Wills, Trusts, and Estates

This course on estate planning and probate examines the law regulating the devolution of property on the owner’s death through intestate and testamentary succession (including testamentary trusts) and through will substitutes. It also covers the creation and administration of inter vivos trusts, the obligations of executors and trustees, and the primary instruments used to plan for one’s incapacity. Our discussion of judicial decisions and hypotheticals will challenge you to use statutory provisions and case law from various jurisdictions to hone your problem-solving skills and to wrestle with the special ethical issues arising in this area of practice. As the greatest emphasis in the course is on the relevant legal doctrine and its underlying public policies, this is an elective that is highly recommended as one prepares to take the bar examination in any jurisdiction. Class

Franklin Storrow

Richard Storrow began his academic path in French literature but shifted to law after reading the New York Bar Exam to a blind test-taker. He has now taught law for over 25 years, joining CUNY Law in 2008. His courses span Lawyering, Property, Family Law, Wills & Estates, Real Estate Transactions, and reproductive justice.

Previously on the faculties of Hamline, Illinois, Penn State, and Texas Wesleyan, he has received five teaching awards. His scholarship explores the human rights implications of assisted reproductive technology and has been published in law and bioethics journals. A Fulbright Scholar in Spain, he researched reproductive law at Pompeu Fabra University. Storrow’s legal experience includes work with Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and a clerkship on Minnesota’s Court of Appeals.