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

Goals

• Continue to study, propose, and monitor new probate legislation.
• Continue to sponsor a CLE at the SC Bar Convention, which is accredited for specialization; consider sponsorship/support of other seminars.
• Continue to promote interaction with Probate Judges, Elder Law Committee, Real Estate Practices Committee, and the Tax Law Section. Explore ways to increase communication between the Section, Committees and Association of Probate Judges.
• Explore benefits to attract and retain members; include members in Section activities, including the planning of legislative initiatives and CLEs, through the use of the Section website, community platform, and other means of communication.
• Provide education to members of the public regarding wills and probate & estate matters.
• Honor a Section member with the Robert P. Wilkins Probate Estate and Trust Award for their meritorious service to the Section and practice of probate, estate and trust law by recognizing this individual at the Al Todd Estate Planning Workshop, held every other year. 
• Promote the practice of probate, estate planning & trust law with both the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law and the Charleston School of Law, in order to engage with and educate students and young lawyers.

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.)