Legal Expertise into Client-Centric Service
While she imagines few people grow up dreaming of working in trust and estate administration, for Brianna Vaughn, it turned out to be the perfect fit.
Now a Trust Administration Manager at U.S. Bank in Des Moines, Iowa, Brianna’s career began in law — driven by a love for legal writing and a deep appreciation for the complexities of wills, trusts, and “death and taxes,” as she puts it. After earning a JD and working for five years as an associate attorney at a high-net-worth estate planning firm, she realized something was missing.
“I loved the drafting,” she says. “But I didn’t want the partner track. I wanted to shift from planning to implementation.”
That’s what led her to U.S. Bank, where she became a trust officer in 2020 and later advanced into leadership. And when the opportunity to attend Cannon Trust School came up, Brianna jumped at it — completing all three levels in a single year.
A Legal Background Meets Real-World Application
What made Cannon different? For Brianna, it was the lens.
“These weren’t new concepts,” she explains. “I had already learned much of the material in law school. But Cannon reshaped it. I wasn’t just thinking about drafting anymore — I was thinking about implementation. About the client.”
She vividly remembers a moment in class when everything clicked:
“A light bulb went off. I saw how estate planning, taxes, fiduciary duties — all of it — worked together as part of the client’s entire wealth picture.”
It was a shift from checklists to strategy. From legal precision to holistic service.
Cannon also delivered practical tools she still uses today — like the irrevocable trust review checklist she keeps on hand when onboarding new accounts. “I'm a paperwork nerd,” she admits, “so seeing real examples and forms made a huge difference.”
Fast-Tracked and Fully Immersed
Brianna’s pace through Cannon was intense — three levels in a single year — but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think my JD helped,” she says. “I wasn’t learning from scratch. But doing all three sessions close together helped me connect the dots faster. Everything built on itself — from the basics to advanced planning.”
She attended Trust School in Scottsdale, Notre Dame, and Austin — but it was more than the settings that left an impact.
“The in-person discussions were incredible. You hear how other firms approach things just by the way people ask questions. It gave me a better appreciation for my own institution, but also exposed me to new ideas.”
She still keeps in touch with classmates from Trust School 1, many of whom returned for subsequent sessions. “I have serious FOMO,” she laughs. “They’re all headed back this fall, and I’m like, do I need to plan a trip just to see them?”
Balancing Law, Leadership, and Life
Behind Brianna’s success is a story of grit. She earned her law degree while raising two small children and graduated in the top 10% of her class. She studied for the bar exam in a Portland hotel room while her kids scribbled on the walls.
Now, with three daughters, including two teenagers and a five-year-old, she’s traded study sessions for musicals, show choir, and community theater involvement.
“Honestly, I used to believe I could do it all, all the time,” she says. “Now I know — you can do it all, but not at the same time.”
Some days she feels like she’s thriving. Others, she’s just surviving. But what’s changed is how she defines success. “I’ve learned to set boundaries. If I’m at a recital or a school event, I’m not checking emails. I’m present.”
Advice to Her Younger Self — and to the Industry
If Brianna could speak to her younger self, she’d say this:
“You don’t have to be an expert in everything. Build genuine relationships with people who are. That’s what makes you successful.”
She emphasizes the importance of understanding both the planning and the administration side of the trust world. “If you can work on both sides — even if briefly — it makes you so much better. You understand the full arc of the client journey.”
That journey isn’t just technical. It’s deeply human. And Brianna knows firsthand that behind the polished presentations and legal documents, there are very real challenges — including mental health.
“I’ve struggled with anxiety most of my life. I didn’t seek help until law school. But getting support was the best decision I ever made.”
Today, she’s open about it — and hopes others in high-achieving roles will feel safe doing the same. “This industry is full of Type A people who are silently burning out. We need to normalize getting help.”
What’s Next
Brianna says she rarely plans more than a few weeks out. “Some days I’m thriving, others I’m treading water,” she laughs. “But in 10 years? I hope my daughters are doing something they love. I hope I’m still with U.S. Bank, in a legal or compliance role. And I’ll probably be clinging to my youngest, who’ll be the last one at home.”
And if a rocket ship ever comes calling? “I’d sell my soul for a seat to space,” she jokes. “I’m serious. It’s my dream to look back at Earth from above.”
Why Cannon
Above all, Brianna is grateful. “I’m thankful U.S. Bank let me go to Cannon. And I’m thankful Cannon let me do it my way.”
To anyone considering the program, she offers this:
“It’s not just professional development. It’s perspective. Cannon helps you step back, see the whole picture, and serve your clients better. It’s not about checking boxes — it’s about showing up as a more complete advisor.”
