Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section

Mission

Section is actively involved in shaping and revising the Uniform Probate Code. It sponsors a CLE seminar at the Bar convention; monitors state and federal legislative developments; encourages members to become certified specialists; monitors unauthorized practice of law issues; and provides speakers for civic and community groups.

SECTION BYLAWS Robert P. Wilkins Award Nominations Estate Planning Conference Registration

Second Annual Estate Planning Conference

The University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law is pleased to announce its second annual Estate Planning Conference on October 9-10, 2025 in Columbia, SC. The Inangural conference was an outstanding success, and this conference should be even more successful. 

The conference offers an outstanding group of nationally-renowned speakers, including Diana Zeydel, Sam Donladson, Michael Amoia, Ed Beckwith, Austin Bramwell, Collins Brown, Kelli Brown, Bob Danforth, Steffi Hafen, Dana Fizsimons, Brant Hellwig, Jerry Hesch, Bill Sanderson, Lee-Ford Tritt, and others; covering essential and significant issues in estate planning and family and small business planning. 

The program is expected to be certified by the South Carolina Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization for 13.5 hours, including 1.25 hours for ethics, of Tax and Estate Planning and Probate specialization credit. The law school will assist with CLE credit in other states and education credits for other professionals.

$495 Early Bird Deadline: September 12, 2025
$695 after September 12, 2025

Two Complimentary Registrations - Deadline Sept. 2nd. 

The SC Bar Probate, Estate Planning & Trust (PET) Section is a "Beneficiary Sponsor" of the Conference.  The two (2) complimentary registrations that come with that sponsorship will be awarded to two eligible PET Section members. The registrations have a value of $695.  Winners will be responsible for their lodging and any other additional expenses.

To qualify, you must be a member of the PET Section in good standing, who has practiced estate planning and tax for less than ten years, and who practices at a small firm (5 attorneys or less).

If you are interested and meet the above qualifications, please forward your name and contact information to Tara G. Caine at tcaine@scbar.org no later than September 2nd.  Members will be notified of the Council's selection by the end of September. 

2025-26 SECTION COUNCIL

ANDREW D. MERLINE

CHAIR

R. MARSHALL MINTON

CHAIR ELECT

W. JAKE REA

VICE CHAIR

ANDREW E. RHEA

SECRETARY

WM. "BILLY" G. NEWSOME, III

SECTION DELEGATE

JONATHAN E. SPITZ

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

ZACHARY J. MOULTON

COUNCIL MEMBER

J. AARON NELSON, JR.

COUNCIL MEMBER

S. LESLIE MCINTOSH

COUNCIL MEMBER

THOMAS G. GARDNER

COUNCIL MEMBER

JORDAN S. GOEWEY

COUNCIL MEMBER

REBEKAH F. THOMPSON

COUNCIL MEMBER

MICHELLE H. KING

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

Robert P. Wilkins Award Recipients

Recipients are acknowledged every other year at the Al Todd Workshop in July.
2015     Catherine H. Kennedy
2017     Albert L. Moses
2019     James C. Hardin, III
2021     Prof. S. Alan Medlin (The program was rescheduled in 2022 due to Covid.)

Upcoming Meetings

There are no upcoming public events at this time.

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