Drafting Wills and Trusts: Foundations, Complex Planning, and Long-Term Legacies (2026 Edition)

Brittney (Hodnik) Shearin, Head of Product & Legal-Technical Attorney | Lawyers With Purpose

Brittney Shearin is the Director of Legal Education at Lawyers with Purpose, where she also serves as Product Owner for LWP STEPS. A legal-technical attorney with a passion for estate planning, Britt combines practical drafting experience with legal technology to help attorneys strengthen their estate planning practices. After practicing as an estate planning attorney from 2015 to 2020, she transitioned into legal education, where she develops training programs and resources that equip attorneys with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex estate planning matters with confidence.

• Education & Credentials

Britt is an attorney with professional experience in estate planning, legal drafting, and legal education. Her background includes practicing as an estate planning attorney from 2015 to 2020 before transitioning to a legal education and legal-technology role. Her experience as a practicing attorney and legal drafter informs her work developing practical educational resources and technology solutions for estate planning professionals.

• Recognition & Leadership

As Director of Legal Education and Product Owner for LWP STEPS, Britt leads educational initiatives that support estate planning attorneys through practical training and technology-driven solutions. Her work focuses on making sophisticated estate planning concepts accessible and actionable for legal professionals.

• Professional Involvement

Britt develops educational content, legal resources, and training programs for attorneys through Lawyers with Purpose. She works closely with estate planning professionals to provide guidance on drafting techniques, legal technology, and best practices for building effective estate planning practices.

• Experience

Before joining Lawyers with Purpose, Britt practiced as an estate planning attorney from 2015 to 2020, where she focused on drafting estate planning documents and advising clients. Her experience as both a practicing attorney and legal drafter gives her a strong understanding of the technical precision required in estate planning. Today, she applies that experience to educating attorneys, developing legal technology solutions, and creating practical resources that improve estate planning workflows and client service.

John Rexford, Founder | John C. Rexford, Attorney at Law

John Rexford is an estate planning attorney and founder of Rexford Law, where he focuses on helping individuals and families protect their assets, plan for the future, and create effective estate plans. He is known for making complex estate planning concepts understandable and practical, guiding clients through wills, trusts, asset protection strategies, and legacy planning.

• Education & Credentials

John is an attorney whose practice is focused on estate planning and related wealth preservation matters. His professional background includes extensive work with wills, trusts, asset protection, incapacity planning, probate avoidance, and intergenerational wealth transfer. As the founder of his own estate planning practice, he brings both legal and practical experience to the development of customized estate plans for individuals and families.

• Recognition & Leadership

John is recognized for his client-focused approach to estate planning and his commitment to educating individuals and families about the importance of proactive planning. Through his practice and educational efforts, he helps clients address issues involving wealth transfer, family protection, and long-term legacy goals.

• Professional Involvement

John regularly provides guidance on estate planning topics, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance, asset protection, and strategies for preserving wealth across generations. His work emphasizes clear communication and practical solutions designed to help clients make informed decisions about their estates.

• Experience

John advises clients on a broad range of estate planning matters, including drafting wills and trusts, planning for incapacity, protecting family assets, and developing strategies for the transfer of wealth. He works with individuals and families to create customized estate plans that reflect their personal circumstances and long-term objectives, helping clients navigate the legal and financial considerations involved in preserving their legacy.

SESSION 1 – Advanced Trust Drafting for Asset Protection, Long-Term Care, and Family Legacy | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

This session examines advanced trust planning strategies designed to protect assets, prepare for longterm care, and preserve multigenerational wealth. Drawing on Brittney Shearin’s extensive work in estate planning, Medicaid planning, and legal education, participants will explore how to draft trusts that address aging, incapacity, blended families, beneficiary protection, and changing client circumstances while minimizing future administration challenges.

BREAK | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

SESSION 2 – Estate Planning in Plain English | 1:10pm – 2:10pm

This session explores the fundamentals of estate planning through wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and probate avoidance strategies. Attendees will examine incapacity planning, asset distribution techniques, tax considerations, special needs trusts, and practical case studies demonstrating how trusts preserve control, privacy, and family wealth.