“Terrence Franklin had been a trust and estate litigator, handling disputes including will contests for a quarter century, when he discovered a court battle from the 1840s that challenged the will of his white fourth great-grandfather that emancipated Terrence’s fourth great-grandmother and her children and grandchildren from slavery. That discovery led Terrence to his mission, “To Bend the Arc of History Towards Justice” by sharing the story of his ancestors and other stories like them. In this presentation, Terrence recounts the riveting story of his ancestor Lucy Sutton and her struggle for freedom, and highlights the vital role that estate planner can play in establishing, preserving and transferring legacies, not just for the wealthy, but for everyone who wants to leave behind a better world behind for those who come after.”

Attorney Paul Shakarian is a distinguished expert in probate bonds, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective as both a seasoned attorney and a leading bond agent. He will be speaking on the topic of probate bonds and their legal requirements, aiming to demystify the bonding process and discuss the life cycle of a bond in a probate case.

Mr. Shakarian will share his extensive knowledge on various critical issues related to probate bonds, including the types of probate bonds, the underwriting process, claims, conflicts of interest, and the public policy behind the bond requirement. His insights will provide valuable clarity and practical guidance for legal professionals navigating these complexities.

A graduate of the University of La Verne College of Law (Class of 1999) and California State University San Bernardino (Class of 1995), where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science, Mr. Shakarian has a robust educational background. Early in his career, he defended occupational licensees accused of wrongdoing by various agencies such as the DMV, often dealing with bond-related issues. His expertise in this area has made him a sought-after speaker at numerous conferences attended by occupational licensees, where he has presented extensively on bonding issues.

For the past decade, Mr. Shakarian has been leveraging his legal knowledge and experience in the bonding industry as the Broker Principal at DLR Bonds & Insurance Agency, which is licensed to issue surety bonds in California. The agency primarily focuses on Probate Bonds, reflecting Mr. Shakarian's dedication to this specialized field.

This session, presented by Mr. Shakarian, will qualify for Specialist Credit in probate administration and incapacity planning, acknowledging the essential role of bonds in probates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and practical tips from one of the industry's foremost experts.