Wills and Trusts in Practice is an experiential course in which students learn the basics of wills and trusts by working through two to three extended simulations. The class will be conducted almost entirely in role, with the students working as attorneys to learn the laws and practice associated with the disposition of property under state statutes of succession and through a will, as well as the law governing the theory and practice of trust law. The course is designed to teach the doctrine while developing the students’ research, writing, advocacy, and other lawyering skills. Students will interview and counsel a client, draft estate planning documents, write a memorandum explaining an estate plan, role-play a will execution ceremony, interpret trust provisions, and address the ethical issues that arise in this work.

Approved for the Experiential Learning Requirement. Enrollment is limited. Registration is binding.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: Trusts and Estates; Tax; Family Law; General Practice – Transactional; General Practice – Litigation / Dispute Resolution Pathways

3 Credits