Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute brings together lawyers at every stage of their careers
More than 260 lawyers, law students, and legal professionals gathered Nov. 5-6 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac for the 2026 Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute. The annual conference offered two days of continuing legal education, professional connections, and opportunities to explore developments in estate planning, probate, fiduciary litigation, and elder law.
The institute continues to attract a growing audience, marking its fifth consecutive year of attendance growth. John Challis of Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP, chair of The Missouri Bar Probate and Trust Division, said the conference brings together lawyers from across Missouri to explore topics for every experience level.
"We explore both beginner, intermediate, and advanced estate planning, fiduciary litigation, and elder law topics," Challis said.
Investing in the next generation of lawyers
This year, the institute introduced its first law student scholarship initiative, giving future lawyers an opportunity to attend the conference and learn alongside experienced practitioners. Thanks to generous donations from seven law firms, all 13 students who applied received scholarships.
Scholarship sponsors included MGD Law, Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP, Sandberg Phoenix, The Probate Law Center, Lathrop GPM LLP, Hall Legal Group, and Gillerra Law LLC.
Gwynn Merriman, a University of Kansas law student and scholarship recipient, said the conference introduced her to aspects of probate law she had not previously studied.
"I've always been interested in estate planning, but learning about all the probate has really opened my eyes to a whole new part of law that I haven't really considered before," Merriman said.
Fellow KU law student and scholarship recipient Claire Jumper enjoyed hearing practitioners discuss recent case law developments.
"I think it's really interesting to see how the law is evolving and changing," Jumper said.
By welcoming law students alongside experienced practitioners, the institute creates opportunities for learning and connection that help strengthen the legal profession.
Building connections and supporting the profession
The institute also brings together businesses and organizations that provide valuable services to estate planning, probate, and elder law professionals and their clients.
Anna Shaver of Freeman's Auctions and Appraisals, a longtime exhibitor, said she values the opportunity to connect with Missouri lawyers.
"These are familiar faces, but also a lot of new faces,” Shaver said. “It's a great conference. We're happy to be a part of it and happy to help support."
Exhibitors and sponsors help bring the legal community together while connecting lawyers with services and resources. Businesses interested in reaching Missouri's legal community can learn more about advertising, sponsorship, and exhibitor opportunities with The Missouri Bar here.
Join us in 2027
From law students discovering new areas of practice to experienced lawyers keeping pace with changes in the law, the Estate, Trust & Elder Law Institute offers opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.
"We've had year-over-year attendance growth for the last five years," Challis said. "(I’d) just like to continue to invite people to come out and join us, and (am) looking forward to the 2027 institute."
Join us for the 2027 institute next fall. Watch for upcoming conference announcements from The Missouri Bar, and visit our Facebook page to see photos from the 2026 institute.