EPLS – Estate Planning Law Specialist
🧭 Overview
EPLS – Estate Planning Law Specialist is a board-certified legal designation administered by the Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc., an attorney-run subsidiary of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). It is the only national certification for attorneys specializing in estate planning that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The EPLS credential recognizes attorneys who demonstrate advanced expertise, ethical conduct, and professional commitment in the field of estate planning law. It is designed for lawyers whose practice is substantially focused on estate planning and who meet rigorous standards for experience, education, peer review, and examination.
📚 Requirements
- Minimum of five years practicing estate planning law, with at least 40% of practice devoted to estate planning
- 36+ hours of continuing legal education in estate planning topics within the three years prior to application
- Professional liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 per claim
- Five peer recommendations from attorneys outside the applicant’s firm, attesting to professional competence and ethics
- Successful completion of a comprehensive national exam focused on estate planning law
🤝 Community & Recognition
EPLS designees are recognized as legal specialists in estate planning and may hold themselves out as such in jurisdictions that permit ABA-accredited certifications. The designation is respected by peers, clients, and referral sources for its emphasis on legal precision, ethical standards, and professional excellence. EPLS holders are also part of the broader NAEPC community, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in estate planning.
📜 Quick Facts
Issuing Organization: Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc. (subsidiary of NAEPC)
Website: [EPLS Program Overview](https://www.naepc.org/designations/estate-law)
Credential Focus: Estate planning law, legal ethics, advanced planning techniques, client representation
Audience: Practicing attorneys specializing in estate planning
Continuing Education: 36 hours every three years
Related Designations: AEP®, JD, LLM (Tax)
