Estate Planning Short Course 2026 - Registration Now Open
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About the Estate Planning Short Course 2026 for Illinois Attorneys
The Estate Planning Short Course (EPSC) is Illinois' leading annual continuing legal education (CLE) program designed for attorneys practicing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. For decades, this comprehensive program has provided professionals with in-depth education on the latest legal developments, best practices, and advanced strategies in estate planning.
Hosted by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE®), the EPSC offers a dynamic curriculum featuring insights from leading estate planning attorneys, trust officers, tax professionals, and financial advisors. The program delivers practical knowledge on complex legal issues, empowering attorneys to provide informed counsel to their clients.
The Estate Planning Short Course covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Estate and Trust Law Updates for Illinois Attorneys – Key legislative and case law developments impacting estate planning in Illinois and beyond.
- Taxation Strategies in Estate Planning – Understanding estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.
- Asset Protection & Wealth Transfer – Trust structures, charitable giving, and business succession planning.
- Trust Administration – Fiduciary duties, trustee best practices, and ethical considerations.
- Illinois Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals – Planning for high-net-worth individuals, blended families, and clients with unique needs.
Offered in multiple formats, the EPSC allows attorneys to choose how they attend—whether in person at Champaign or Chicago, or via live webcast from anywhere. Attendees receive access to comprehensive course materials and resources, ensuring they can reference key takeaways long after the event.
Whether you are an experienced estate planning attorney or just beginning to expand your practice in this field, the Estate Planning Short Course provides the education, networking, and resources you need to stay at the forefront of the profession.
Why Attend the Estate Planning Short Course 2026?
- Stay updated on critical developments in estate planning, tax laws, and regulatory changes.
- Learn from leading estate planning professionals and Illinois CLE instructors.
- Earn Illinois CLE credits while enhancing your estate planning expertise.
- Access practical strategies to better serve your clients and mitigate legal risks.
- Network with estate planning attorneys, tax professionals, and trust advisors. Register today to meet industry leaders in person!
What Past Attendees Are Saying
See what legal professionals have to say about the Estate Planning Short Course.
"The updates on changes in the law were incredibly useful. The program was well done, and the sessions were eye-opening."
"The format of the program was excellent, with panelists interacting well and keeping the audience engaged.”
“A unique opportunity to go in-depth on current issues and to ask questions from presenters who are really in the know.”
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Exhibitors
Event Details for Estate Planning Short Course 2026 in Champaign and Chicago
📍 Champaign Event: May 4-5, 2026
iHotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL (Live Webcast Available)
📍 Chicago Event: May 18-19, 2026
Convene, 311 West Monroe, Chicago, IL
📈 Post-Event Access to the Online On-Demand Recording Is Included With Live Event Tuition!
💰 Pricing: $715
💰 Discount Pricing:
50% Discount for IICLE® Online All-Access Subscribers
15% Discount for Groups of 3 or More from Same Firm
$175 Tuition for IICLE® New Lawyer Starter Kit Subscribers
Latest Estate Planning News & Updates
Stay informed with the latest developments, insights, and updates about the Estate Planning Short Course.
2026 Registration Now Open
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Short Course is now open!
Register Today
Featured Podcast Episode: In Brief: Essential Programming for Estate Planning Attorneys
A special episode of the IICLE® Cornered: Out of Court podcast featuring esteemed Illinois attorneys and co-chairs of the 2025 Estate Planning Short Course Planning Committee, Lorraine Cavataio of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. and Stacy Singer of The Northern Trust, is now live and available for listening.
Listen NowAccess Past Estate Planning Short Courses and On-Demand Sessions
Explore past Estate Planning Short Courses and on-demand sessions. Enhance your knowledge with key estate planning strategies, Illinois legal updates, and insights from previous events.
Estate Planning Short Course 2025
COMING SOON
IICLE's Estate Planning Short Course 2025 is an extensive program focused on navigating the complexities of estate planning law.
Estate Planning Short Course 2024
Gain access to attorney-led sessions covering key estate planning strategies and Illinois-specific legal updates.
Watch the 2024 Short Course Sessions On-DemandRecomended Estate Planning Publications and Forms
Explore bestselling IICLE® handbooks and forms on estate planning—trusted resources for Illinois attorneys.
Estate Planning Forms and Commentary: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts 2025 Edition
This resource helps estate-planning attorneys structure and draft irrevocable life insurance trusts and includes 16 forms that can be tailored to clients’ needs.
View Product Info
Revocable Grantor Trusts 2025 Edition
This handbook provides detailed guidance, including provisions to cover varying client matters, for drafting revocable grantor trusts as a key element of client estate plans.
View Product Info
IICLE® Formulaw Online
Gain instant access to over 100+ ready-to-use automated Estate Planning and Trust forms when you subscribe to Formulaw™ -- built to save you time.
View Product InfoAwards & Recognition
The Estate Planning Short Course celebrates legal professionals who make a significant impact in estate planning law through two prestigious awards: the IICLE® Rising Star Award and the IICLE® Outstanding Achievement in Estate Planning Award: Honoring Excellence in Estate Planning.
IICLE® Outstanding Achievement in Estate Planning Award:
Honoring Excellence in Estate Planning
2025 Honoree
Colleen L. Sahlas
Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas LLC
2024 Honoree
Patrick Mathis
Mathis Marifian & Richter, LTD
IICLE® Rising Star Award
2025 Honoree
Victoria L. Cejka
Harrison LLP
2024 Honoree
Hallie Ritzu
Olive Avenue LLC
Thank you to our 2025 Planning Committee
Sarah Barnes
Firm: Harrison LLP, Chicago
David E. Braden
Firm: Yudell and Lonoff LLC, Northfield
Lorraine Cavataio (Co-Chair)
Firm: Sandberg Phoenix, Chicago
Hugh F. Drake
Firm: Brown, Hay + Stephens, Springfield
Christopher Floss
Firm: ArentFox Schiff LLP, Chicago
Beth K. Flowers
Firm: Mathis, Marifian & Richter LTD., Edwardsville
Elizabeth A. Garlovsky
Firm: Harrison LLP, Chicago
Shawn M. McCullough
Firm: Harrison LLP, Chicago
Patrick D. Owens
Firm: Buchalter Law Firm, Park Ridge
Hallie Ritzu
Firm: Olive Avenue LLC, Chicago
Stacy E. Singer (Co-Chair)
Firm: Northern Trust, Chicago
Douglas J. Stanley
Firm: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, St. Louis
Fredrick B. Weber
Firm: ArentFox Schiff LLP, Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CLE credit provided for attendance?
Yes, attending this event will fulfill Illinois CLE requirements.
Can event materials be accessed online?
All registered attendees of the live programs will receive full online access to course materials in advance of the program and will receive access to the full online on-demand recording after the event.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations received more than 10 business days before the event will be fully refunded. Contact us directly for cancellation requests.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes! The event provides multiple networking sessions, including networking lunches both days for in-person attendees, an easy-to-use chat feature for asking questions and interacting with fellow participants on the webcast, and a networking reception in Champaign.
Are there early bird discounts available?
Each year, an early bird rate is offered well in advance of the program dates. That rate has expired for the 2025 event, but there are several other ways to save
How do I register for the event?
Early registration is recommended to secure your spot. You can register directly through the IICLE® website. Our friendly Customer Service Team is also available to assist you by phone (217-787-2080) or website chat, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Secure Your Spot for Estate Planning Short Course 2025
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your estate planning expertise, network with industry leaders, and earn Illinois CLE credits. Join us in Champaign, Chicago, or virtually for a comprehensive learning experience.