About the Institute
Skills Training Institute for Estate Planners
The Institute marks a significant expansion of the highly-regarded Skills Training for Estate Planners Conference, offering a structured, cohort-based learning experience that spans the bar year from September to June. This is designed for junior associates and other attorneys who are newer to the fields and offers both foundational and practical guidance through a carefully curated sequence of programming.
Program will run from October 2026 - June 2027.
After participating in the Skills Training for Estate Planners Conference, Institute attendees will view programs in the learning path and participate in discussion groups with their cohort. Live monthly discussion groups will take place on the last Monday of every month of the scheduled programming path (or the second to last Monday in the event of a holiday), from 4-5pm ET.
The Institute marks a significant expansion of the highly-regarded Skills Training for Estate Planners Conference, offering a structured, cohort-based learning experience that spans the bar year from September to June. This is designed for junior associates and other attorneys who are newer to the fields and offers both foundational and practical guidance through a carefully curated sequence of programming.
After participating in the Skills Training for Estate Planners Conference, Institute attendees will view programs in the learning path and participate in discussion groups with their cohort. Live monthly discussion groups will take place on the last Monday of every month of the scheduled programming path (or the second to last Monday in the event of a holiday), from 4-5pm ET.
Explore Our Training Programs
Mastering Estate Tax
Gain a deep understanding of estate tax regulations and strategies to optimize estate planning for your clients.
Advanced Drafting Techniques
Enhance your drafting skills with advanced techniques that ensure precision and clarity in legal documents.
Grantor Trusts Simplified
Learn the intricacies of grantor trusts and how they can be effectively utilized in estate planning.
Upcoming Training Sessions
Participants meet monthly for live cohort discussions, held on the last Monday of each month (or second-to-last Monday when holidays apply), from **4–5pm ET**.
Welcome Meeting
September 28, 2026
Basics of Estate, Gift & GST Tax
(Part 1)
- Estate Tax and the Gross Estate (live eCLE; date TBD)
- Estate Tax Deductions and Reporting (live eCLE; date TBD)
- Taxable Gifts (live eCLE; date TBD)
- DISCUSSION 1 – October 26, 2026
Basics of Estate, Gift, and GST Tax
(Part 2)
- Gift Tax and Reporting (live eCLE; date TBD)
- Basics of Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (live eCLE; date TBD)
- DISCUSSION 2 – November 30, 2026
November 2026–January 2027
Basics of Drafting
- Common Provisions in Wills and Trusts (RP2511TBD1)
- Tax Considerations in Drafting Trusts (RP2512TBD2)
- The Art of Drafting Well (RP2601TBD3)
- DISCUSSION 3 – January 25, 2027
Basics of Grantor Trusts
- Introduction to Grantor Trusts (RP2502TBG1)
- Drafting for Grantor Trusts (RP2502TBG2)
- Avoiding Grantor Trust Status (RP2502TBG3)
- Grantor Trust Nuances and Reporting (RP2502TBG4)
- DISCUSSION 4 – February 22, 2027
Basics of Fiduciary Income Tax
- The Building Blocks of Fiduciary Income Tax (RP2507TBF1)
- Taxation of Simple and Complex Trusts (RP2507TBF2)
- Special Rules in Fiduciary Income Tax (RP2507TBF3)
- DISCUSSION 5 – March 29, 2027
Basics of Planning with Business Interests
(Part 1)
- Choice of Entity (LLCs, Corporations, & Partnerships, Oh My!) (RP2603TBI1)
- Impact of 2703 and 2704 on Planning (RP2603TBI2)
- Introduction to Gift Planning with Business Interests under 2701 and 2702 (RP2604TBI3)
- DISCUSSION 6 – April 26, 2027
Basics of Planning with Business Interests
(Part 2)
- Retained Interest and Control under Section 2036 (RP2605TBI4)
- Issues in the Administration of Trusts and Estates Holding Business Interests (e.g., IRC Section 6166, S-corps) (RP2606TBI5)
- Understanding How Business Interests are Appraised (RP2606TBI6)
- DISCUSSION 7 – May 24, 2027
Basics of Charitable Planning
- Charitable Organizations 101 (RP2410TCP1)
- Charitable Tax Deductions – Don’t Let the Deduction Get Away (RP2410TCP2)
- CRUTs, CLATs, and …WHAT? An Introduction to Charitable Split Interest Trusts (RP2410TCP3)
- Charitable Gifts of Complex Assets (RP2410TCP4)
- DISCUSSION 8 – June 28, 2027
On-Demand Learning Opportunities
These foundational programs support the Institute’s curriculum and are available for flexible viewing:
Basics of Estate, Gift, and GST Tax
(5-part)
Series in development to cover basics for those newer to the field or who need a refresher. Will run live in 2026.
Basics of Planning with Business Interests
(6-part)
Product Code: RP2603TBIG6
Basics of Drafting for Trusts and Estates
(3-part)
Product Code: RP2511TBDG3
Basics of Fiduciary Income Tax
(3-part)
Product Code: RP2507TBFG3
Basics of Grantor Trusts
(4-part)
Product Code: RP2502TBGG4
Basics of Charitable Planning
(4-part)
Product Code: RP2410TCP
Stay Informed and Get Ready
Prepare for an enriching educational journey with the Skills Training Institute for Estate Planners. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your expertise and advance your career.
Registration will be announced shortly.