The University of Miami School of Law's Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, renowned as the nation’s leading educational conference for estate planning professionals, is set to return to Orlando from January 13 to 17, 2025. This year marks the 59th convening of the prestigious event, gathering attorneys, accountants, trust officers, charitable giving professionals, wealth management experts, and nonprofit advisors to explore pressing topics in estate planning.
The Institute provides a robust program featuring comprehensive discussions on critical tax and non-tax planning issues alongside practical strategies for navigating the complexities of an unpredictable economic landscape. This year’s diverse educational offerings will be presented by some of the leading experts in the field, ensuring attendees receive informative and applicable insights to their practices.
One of the key highlights of the conference will be the Recent Developments Panel, which is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The session will focus on the most significant developments affecting estate planning in 2024, including the implications of the 2024 elections, recent judicial decisions, and essential regulatory updates. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists during a Q&A session later in the week, ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions.
Another cornerstone of the event is the Lloyd Leva Plaine Distinguished Lecture featuring Natalie Reitman-White. The lecture will focus on using purpose trusts to uphold a founder’s mission, examining the associated challenges and benefits. Reitman-White will share insights into why business owners increasingly turn to purpose trusts, offering valuable perspectives that attendees can take back to their practices.
Throughout the week, participants can tailor their educational experience with specialized program tracks designed to address advanced planning topics relevant to contemporary estate challenges. One of the tracks, the Focus Series, will provide practical, straightforward planning advice aimed at helping clients establish successful estate plans that minimize the likelihood of litigation. Topics will cover business succession planning, charitable giving strategies, and effective reporting for 2025 gifts.
In the Planning with Trusts series, experts will discuss techniques such as decanting and non-judicial settlement agreements, which can modify testamentary documents without direct input from the testator. The series will also consider how to protect estate plans against potential disputes and legal challenges under the Corporate Transparency Act.
The conference also features tracks devoted to business and financial assets, litigation and tax procedures, charitable giving and philanthropy, international planning, and ethics and diversity. Each track aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to navigate the unique challenges presented by their clients and the legal landscape.
For professionals seeking a foundational understanding, the Fundamentals track will address essential planning strategies and insights into the potential complications that may arise in the weeks surrounding a client’s passing.
While the option to attend virtually remains available, the Institute strongly encourages in-person participation. Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities as they connect with peers and industry leaders during weekly social events. Additionally, the conference will feature a dedicated exhibit hall showcasing the latest technology and services in the estate planning industry.
The 59th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning promises to be an enriching experience for professionals committed to elevating their practices. As attendees prepare to gather in Orlando, the Institute stands as a vital platform for fostering professional development and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of estate planning.
Read about Miami Law's estate planning area of study.
