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Harrison LLP Associates to Present at ABA Skills Training for Estate Planners Virtual Conference

  Harrison LLP  ·  2 minute read

Harrison LLP associates Samantha M. Contreras and Natasha D. McFarland will present at the American Bar Association's Skills Training for Estate Planners Virtual Conference, hosted by the Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, on September 17 – 18, 2026. The ABA's Skills Training for Estate Planners Virtual Conference offers a streamlined practice-focused introduction to estate planning for attorneys building skills in trusts and estates. This program is ideal for young lawyers and those transitioning into the field; the course delivers a strong foundation in core estate planning principles.

Samantha's session will take place on Thursday, September 17, where she will co-present on the topic of "Basics of Estate Planning." The session will discuss an overview of the estate planning process, from the initial client intake through the final execution of the plan, and beyond. They will also cover document and drafting considerations, the estate planning team approach, as well as the softer side of planning.

Also on September 17, Natasha will co-present "Passing by Law or by Contract – Non-Probate Assets, Charitable Pledges, and Marital Rights." The session will examine non-probate assets that will not pass through even the most well-drafted estate plan. It will also cover less common assets passing by contract, including retirement plans under ERISA or the plan documents, obligations under a pre or post-nuptial agreement or divorce settlement agreement, and charitable pledges.

Samantha counsels individuals, families, and fiduciaries on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and related tax matters. She prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, marital property agreements, and other planning documents that help clients preserve wealth, protect loved ones, and implement their wishes with confidence. Samantha also represents clients in Probate Court, assists with trust administration, and advises on complex gift and estate tax filings, and private client corporate matters. She is an active member of the American Bar Association's Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Emotional & Psychological Issues in Estate Planning Committee. She is a past Emerging Leader of the Chicago Estate Planning Council and has contributed to national continuing legal education programs on charitable planning and tax law.

Natasha helps individuals and families protect, preserve, and pass on their wealth with clarity and care. She counsels high-net-worth clients on sophisticated trust and estate planning strategies designed to reflect their values, minimize tax exposure, and support meaningful legacies both during life and at death. Her collaborative approach ensures each plan is not only technically sound, but also easy to understand and tailored to what matters most to her clients. Natasha holds an LL.M. and Certificate in Estate Planning from Georgetown University Law Center, is a Fellow of the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association, and is a former Chair of the D.C. Bar Association Taxation Section's Estate Planning Committee.

The American Bar Association - Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section

The ABA Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section (RPTE) is a diverse community of more than 16,000 U.S. and international lawyers, paralegals, real estate and financial services professionals, law students, and legal educators. They provide leadership and subject matter expertise on current regulatory and legal issues, trends, and best practices with the singular goal of empowering our members to better serve their clients.

To learn more about the ABA's RPTE section, click here.

Harrison LLP

Harrison LLP is a national law firm that assists clients in defining and achieving their private wealth goals, delivering peace of mind through sophisticated and practical legal counsel. Founded in 2003, the firm advises fiduciaries, high net worth families, and family offices on estate planning, trust administration, charitable guidance, tax controversies, trust and estate litigation, succession planning, and family law.