2025 Fall Meeting Highlights

The 2025 Fall Meeting was held October 20–23 at the Fairmont Austin, where Fellows and guests gathered for four days of education, connection, and celebration. From the thought-provoking 2025 Fall Seminars and insightful Spouse and Guest Programs, to memorable networking events, the meeting showcased ACTEC’s commitment to the trust and estate profession. Highlights from the Fall Seminars, special programs, and social events are featured below, along with a complete list of Fall Meeting sponsors whose generous support helped make the 2025 Fall Meeting a success.

2025 Fall Seminar Snapshot

ACTEC thanks the Program Committee, led by Chair Stephanie Loomis-Price, for curating an outstanding lineup of CLE sessions. The 2025 Fall Seminars showcased the depth and diversity of expertise within the College, addressing timely developments, practical planning strategies, and ethical challenges in trust and estate law.

Tuesday Seminars

Seminar 1: Napkins, Notebooks, and the Tablet Testator–Statutes, Screens, and the Slippery Slope of Non-Traditional Wills

(L-R) Fellows Ray Prather, Jill Choate Beier, and Timothy M. Ferges examined how modern technology and informal writings are challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a valid will. From napkins and handwritten notes to iPad drafts and last-minute text messages, the panel discussed the expanding boundaries of testamentary documents and how courts are applying doctrines such as the Harmless Error Rule, Substantial Compliance, and writings intended as wills.

Seminar 3: Helicopter Parents, Pre-Nups, and Plans

(L-R) Fellows Carole M. Bass and Shari A. Levitan (standing) were joined by guest speaker Austin attorney Leigh de la Reza. The panel examined the ethical complexities that arise when parents become deeply involved in their adult children’s estate planning or divorce matters, addressing issues such as third-party payment of legal fees, privilege concerns, and the risks of parental overreach. The panelists offered practical strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting client confidentiality, providing valuable guidance for navigating these increasingly common scenarios with clarity and care.

Wednesday Seminars

Seminar 4: Meet the New Law, Same as the Old Law–Estate Planning in Uncertain Times

Showrunner Natalie M. Perry (standing) introduced Fellows Stephen Liss, Abigail (Abby) E. O’Connor, and Sarah Moore Johnson (L-R) for Seminar 4. The panelists explored strategies for maintaining flexibility in estate planning amid ever-changing laws and client goals, discussing SLATs, letters of wishes, decanting and trust modifications, and terminating trusts. Stephen emphasized the importance of expanding standards in trust planning, calling it “the cause of my life going forward.” ACTEC thanks Sarah for spending her birthday educating ACTEC Fellows!

Seminar 6: Drawing the Line–Identifying the Client and Untangling Ethical Knots in Estate Planning (Ethics)

Program Committee Chair Stephanie Loomis-Price, Fellow Lauren Wolven, and showrunner Chang H. Chae (standing) closed the 2025 Fall Seminars with a thoughtful discussion on the ethical complexities of client representation in the trusts and estates field. Stephanie and Lauren examined scenarios involving multiple clients, third-party fee arrangements, and conflict waivers, and offered practical guidance on navigating these challenges while upholding professional responsibility standards.

Complimentary Programs

Complimentary Programs offered Fellows, spouses, and guests opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions outside the technical aspects of trust and estate law.

Books After Breakfast

The Which Way Tree with Author Elizabeth Crook

Sheryl (Sherri) A. Hunt introduces the program.

Tuesday morning’s “Books After Breakfast” featured a compelling conversation with acclaimed Texas novelist Elizabeth Crook about The Which Way Tree, a gripping tale of survival, vengeance, and family bonds set in post-Civil War Texas. Sheryl (Sherri) A. Hunt, wife of Fellow Christopher (Chris) B. Hunt, introduced the author and shared highlights of her background and literary works. Janet L. Gordon, wife of ACTEC President Peter S. Gordon, interviewed the author.

Spouse and Guest Program

Continuing the Conversation: Cyber Security Awareness

Featured Speaker Iris Beckwith with Moderator Janet L. Gordon

Wednesday morning’s “Spouse and Guest Program” featured child advocate and tech safety expert Iris Beckwith, spouse of Fellow Edward (Ed) J. Beckwith. Building on her 2012 presentation, Becoming Part of the Digital Conversation, Iris addressed common online mistakes, the behaviors of technology predators, the safety tools available from various sources, and how individuals can help their families and aging parents use technology confidently and securely.

Networking Events

President’s Welcome Dinner

On Tuesday, October 21, ACTEC President Peter S. Gordon welcomed Fellows and guests to Austin with an evening of Texas-style hospitality, setting the tone for an enjoyable meeting. The event featured live music, line dancing, and the warmth of fellowship that defines every ACTEC gathering. Pictured in the back is Peter, joined by his family (L-R): his son and ACTEC Fellow Michael M. Gordon; daughter-in-law Jess Gordon with her husband, Mark Gordon (Peter’s son) and their daughters; and Peter’s wife, Janet L. Gordon.

New Fellows, International Fellows, and First-Time Attendees

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Austin City Limits for New Fellows, International Fellows, and First-Time Attendees

On Tuesday, October 21, New Fellows, International Fellows, and First-Time attendees enjoyed a private tour of the legendary Moody Theater, home to the iconic television series Austin City Limits®. The guided experience offered backstage access, interactive exhibits, and rare archival footage, along with a 50-year timeline featuring over 1,000 artists who have performed on the famed stage. Reflecting on the experience, New Fellows Steering Committee Member Texas Fellow John Renway Strohmeyer shared: “Having attended The University of Texas School of Law, I lived in Austin for years and had never been inside Austin City Limits—it was fascinating!”

New Fellows, First Time Attendees, and International Fellows Reception

On Wednesday, October 22, New Fellows, International Fellows, and First-Time Attendees connected with ACTEC leadership during a lively evening reception celebrating new and international membership and Fellows who made the 2025 Fall Meeting their first ACTEC National Meeting. The event fostered meaningful introductions and reinforced ACTEC’s spirit of collegiality.

(L-R) International Fellows Hitomi Sakai (Japan), Nicola Saccardo (Italy), Piers Master (United Kingdom), Florentino Carreno (Spain), and Maryse Naudin (France)

Fall Meeting Sponsors

ACTEC Fellows welcomed 32 sponsor companies to the 2025 Fall Meeting. The College greatly values these partnerships. Fellows are invited to visit the sponsor highlights and contact list to connect with representatives they met in Austin.