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Advanced Trusts & Estates 2025 (presented by NYU School of Professional Studies) [Day 2]

Advanced strategies for tax-efficient liquidity events, charitable vehicle selection, foreign asset reporting, and gift tax return preparation.

2025-07-18 09:00:00

12.5 hours

Program Details

2025-07-18 09:00:00

Program Details

2025-07-18 09:00:00

Over 1,000+ webinars

2025-07-18 09:00:00

12.5 hours

Course Overview

Advanced Wealth Transfer and Charitable Planning Strategies

2025-07-18 09:00:00

Participants will master sophisticated techniques for tax-efficient liquidity events, charitable vehicle selection, international reporting compliance, and gift tax return preparation. These strategies enable practitioners to minimize client tax exposure while achieving wealth transfer objectives.

Format

CLE Credit

12.5h CLE Credits

Level

Intermediate

Length

12.5

Key topics that will be covered

01
Liquidity Events
Strategies using charitable remainder trusts and installment sales to defer capital gains.
02
Charitable Vehicles
Comparing private foundations, donor-advised funds, and community foundations for client objectives.
03
Foreign Reporting
Understanding FBAR, Form 8938, and foreign trust reporting obligations and penalties.
04
Gift Tax Returns
Technical requirements for Form 709 preparation, adequate disclosure, and timely elections.
05
Excise Taxes
Private foundation rules covering self-dealing prohibitions and minimum distribution requirements.
06
GST Allocations
Making affirmative elections rather than relying solely on automatic allocation rules.

Program schedule

clock 8:45 am - 10:15 am EST

Planning Issues and Problems with Trust Decanting

Decanting allows modification of irrevocable trusts to address changes in law or beneficiary circumstances. This session covers when decanting is appropriate, governing state laws, tax implications, and alternative modification methods when decanting won’t work.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 10:15 am - 11:30 am EST

Advanced Tax Planning Strategies for Real Estate

Recent law changes have created significant opportunities for real estate owners requiring careful planning. This presentation covers maximizing the 20% passthrough deduction and provides in-depth analysis of choice-of-entity decisions for real estate investments.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 11:45 am - 1:00 pm EST

Successor Trustees and Section 672(C) Restrictions Analysis

Since 1995, practitioners have commonly prohibited related or subordinate parties from serving as successor trustees. This presentation explores the origins of that limitation and argues it’s possible to draft estate tax-exempt irrevocable trusts without any 672(c) restrictions.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST

Ethics in Advising Diverse Clients and Families

Estate planners face subtle considerations when counseling clients with unique family configurations. This panel explores age diversity between spouses, assisted reproductive technology, LGBTQ planning, and geographic, cultural, and religious diversity considerations.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm EST

Thirteen Advanced Tips for Federal Estate Returns

The 706 remains essential to estate planning practice despite changing planning techniques. This humorous yet practical presentation reviews little-known preparation pointers that prevent small mistakes from leading to larger IRS inquiries.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

Income Tax Strategies for Liquidity Events

Many taxpayers face significant income tax consequences when selling businesses or diversifying concentrated positions. This session explores charitable remainder trusts, installment sales to non-grantor trusts, and other strategies to defer or minimize capital gain recognition.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 10:45 am - 12:00 pm EST

Choosing Between Charitable Vehicles and Foundations

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to charitable planning, as each vehicle offers distinct advantages. This presentation compares donor advised funds, community foundations, private foundations, and 501(c)(4) organizations to help guide clients’ charitable visions.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm EST

Foreign Asset Reporting Requirements for US Taxpayers

Foreign assets and activities create complex reporting obligations presenting a minefield for US taxpayers. This session covers Forms 926, 5471, 3520, 3520-A, 8858, 8865, 8621, 8938, and FBAR requirements with emphasis on trusts and estates.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
clock 2:15 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Gift Tax Return Preparation Deep Dive

Form 709 preparation requires attention to technical requirements, practical procedures, and ethical considerations. This comprehensive session covers adequate disclosure, GST allocations, gift splitting elections, DSUE considerations, and the new 2024 form changes.

Melissa A. TerranovaMelissa A. Terranova
Troy M. StackpoleTroy M. Stackpole
Stephen LissStephen Liss
Joseph P. ScoreseJoseph P. Scorese
Paulina MejiaPaulina Mejia
Brad J. RichterBrad J. Richter
George D. KaribjanianGeorge D. Karibjanian
Jerome M. HeschJerome M. Hesch
Alan S. GassmanAlan S. Gassman
Andrew S. KatzenbergAndrew S. Katzenberg
Eduardo S. ChungEduardo S. Chung
Timothy EvansTimothy Evans
James I. DoughertyJames I. Dougherty
Melissa A. Terranova

Melissa A. Terranova

Fox Rothschild LLP

Troy M. Stackpole

Troy M. Stackpole

Greenberg Traurig

Stephen Liss

Stephen Liss

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

Joseph P. Scorese

Joseph P. Scorese

Sills Cummis & Gross

Paulina Mejia

Paulina Mejia

Fiduciary Trust Company International

Brad J. Richter

Brad J. Richter

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

George D. Karibjanian

George D. Karibjanian

Franklin Karibjanian Law & DePersis, PLLC

Jerome M. Hesch

Jerome M. Hesch

Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone LLP

Alan S. Gassman

Alan S. Gassman

Gassman, Denicolo & Ketron, P.A

Andrew S. Katzenberg

Andrew S. Katzenberg

ArentFox Schiff

Eduardo S. Chung

Eduardo S. Chung

Forvis Mazars

Timothy Evans

Timothy Evans

Forvis Mazars

James I. Dougherty

James I. Dougherty

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

Melissa A. Terranova

Melissa A. Terranova

Fox Rothschild LLP

Melissa A. Terranova is a Partner in Fox Rothschild LLP’s Taxation and Wealth Planning Department, where she advises individuals, families, fiduciaries, closely held businesses, and tax-exempt organizations on a broad range of estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession, and tax matters. Her practice focuses on developing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, counseling fiduciaries, and helping clients navigate complex federal and state tax issues while achieving their personal and business planning objectives.

Education & Credentials

Melissa Terranova earned her J.D., cum laude, from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, where she served as an Articles Editor of the Pace Law Review. She received her B.A., cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany. She is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut.

Recognition & Leadership

Melissa has been recognized for her leadership in trusts and estates law, including being selected to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Trusts and Estates. She also serves in leadership roles within the New York State Bar Association, including as Chair of the Estate and Gift Taxation Committee of the Trusts and Estates Law Section.

Professional Involvement

Melissa is actively involved in several professional organizations dedicated to trusts and estates law. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Trusts and Estates Law Section and the Westchester County Bar Association's Estates and Trusts Section. She is also a frequent author and speaker on estate planning, wealth transfer, fiduciary administration, and tax-related topics.

Experience

Melissa advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable planning, and tax matters. She works with high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses to implement customized wealth preservation strategies and assist with probate, trust administration, and fiduciary income, estate, and gift tax issues. Her practice also includes advising taxexempt organizations and counseling fiduciaries on complex estate and trust administration matters.
Troy M. Stackpole

Troy M. Stackpole

Greenberg Traurig

Troy M. Stackpole is an associate in Greenberg Traurig’s Tax Practice. He focuses on domestic and international tax matters involving mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, financing arrangements, fund formations, and corporate restructurings. He advises public and private companies, investment funds, and financial institutions on the tax aspects of complex business transactions, helping clients structure transactions efficiently while addressing federal income tax considerations.

Education & Credentials

Troy Stackpole earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from West Virginia University. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania.

Recognition & Leadership

Troy has been recognized for his work in tax law by The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in Tax Law. His practice encompasses a broad range of sophisticated domestic and international transactional tax matters for corporate and investment fund clients.

Professional Involvement

Troy is an active author and speaker on tax-related topics involving mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and transactional tax planning. Through his work at Greenberg Traurig, he regularly advises clients on emerging developments affecting domestic and international tax planning.

Experience

Troy advises clients on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, fund formations, joint ventures, financing transactions, and corporate restructurings. His practice includes representing public and private companies, investment funds, and financial institutions in structuring complex domestic and crossborder transactions while addressing federal income tax issues.
Stephen Liss

Stephen Liss

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

Stephen Liss is a Partner at Dungey Dougherty PLLC, where he concentrates his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and business succession planning. He advises individuals, families, business owners, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations on developing comprehensive wealth transfer strategies, minimizing transfer taxes, and administering complex estates and trusts. His practice also includes counseling clients on closely held business matters and charitable planning.

Education & Credentials

Stephen Liss earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to practice in Michigan.

Recognition & Leadership

Stephen is recognized for his extensive experience in trusts and estates law and has served in leadership roles within the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). His work reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing the practice of estate planning and fiduciary law.

Professional Involvement

Stephen is an active member of professional organizations dedicated to trusts and estates law and is a frequent lecturer and author on estate planning, trust administration, taxation, and related topics. He regularly shares his experience with legal and professional audiences through educational programs and publications.

Experience

Stephen has extensive experience advising clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable giving, and federal transfer tax matters. Throughout his career, he has represented individuals, families, fiduciaries, and business owners in implementing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies and administering complex estates and trusts.
Joseph P. Scorese

Joseph P. Scorese

Sills Cummis & Gross

Joseph P. Scorese is a Member of the Tax, Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., practicing in Newark, New Jersey, and New York, New York. His practice focuses on sophisticated estate planning and estate and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and families. Joseph advises clients on designing and implementing customized wealth transfer strategies, utilizing advanced estate planning techniques to preserve assets, minimize transfer taxes, and accomplish multigenerational planning objectives. He also counsels fiduciaries and beneficiaries on complex estate and trust administration matters, providing practical tax-efficient solutions that maximize wealth preservation.

Education & Credentials

Joseph earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey and has devoted his legal career to trusts and estates, estate planning, taxation, and fiduciary administration.

Recognition & Leadership

Joseph is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), recognizing his significant contributions to the trusts and estates profession. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for both Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. He is also a longtime chair of the New York University School of Professional Studies Introduction to Trusts and Estates program, where he regularly presents on multigenerational planning and generation-skipping transfer tax issues, reflecting his leadership in trusts and estates education.

Professional Involvement

Joseph is an active leader in the trusts and estates community through his extensive teaching, writing, and speaking activities. He frequently lectures on sophisticated estate planning, generation-skipping transfer tax planning, fiduciary administration, ethics, and planning for diverse families. He regularly serves as Program Chair and presenter for the New York University Tax Conferences and contributes educational programs for attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and other estate planning professionals.

Experience

Joseph concentrates his practice on complex estate planning and estate and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and families throughout New York and New Jersey. His experience includes designing and implementing sophisticated wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), charitable remainder trusts (CRATs and CRUTs), charitable lead trusts (CLATs and CLUTs), family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), and intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs). He also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, gift tax, and generation-skipping transfer tax strategies to maximize the efficient transfer of wealth across generations.
Paulina Mejia

Paulina Mejia

Fiduciary Trust Company International

Paulina Mejia serves as National Fiduciary Counsel at Fiduciary Trust Company International and is a member of the firm’s management and operating committees.

Professional Involvement

Serves on Fiduciary Trust International's DEI Council.

Experience

Serves on Fiduciary Trust Company of Delaware's board. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, was head of Atlantic Trust's wealth strategies group and a senior wealth strategist in their New York office. Previously worked as a wealth planner with Brown Brothers Harriman & Company and practiced law in the trusts and estates department of Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP.
Brad J. Richter

Brad J. Richter

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Brad J. Richter is a Partner and Chair of the Trusts and Estates Department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in New York. His practice focuses on all aspects of private client representation, including sophisticated tax and estate planning, the administration of large estates and trusts, succession and business planning, and the formation and operation of charitable foundations. He advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, family business owners, fiduciaries, charitable organizations, private fund sponsors, and financial institutions on complex wealth planning and estate matters.

Education & Credentials

Brad Richter earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Amherst College in 1987. He is admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts.

Recognition & Leadership

Brad serves as Chair of Fried Frank's Trusts and Estates Department and is consistently recognized as a leading private wealth lawyer. He has been ranked by Chambers High Net Worth for more than a decade and is recognized for his expertise in sophisticated tax and estate planning matters.

Professional Involvement

Brad is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and the New York County Lawyers Association. He is also a frequent speaker on trusts, estates, and tax planning topics, including serving as Chair of New York University's Summer Institute in Taxation programs on trusts and estates.

Experience

Brad's practice encompasses sophisticated tax and estate planning, estate and trust administration, succession planning, charitable planning, and business succession matters. He represents high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, family business owners, fiduciaries, charitable organizations, private fund sponsors, and financial institutions on complex domestic and international wealth planning issues. Prior to joining Fried Frank as a partner, he served as Special Counsel in the Individual Clients Group at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.
George D. Karibjanian

George D. Karibjanian

Franklin Karibjanian Law & DePersis, PLLC

George D. Karibjanian is the Member of Franklin Karibjanian Law & DePersis PLLC, a national boutique law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Boca Raton, and Naples. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates, his practice focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate and trust administration, and nuptial agreements. With more than 37 years of experience, he advises individuals and families on sophisticated estate, tax, and wealth transfer planning and is widely recognized as a leading authority in trusts and estates law.

Education & Credentials

George Karibjanian earned his B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame in 1984, his J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law in 1987, and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1988. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates and is admitted to practice in Florida, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Recognition & Leadership

George is a Fellow of ACTEC and has held numerous leadership positions within national and state bar organizations. He is a past Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation's Estate and Gift Tax Committee and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Generation-Skipping Tax Committee within the ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. He is also a past Chair of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Asset Protection Committee and has chaired or contributed to numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives involving portability, decanting, basis consistency, and asset protection.

Professional Involvement

George is a nationally recognized author and speaker, having delivered more than 225 presentations and authored over 80 publications on estate planning and taxation. He is a frequent presenter at the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the Notre Dame Tax and Estate Planning Institute, the NYU Summer Tax Institute, and ACTEC Fellows Institutes. He also serves on advisory boards and professional committees, including the Villanova University School of Law Graduate Tax Program Advisory Board and Bloomberg BNA's Estate and Gift Tax Advisory Board, while remaining active in several estate planning councils and community organizations.

Experience

George has practiced exclusively in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, and related tax matters throughout his legal career. He advises clients on sophisticated wealth transfer planning, estate and gift taxation, portability, decanting, asset protection, trustee responsibilities, federal estate tax returns, and nuptial agreements. His extensive experience also includes drafting legislative comments, helping shape Florida trust and estate law, and counseling clients on complex domestic estate planning matters.
Jerome M. Hesch

Jerome M. Hesch

Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone LLP

Jerome M. Hesch is Of Counsel at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, where he focuses on sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer, and federal tax matters. He advises high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held business owners on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, charitable planning, and business succession strategies. Drawing on decades of experience in both government and private practice, he is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on estate and gift taxation.

Education & Credentials

Jerome Hesch earned his J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law and his B.S. in Accounting from the University at Buffalo. He is admitted to practice in New York and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Recognition & Leadership

Jerome is nationally recognized for his leadership in estate planning and transfer tax law. Before entering private practice, he served for over 30 years in the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, retiring as Senior Technician Reviewer in the Estate and Gift Tax Division. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and has received numerous professional honors for his contributions to estate planning and tax law.

Professional Involvement

Jerome is a frequent lecturer for leading national organizations, including the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York University Institute on Federal Taxation. He has authored numerous articles and chapters on estate and gift taxation and has taught estate planning and taxation courses for attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals throughout his career.

Experience

Jerome spent more than three decades with the Internal Revenue Service's Office of Chief Counsel, where he reviewed and developed guidance on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues before transitioning to private practice. At Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, he advises clients on sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, charitable planning, business succession, and complex federal transfer tax matters, drawing on his extensive government and private-sector experience.
Alan S. Gassman

Alan S. Gassman

Gassman, Denicolo & Ketron, P.A

Alan S. Gassman is the Partner and founding member of Gassman, Denicolo & Ketron, P.A., a Clearwater, Florida law firm concentrating on estate planning, taxation, asset protection, health law, and business law. A Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estates lawyer with more than four decades of experience, he advises high-net-worth individuals, physicians, business owners, and families on sophisticated estate planning, wealth preservation, tax planning, and business succession matters. He is nationally recognized for his extensive work in estate and tax planning, professional education, and legal scholarship.

Education & Credentials

Alan Gassman earned his LL.M. in Taxation and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida, as well as a B.A., with distinction, in Business Administration and Accounting from Rollins College. He has been admitted to The Florida Bar since 1983 and is Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates by The Florida Bar. He also holds the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation.

Recognition & Leadership

Alan is widely recognized as a leader in trusts and estates law. He has maintained an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Florida Trend, and was inducted into the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils Estate Planning Hall of Fame in 2021. He has served as Co-Chair of numerous Florida Bar continuing legal education programs, is a member of the Advisory Board for the Notre Dame Tax & Estate Planning Institute, and has held leadership positions with organizations including the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council.

Professional Involvement

Alan is a prolific author and educator, having written numerous books and more than 200 peer-reviewed articles on estate planning, taxation, asset protection, and health law. He is a frequent speaker for continuing legal education programs nationwide and has presented for organizations including The Florida Bar, Bloomberg BNA, and the Notre Dame Tax & Estate Planning Institute. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Stetson University College of Law, where he teaches and mentors future legal professionals.

Experience

Since founding his firm in 1987, Alan has focused his practice on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, asset protection, business succession planning, health law, and corporate matters. He has advised clients on sophisticated wealth preservation strategies, represented physicians and business owners, served as an expert witness in tax and estate planning matters, and developed innovative planning resources, including numerous publications and educational programs for attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors.
Andrew S. Katzenberg

Andrew S. Katzenberg

ArentFox Schiff

Andy focuses on wealth transfer planning and preservation, multi-generational planning, estate and trust administration, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, and charitable giving.

Education & Credentials

Serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore Law School Graduate Master's Program.

Recognition & Leadership

Chambers USA ranked. Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (ACTEC). Has authored numerous articles related to his field. Frequent contributor to the New York State Bar Association's Trusts and Estates Law Section newsletter. Nationally recognized lecturer. Recognized for pro bono contributions by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) and the New York City Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program.

Professional Involvement

Actively engages in pro bono work with New York Legal Assistance Group and New York City Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program.

Experience

Represents high-net-worth clients including hedge fund and private equity managers, business owners, art dealers, and athletes. Represents clients in forming and managing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations including public charities, private foundations, and private operating foundations.
Eduardo S. Chung

Eduardo S. Chung

Forvis Mazars

Eduardo S. Chung is a Principal at Forvis Mazars, based in New York, where he leads the firm’s Tax Practice & Procedures Group, specializing in representing diverse clientele on IRS and state tax examinations, administrative appeals, tax court litigation, and collection matters.

Education & Credentials

J.D. from Boston University School of Law. LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Experience

Over a decade of experience representing individuals, estates, C corporations, S corporations, and other flow-through entities. Rejoined Forvis Mazars in 2022, having previously held senior leadership positions at the firm from 2014 to 2020. Between tenures, served at a prominent New Jersey-based law firm.
Timothy Evans

Timothy Evans

Forvis Mazars

Timothy Evans is a Principal in the International Tax Services practice at Forvis Mazars, advising multinational corporations, business owners, and private clients on international tax planning, treaty structuring, and global tax compliance.

Recognition & Leadership

Regularly speaks on international tax developments and planning techniques.

Experience

Strong background in cross-border tax issues. Works with clients on inbound and outbound investment strategies, foreign tax credit optimization, and Subpart F and GILTI matters.
James I. Dougherty

James I. Dougherty

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

James I. Dougherty is a Partner at Dungey Dougherty PLLC, where he concentrates his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, taxation, business succession planning, and charitable planning. He advises high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations on sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, helping clients achieve their personal, financial, and tax planning objectives through comprehensive estate planning solutions.

Education & Credentials

James Dougherty earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to practice in Michigan and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Recognition & Leadership

James is recognized as a leader in trusts and estates law through his election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles within professional organizations dedicated to estate planning and taxation and has been widely respected for his contributions to the field.

Professional Involvement

James is an active lecturer and author on estate planning, taxation, trust administration, and wealth transfer planning. He regularly participates in professional organizations focused on trusts and estates law and contributes to the education of attorneys and other estate planning professionals through presentations and publications.

Experience

James has extensive experience advising clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable planning, and federal transfer tax matters. His practice includes representing individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held business owners in implementing sophisticated wealth preservation and succession strategies while addressing complex estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues.
Melissa A. Terranova

Melissa A. Terranova

Fox Rothschild LLP

Melissa A. Terranova is a Partner in Fox Rothschild LLP’s Taxation and Wealth Planning Department, where she advises individuals, families, fiduciaries, closely held businesses, and tax-exempt organizations on a broad range of estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession, and tax matters. Her practice focuses on developing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, counseling fiduciaries, and helping clients navigate complex federal and state tax issues while achieving their personal and business planning objectives.

Education & Credentials

Melissa Terranova earned her J.D., cum laude, from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, where she served as an Articles Editor of the Pace Law Review. She received her B.A., cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany. She is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut.

Recognition & Leadership

Melissa has been recognized for her leadership in trusts and estates law, including being selected to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Trusts and Estates. She also serves in leadership roles within the New York State Bar Association, including as Chair of the Estate and Gift Taxation Committee of the Trusts and Estates Law Section.

Professional Involvement

Melissa is actively involved in several professional organizations dedicated to trusts and estates law. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Trusts and Estates Law Section and the Westchester County Bar Association's Estates and Trusts Section. She is also a frequent author and speaker on estate planning, wealth transfer, fiduciary administration, and tax-related topics.

Experience

Melissa advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable planning, and tax matters. She works with high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses to implement customized wealth preservation strategies and assist with probate, trust administration, and fiduciary income, estate, and gift tax issues. Her practice also includes advising taxexempt organizations and counseling fiduciaries on complex estate and trust administration matters.
Troy M. Stackpole

Troy M. Stackpole

Greenberg Traurig

Troy M. Stackpole is an associate in Greenberg Traurig’s Tax Practice. He focuses on domestic and international tax matters involving mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, financing arrangements, fund formations, and corporate restructurings. He advises public and private companies, investment funds, and financial institutions on the tax aspects of complex business transactions, helping clients structure transactions efficiently while addressing federal income tax considerations.

Education & Credentials

Troy Stackpole earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from West Virginia University. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania.

Recognition & Leadership

Troy has been recognized for his work in tax law by The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in Tax Law. His practice encompasses a broad range of sophisticated domestic and international transactional tax matters for corporate and investment fund clients.

Professional Involvement

Troy is an active author and speaker on tax-related topics involving mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and transactional tax planning. Through his work at Greenberg Traurig, he regularly advises clients on emerging developments affecting domestic and international tax planning.

Experience

Troy advises clients on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, fund formations, joint ventures, financing transactions, and corporate restructurings. His practice includes representing public and private companies, investment funds, and financial institutions in structuring complex domestic and crossborder transactions while addressing federal income tax issues.
Stephen Liss

Stephen Liss

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

Stephen Liss is a Partner at Dungey Dougherty PLLC, where he concentrates his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and business succession planning. He advises individuals, families, business owners, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations on developing comprehensive wealth transfer strategies, minimizing transfer taxes, and administering complex estates and trusts. His practice also includes counseling clients on closely held business matters and charitable planning.

Education & Credentials

Stephen Liss earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to practice in Michigan.

Recognition & Leadership

Stephen is recognized for his extensive experience in trusts and estates law and has served in leadership roles within the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). His work reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing the practice of estate planning and fiduciary law.

Professional Involvement

Stephen is an active member of professional organizations dedicated to trusts and estates law and is a frequent lecturer and author on estate planning, trust administration, taxation, and related topics. He regularly shares his experience with legal and professional audiences through educational programs and publications.

Experience

Stephen has extensive experience advising clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable giving, and federal transfer tax matters. Throughout his career, he has represented individuals, families, fiduciaries, and business owners in implementing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies and administering complex estates and trusts.
Joseph P. Scorese

Joseph P. Scorese

Sills Cummis & Gross

Joseph P. Scorese is a Member of the Tax, Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., practicing in Newark, New Jersey, and New York, New York. His practice focuses on sophisticated estate planning and estate and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and families. Joseph advises clients on designing and implementing customized wealth transfer strategies, utilizing advanced estate planning techniques to preserve assets, minimize transfer taxes, and accomplish multigenerational planning objectives. He also counsels fiduciaries and beneficiaries on complex estate and trust administration matters, providing practical tax-efficient solutions that maximize wealth preservation.

Education & Credentials

Joseph earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey and has devoted his legal career to trusts and estates, estate planning, taxation, and fiduciary administration.

Recognition & Leadership

Joseph is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), recognizing his significant contributions to the trusts and estates profession. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for both Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. He is also a longtime chair of the New York University School of Professional Studies Introduction to Trusts and Estates program, where he regularly presents on multigenerational planning and generation-skipping transfer tax issues, reflecting his leadership in trusts and estates education.

Professional Involvement

Joseph is an active leader in the trusts and estates community through his extensive teaching, writing, and speaking activities. He frequently lectures on sophisticated estate planning, generation-skipping transfer tax planning, fiduciary administration, ethics, and planning for diverse families. He regularly serves as Program Chair and presenter for the New York University Tax Conferences and contributes educational programs for attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and other estate planning professionals.

Experience

Joseph concentrates his practice on complex estate planning and estate and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and families throughout New York and New Jersey. His experience includes designing and implementing sophisticated wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), charitable remainder trusts (CRATs and CRUTs), charitable lead trusts (CLATs and CLUTs), family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), and intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs). He also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, gift tax, and generation-skipping transfer tax strategies to maximize the efficient transfer of wealth across generations.
Paulina Mejia

Paulina Mejia

Fiduciary Trust Company International

Paulina Mejia serves as National Fiduciary Counsel at Fiduciary Trust Company International and is a member of the firm’s management and operating committees.

Professional Involvement

Serves on Fiduciary Trust International's DEI Council.

Experience

Serves on Fiduciary Trust Company of Delaware's board. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, was head of Atlantic Trust's wealth strategies group and a senior wealth strategist in their New York office. Previously worked as a wealth planner with Brown Brothers Harriman & Company and practiced law in the trusts and estates department of Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP.
Brad J. Richter

Brad J. Richter

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Brad J. Richter is a Partner and Chair of the Trusts and Estates Department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in New York. His practice focuses on all aspects of private client representation, including sophisticated tax and estate planning, the administration of large estates and trusts, succession and business planning, and the formation and operation of charitable foundations. He advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, family business owners, fiduciaries, charitable organizations, private fund sponsors, and financial institutions on complex wealth planning and estate matters.

Education & Credentials

Brad Richter earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Amherst College in 1987. He is admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts.

Recognition & Leadership

Brad serves as Chair of Fried Frank's Trusts and Estates Department and is consistently recognized as a leading private wealth lawyer. He has been ranked by Chambers High Net Worth for more than a decade and is recognized for his expertise in sophisticated tax and estate planning matters.

Professional Involvement

Brad is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and the New York County Lawyers Association. He is also a frequent speaker on trusts, estates, and tax planning topics, including serving as Chair of New York University's Summer Institute in Taxation programs on trusts and estates.

Experience

Brad's practice encompasses sophisticated tax and estate planning, estate and trust administration, succession planning, charitable planning, and business succession matters. He represents high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, family business owners, fiduciaries, charitable organizations, private fund sponsors, and financial institutions on complex domestic and international wealth planning issues. Prior to joining Fried Frank as a partner, he served as Special Counsel in the Individual Clients Group at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.
George D. Karibjanian

George D. Karibjanian

Franklin Karibjanian Law & DePersis, PLLC

George D. Karibjanian is the Member of Franklin Karibjanian Law & DePersis PLLC, a national boutique law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Boca Raton, and Naples. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates, his practice focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate and trust administration, and nuptial agreements. With more than 37 years of experience, he advises individuals and families on sophisticated estate, tax, and wealth transfer planning and is widely recognized as a leading authority in trusts and estates law.

Education & Credentials

George Karibjanian earned his B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame in 1984, his J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law in 1987, and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1988. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates and is admitted to practice in Florida, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Recognition & Leadership

George is a Fellow of ACTEC and has held numerous leadership positions within national and state bar organizations. He is a past Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation's Estate and Gift Tax Committee and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Generation-Skipping Tax Committee within the ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. He is also a past Chair of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Asset Protection Committee and has chaired or contributed to numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives involving portability, decanting, basis consistency, and asset protection.

Professional Involvement

George is a nationally recognized author and speaker, having delivered more than 225 presentations and authored over 80 publications on estate planning and taxation. He is a frequent presenter at the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the Notre Dame Tax and Estate Planning Institute, the NYU Summer Tax Institute, and ACTEC Fellows Institutes. He also serves on advisory boards and professional committees, including the Villanova University School of Law Graduate Tax Program Advisory Board and Bloomberg BNA's Estate and Gift Tax Advisory Board, while remaining active in several estate planning councils and community organizations.

Experience

George has practiced exclusively in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, and related tax matters throughout his legal career. He advises clients on sophisticated wealth transfer planning, estate and gift taxation, portability, decanting, asset protection, trustee responsibilities, federal estate tax returns, and nuptial agreements. His extensive experience also includes drafting legislative comments, helping shape Florida trust and estate law, and counseling clients on complex domestic estate planning matters.
Jerome M. Hesch

Jerome M. Hesch

Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone LLP

Jerome M. Hesch is Of Counsel at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, where he focuses on sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer, and federal tax matters. He advises high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held business owners on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, charitable planning, and business succession strategies. Drawing on decades of experience in both government and private practice, he is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on estate and gift taxation.

Education & Credentials

Jerome Hesch earned his J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law and his B.S. in Accounting from the University at Buffalo. He is admitted to practice in New York and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Recognition & Leadership

Jerome is nationally recognized for his leadership in estate planning and transfer tax law. Before entering private practice, he served for over 30 years in the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, retiring as Senior Technician Reviewer in the Estate and Gift Tax Division. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and has received numerous professional honors for his contributions to estate planning and tax law.

Professional Involvement

Jerome is a frequent lecturer for leading national organizations, including the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York University Institute on Federal Taxation. He has authored numerous articles and chapters on estate and gift taxation and has taught estate planning and taxation courses for attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals throughout his career.

Experience

Jerome spent more than three decades with the Internal Revenue Service's Office of Chief Counsel, where he reviewed and developed guidance on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues before transitioning to private practice. At Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, he advises clients on sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, charitable planning, business succession, and complex federal transfer tax matters, drawing on his extensive government and private-sector experience.
Alan S. Gassman

Alan S. Gassman

Gassman, Denicolo & Ketron, P.A

Alan S. Gassman is the Partner and founding member of Gassman, Denicolo & Ketron, P.A., a Clearwater, Florida law firm concentrating on estate planning, taxation, asset protection, health law, and business law. A Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estates lawyer with more than four decades of experience, he advises high-net-worth individuals, physicians, business owners, and families on sophisticated estate planning, wealth preservation, tax planning, and business succession matters. He is nationally recognized for his extensive work in estate and tax planning, professional education, and legal scholarship.

Education & Credentials

Alan Gassman earned his LL.M. in Taxation and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida, as well as a B.A., with distinction, in Business Administration and Accounting from Rollins College. He has been admitted to The Florida Bar since 1983 and is Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates by The Florida Bar. He also holds the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation.

Recognition & Leadership

Alan is widely recognized as a leader in trusts and estates law. He has maintained an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Florida Trend, and was inducted into the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils Estate Planning Hall of Fame in 2021. He has served as Co-Chair of numerous Florida Bar continuing legal education programs, is a member of the Advisory Board for the Notre Dame Tax & Estate Planning Institute, and has held leadership positions with organizations including the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council.

Professional Involvement

Alan is a prolific author and educator, having written numerous books and more than 200 peer-reviewed articles on estate planning, taxation, asset protection, and health law. He is a frequent speaker for continuing legal education programs nationwide and has presented for organizations including The Florida Bar, Bloomberg BNA, and the Notre Dame Tax & Estate Planning Institute. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Stetson University College of Law, where he teaches and mentors future legal professionals.

Experience

Since founding his firm in 1987, Alan has focused his practice on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, asset protection, business succession planning, health law, and corporate matters. He has advised clients on sophisticated wealth preservation strategies, represented physicians and business owners, served as an expert witness in tax and estate planning matters, and developed innovative planning resources, including numerous publications and educational programs for attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors.
Andrew S. Katzenberg

Andrew S. Katzenberg

ArentFox Schiff

Andy focuses on wealth transfer planning and preservation, multi-generational planning, estate and trust administration, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, and charitable giving.

Education & Credentials

Serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore Law School Graduate Master's Program.

Recognition & Leadership

Chambers USA ranked. Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (ACTEC). Has authored numerous articles related to his field. Frequent contributor to the New York State Bar Association's Trusts and Estates Law Section newsletter. Nationally recognized lecturer. Recognized for pro bono contributions by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) and the New York City Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program.

Professional Involvement

Actively engages in pro bono work with New York Legal Assistance Group and New York City Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program.

Experience

Represents high-net-worth clients including hedge fund and private equity managers, business owners, art dealers, and athletes. Represents clients in forming and managing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations including public charities, private foundations, and private operating foundations.
Eduardo S. Chung

Eduardo S. Chung

Forvis Mazars

Eduardo S. Chung is a Principal at Forvis Mazars, based in New York, where he leads the firm’s Tax Practice & Procedures Group, specializing in representing diverse clientele on IRS and state tax examinations, administrative appeals, tax court litigation, and collection matters.

Education & Credentials

J.D. from Boston University School of Law. LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Experience

Over a decade of experience representing individuals, estates, C corporations, S corporations, and other flow-through entities. Rejoined Forvis Mazars in 2022, having previously held senior leadership positions at the firm from 2014 to 2020. Between tenures, served at a prominent New Jersey-based law firm.
Timothy Evans

Timothy Evans

Forvis Mazars

Timothy Evans is a Principal in the International Tax Services practice at Forvis Mazars, advising multinational corporations, business owners, and private clients on international tax planning, treaty structuring, and global tax compliance.

Recognition & Leadership

Regularly speaks on international tax developments and planning techniques.

Experience

Strong background in cross-border tax issues. Works with clients on inbound and outbound investment strategies, foreign tax credit optimization, and Subpart F and GILTI matters.
James I. Dougherty

James I. Dougherty

Dungey Dougherty PLLC

James I. Dougherty is a Partner at Dungey Dougherty PLLC, where he concentrates his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, taxation, business succession planning, and charitable planning. He advises high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations on sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, helping clients achieve their personal, financial, and tax planning objectives through comprehensive estate planning solutions.

Education & Credentials

James Dougherty earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to practice in Michigan and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Recognition & Leadership

James is recognized as a leader in trusts and estates law through his election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles within professional organizations dedicated to estate planning and taxation and has been widely respected for his contributions to the field.

Professional Involvement

James is an active lecturer and author on estate planning, taxation, trust administration, and wealth transfer planning. He regularly participates in professional organizations focused on trusts and estates law and contributes to the education of attorneys and other estate planning professionals through presentations and publications.

Experience

James has extensive experience advising clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, charitable planning, and federal transfer tax matters. His practice includes representing individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held business owners in implementing sophisticated wealth preservation and succession strategies while addressing complex estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues.

Credits by state

AK11.0
AL11.0
AR11.0
AZ11.0
CA11.0
CO11.0
CT11.0
DC12.5
DE11.0
FL11.0
GA0.3
HI11.0
IA11.0
ID11.0
IL11.0
IN11.0
KS11.0
KY11.0
LA11.0
MA12.5
MD12.5
ME11.0
MI12.5
MN11.0
MO13.2
MS11.0
MT11.0
NC11.0
ND11.0
NE11.0
NH660.0
NJ13.2
NM11.0
NV11.0
NY13.0
OH11.0
OK13.0
OR11.0
PA11.0
RI13.0
SC11.0
SD12.5
TN1.5
TX11.0
UT11.0
VA11.0
VT11.0
WA11.0
WI15.0
WV13.2
WY11.0

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Trusted by Legal Professionals

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Trusted by Legal Professionals

MCLE Credits

Alabama
Pending
Alaska
Approved
Arizona
Approved
Arkansas
Approved
California
Approved
Colorado
Pending
Connecticut
Approved
Delaware
Pending
District of Columbia
No Required
Florida
Approved
Georgia
Pending
Hawaii
Approved
Idaho
Pending
Illinois
Pending
Indiana
Pending
Iowa
Pending
Kansas
Pending
Kentucky
Pending
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Pending
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Pending
Nebraska
Pending
Nevada
Pending
New Hampshire
Approved
New Jersey
Approved
New Mexico
Pending
New York
Approved
North Carolina
Pending
North Dakota
Approved
Ohio
Approved
Oklahoma
Pending
Oregon
Pending
Pennsylvania
Pending
Rhode Island
Pending
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Pending
Texas
Pending
Utah
Pending
Vermont
Approved
Virginia
Not Eligible
Washington
Approved
West Virginia
Pending
Wisconsin
Pending
Wyoming
Pending

Alabama

Requirements

The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.  

Formats

  • Attorneys can earn unlimited “live” credit through live seminars, live webcasts, and co-sponsored locations with MyLAWCLE-Alabama approved programs
  • Attorneys are limited to 6 credits per compliance period of “online” programs through MyLAwCLE On-Demand programs