18th Annual Estate Planning & Community Property Law Seminar

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW | MARCH 3, 2026

The 18th Annual Estate Planning & Community Property Law Seminar brought its customary depth and expertise, but this year, it also carried special meaning.

Hosted by Volume XVIII of the Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal on February 20, the seminar featured a full day of expert discussion on case law, statutory changes, tax developments, and ethical considerations in estate planning.
 
The evening before the seminar, a reception at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center included a special tribute to Gerry Beyer, who will retire at the end of the semester. During the reception, the Professor Gerry and Margaret Beyer Endowed Scholarship was announced in his honor, recognizing decades of scholarship, mentorship, and steadfast support of the Journal. Established through the generosity of colleagues and friends, the scholarship ensures that Professor Beyer’s influence will continue to shape Texas Tech Law students for years to come.

 
Student speakers are a key highlight of the Seminar each year. Joel Durham, a second-year law student, described presenting at the Seminar as “tremendously helpful for my professional journey,” calling it an “amazing experience” that strengthened both his research skills and his ability to connect with practicing attorneys in the estate planning field.

 
Emily Walden, a third-year law student and Symposium Editor for Volume XVIII, reflected on the significance of this year’s program: “It was our last CLE with Professor Beyer as EPJ’s advisor, and we wanted to honor his legacy of making the Journal what it is today. Our hard work paid off, and we hope attendees gained valuable tools to serve their clients.”

 
From substantive legal insight to a meaningful moment of recognition, this year’s EPJ Seminar reflected the strength of student leadership and the enduring influence of faculty mentorship at Texas Tech Law.

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