Securing legacies at Washburn Law

Washburn Law’s Estate Planning program equips you with the expertise and practical skills necessary to navigate the complex and evolving field of estate planning. As our society ages and wealth transfers become more significant, the demand for knowledgeable estate planning attorneys is rising. Whether you aspire to help individuals secure their legacies or navigate intricate tax laws, our program offers a comprehensive and practice-oriented education that ensures you are ready to excel.

Why choose Washburn Law for estate planning?

A student looks up from his studying to chat with another student.
  • Curriculum: At Washburn Law, our Estate Planning program is designed to provide a deep understanding of the field’s various aspects. Our curriculum goes beyond drafting wills and trusts, encompassing tax law, business planning, pensions, medical care and government benefits. This broad approach ensures that you are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of your clients.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from experienced professors who are experts in the field of estate planning. Our faculty members bring a wealth of practical experience and academic expertise, providing you with valuable insights and mentorship.
  • Real-world experience: Through clinics, externships and student organizations, you’ll gain hands-on experience that is directly applicable to your future career. Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, for example, allows you to work with real clients under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
  • Supportive community: We understand the unique challenges faced by law students and offer resources and support to help you succeed. Our inclusive community is committed to your academic and professional growth, ensuring you are practice-ready upon graduation.
Curriculum that builds a solid foundation

Our Estate Planning curriculum covers all essential aspects of the field, from the basics of wills and trusts to the complexities of tax law and retirement planning. After completing your foundational courses, you can tailor your education to focus on estate planning through a range of specialized courses and experiential learning opportunities.

The certificate program includes completing specific courses, participating in specific service opportunities  and fulfilling a writing requirement, all designed to deepen your knowledge and practical skills.

Earning an Estate Planning Certificate from Washburn Law demonstrates your commitment to this specialized area of law and equips you with the expertise needed to advance your career. 

Course of study

Required

  • Taxation of Business Enterprises 
  • Taxation of Individual Income 
  • Taxation of Gratuitous Transfers
  • Tax Policy Seminar 
  • Decedents' Estates and Trusts 
  • Estate Planning

Service requirement

  • Students complete 10 hours of pre-approved pro bono activities relating to tax law or estate planning.
  • Students also serve in a leadership position in the Tax and Estate Planning Association for at least two academic years or contribute to an approved ABA or KBA Section of Taxation project.

Writing requirement

Students complete the upper level writing requirement (or equivalent writing project) on a pre-approved estate planning topic.

 

Our extensive selection of courses allows you to build a comprehensive understanding of estate planning. Detailed descriptions of each of these courses, can be found in the academic catalog

  • Decedents’ Estates and Trusts, and Future Interests
  • Estate Planning
  • International Taxation
  • Tax Policy Seminar
  • Taxation by State and Local Governments
  • Taxation of Business Enterprises
  • Taxation of Gratuitous Transfers, Estates, and Trusts
  • Taxation of Individual Income
  • Taxation of Property Transactions
Extracurricular activities to enhance your education

Student organizations

Joining student organizations helps you build relationships with peers, develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of estate planning. The Tax and Estate Planning Association (TEPA) provides opportunities to engage with professionals in the field, participate in workshops and coordinate events with the VITA program.

Clinic

Participate in our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where you will assist individuals and families with preparing and filing their tax returns. This hands-on experience is invaluable in developing your practical skills and understanding of tax law as it relates to estate planning.

Externships

Gain practical experience through externships such as:

  • Estate Planning Law Firms
  • Financial Planning Organizations
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Government Agencies