Annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference

About Us

Annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference

About Us

About Us

Annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference

New Mexico Estate Planning Conference February 25

The Annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference is a one-day seminar to provide a multitude of perspectives in the estate planning industry. Designed specifically for attorneys, bankers, investment advisors, estate planning and tax practitioners and financial planners. Continuing education credits pending.

Friday, March 8, 2024

CNM Workforce Training Center | 5600 Eagle Rock Avenue NE

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Post-event networking to follow from 5:00-6:00 PM at Boxing Bear Brewery | 8420 Firestone Lane NE 87113

Registration Information

Regular Registration - $200

  • 6 educational sessions with estate planning CLE credit (Including 1 session on ethics)
  • Breakfast and lunch provided for in person attendees
  • Virtual or in person attendance accommodated
  • Digital manual provided
  • CLE credit registration provided for NM State Bar, OSI, and CFP
  • 1 admission to post-event networking

Sponsorship - $500

  • Logo included in all marketing materials from the time of sponsorship
  • Logo advertised on screen at conference
  • Logo and one-page advertisement available in conference materials (1 complimentary registration)
  • If sponsoring firm is represented by the speaker, one complimentary registration in addition to the speaker will be offered
  • Discounted registration price ($175/ticket) guaranteed for all attendees from sponsor firm
  • 3 complimentary admissions to post-event networking

For more information or special inquiries, please contact Kelsey Martin, Developement Manager.

REGISTER NOW

2024 Guest Speakers

Jennifer deGraauw, Esq.
Owner & Partner Attorney, Terry & deGraauw, P.C.

Jennifer deGra

Jennifer deGraauw is an attorney who has practiced Family Law for over sixteen years in the state of New Mexico. Her practice includes divorce, complex property division, business valuations, asset tracing, child custody, and support.

While Jennifer has extensive trial and litigation experience, she is also a skilled negotiator and trained Collaborative Law practitioner. She is a Past-President of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group, and was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Mexico to serve on the New Mexico Domestic Relations Rules Committee. During her time on the committee, she helped author various Domestic Relations rules, including drafting the New Mexico Collaborative Law Act. Jennifer has also served as a board member of the Albuquerque Bar Association and State Family Law Section board.

Jennifer was named a “Top Three Family Law Attorney” by the Albuquerque Journal from 2018 to present, was deemed a SuperLawyers “Rising Star” in 2017 and has received the SuperLawyers distinction from 2019 to present. She earned the Best Lawyers distinction for Family Law in 2020 and was named “Attorney of Year” in 2022 for Family Law Mediation and Collaborative Divorce and “Lawyer of the Year” in 2023 for Family Law in Albuquerque.

Nell Graham Sale
Of Counsel and Attorney, Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, P.C.

Nell Graham Sale

Ms. Sale is Of Counsel with the law firm of Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, PC. While actively practicing law, she was licensed in New Mexico, Delaware, Pennsylvania, U. S. Tax Court and the U. S. Supreme Court.  She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and is an emerita member of the Special Needs Alliance.

Nell is celebrating over 10 years of having her AV Preeminent® rating from LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. She has been repeatedly selected for inclusion by her peers in Best Lawyer in America® Super Lawyers and was included in the 26th Edition of Best Lawyers in America for her work in Elder Law and Trusts and Estates in 2020. In 2019 Nell was chosen for Who’s Who among American Lawyers. In 2017, Nell chaired a successful capital campaign for Paws and Stripes and she is also one of the founders of the New Mexico Planned Giving Roundtable.

Cristy Carbón-Gaul
Attorney at Law, Law Office of Cristy J. Carbón-Gaul

Nell Graham Sale

Cristy J. Carbόn-Gaul grew up primarily in Omaha, Nebraska but considers herself a New Mexican, living in Albuquerque most of her adult life.  Her and her husband, Daniel Gaul, moved to New Mexico in 1997.  They have two children, two dogs, three cats, and 23 chickens.

She is a lawyer licensed by the New Mexico State Bar since 1997, earning her law degree from Creighton University School of Law, graduating cum laude.  Her undergraduate degree, a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting is from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Cristy J. Carbόn-Gaul has practiced estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship and probate law in New Mexico for over 25 years.  She is also the Probate Judge for Bernalillo County.

Ken Leach
Attorney, Roybal-Mack & Cordova, P.C.

Nell Graham Sale

Kenneth C. Leach completed his education through the University of New Mexico with his B.A. in History in 1972, and his JD in Law in 1975. He was then admitted to the bar by the New Mexico and U.S. District Court in 1975. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and has been listed on Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He is a member of the University of New Mexico Law School Alumni Association, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New Mexico Estate Planning Council and Southern New Mexico Estate Council, and a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Kenneth previously served on the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization, An Agency of the Supreme Court of New Mexico Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Law Specialty Committee, He is presently serving on the San Juan College Foundation Board and served as President from 2019-2022. Mr. Leach served on the University of New Mexico Foundation Board (from 1995-2003), and as the Chairman of the Gift Acceptance Committee for the UNM Foundation. Kenneth has been listed in the prestigious “The Best Lawyers in America” publication in the Trust & Estates section for 26 consecutive years (1996-2022). He was the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico advisor for the year of 2013, and he received the Excellence in Charitable Gift Planning Award for 2006 by the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Brad Justice
Wealth Management Advisor, Justice Financial

Nell Graham Sale

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Brad graduated from Brigham Young University with a double major in Business Administration and Portuguese in 2004. Immediately after college Brad was recruited by GE Consumer Finance to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

In May 2006, Brad transitioned into financial services and joined Northwestern Mutual. He achieved prestigious company milestones and excelled in multiple leadership roles. The Justice Financial team was recognized in 2022 by Forbes Magazine as one of the best Wealth Advisors in the state of New Mexico.

Today Brad focuses primarily on working with clients in the retirement income space and professionals. He holds securities registrations in Series 6, 7, 26, and 63 in addition to the following designations:  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™(CFP®), Masters of Finance Services (MSFS), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Advisor of Senior Living (CASL) and Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP).

Brad is married to Lisa, and they have four wonderful children, one dog, and 18 box turtles that live in their backyard.  They love playing lots of board games, swimming, traveling, regular visits to Disney, and anything that involves family.  He loves a good hamburger, fries, and a Dr. Pepper.

Darci Severson
Director of Planning and Investment Operations, Justice Financial

Nell Graham Sale

Darci was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She served 11 years in the Air Force and was a Pilot and Commander. She went to undergraduate school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering while serving in the US Air Force.  After graduating, she went to pilot training and flew as an Instructor Pilot teaching young officers how to fly and later as a Fighter Pilot. After separating from the Air Force, Darci worked in Product Management for large companies in the meat and protein industry like Tyson Foods.

In 2023 she joined Justice Financial as the Financial Planning Analyst. Her background as an Air Force Commander, which includes responsibilities of leading, managing and improving her unit, reflect greatly in the progress she is making in her position at Justice Financial. Darci has an MBA and has her New Mexico Life & Health Insurance license.

Outside of work, Darci enjoys spending time in the mountains, practicing yoga and great food.  She also enjoys relaxing with a cup of tea and a book or movie.

Vanessa Kaczmarek
Shareholder at Modrall Sperling

Nell Graham Sale
Vanessa C. Kaczmarek is a shareholder in the Transactions Department at Modrall Sperling.  Her practice is focused on estate planning, trust administration and probate, tax matters, private foundations and nonprofits, and closely-held businesses.  Vanessa’s clients include individuals, families, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Before joining Modrall Sperling in 2013, Vanessa was an associate in the Tax Department at the New York offices of Clifford Chance US LLP.

Trust-Based Philanthropy Panel

Marisa Magallanez headshot

Marisa Magallanez
Chief Operating Officer

As a native New Mexican, Marisa has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, establishing her career at the National Institute of Flamenco, and starting at the Foundation in 2019 as Advancement Manager. During her time at the Foundation, Marisa has led and managed the largest federal government contract the Foundation has seen in 42 years, led the development of the Foundation’s first strategic plan in 15 years, along with the update of the organization’s mission, vision and values, and increased work in diversity, equity and inclusion of the overall organization.

In July 2023, Marisa was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Marisa is the first woman of color in executive leadership at Albuquerque Community Foundation, and the first person to hold the title of COO and responsibilities, in the history of the organization.

Marisa holds an MBA with a focus in Policy and Planning from the University of New Mexico. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hot yoga, and spending time with her dog.

Image

Celia Yapita
Community Leadership Director

Celia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in the spring of 2023. Celia is of the Aymara people of Bolivia through her father and was raised by her mother in Gainesville, Florida. After going to college in the northeast and law school in the west, Celia found her home in the vibrant community of Albuquerque in 2004.

Her legal work in Florida, California and New Mexico included support of survivors of domestic violence, as well as advocacy for senior citizens and youth in special education. In Albuquerque, Celia worked at Catholic Charities for 11+ years, directly serving immigrants and refugees, and in her last couple of years there, supporting all programming as the Chief Program Officer. In fall 2021, Celia became the first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at United Way of North Central New Mexico.  Throughout her career, Celia has centered clear communication in her collaborations: Aruskipt’asipxañanakasakipuniraskispawa – Sea lo que fuere, estamos obligados a comunicarnos – In all situations, we must communicate with each other.

Celia is part of a blended family, with three teenagers at home.  She enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction, dancing for exercise and fun, listening to podcasts, hikes with her husband, and relaxing with her two senior chihuahuas. Her joy comes from being with her kids, challenging herself through deep learning from the wisdom of those with lived experience, and learning how to embrace rest as a value in life.

Image

Khia Griffis
Community Impact Director

Khia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in June 2019 after completing her graduate internship at Con Alma Health Foundation, where she was drawn to the world of grantmaking. Khia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNM and her Master of Social Work from NMHU.

Philanthropy & Strategic Grantmaking at Albuquerque Community Foundation have been a welcome application of her passion for improving the lives of others.Khia was born and raised in New Mexico and currently resides in Corrales, while also spending time in the East Mountains with family. In her free time, Khia enjoys playing soccer and running in the Bosque with her dogs, Pepper & Buffy.

2024 Sponsors

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Zia Trust Red Logo
Modrall Sperling Logo
New Mexico Estate Planning Conference February 25

The Annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference is a one-day seminar to provide a multitude of perspectives in the estate planning industry. Designed specifically for attorneys, bankers, investment advisors, estate planning and tax practitioners and financial planners. Continuing education credits pending.

CNM Workforce Training Center | 5600 Eagle Rock Avenue NE

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Post-event networking to follow from 5:00-6:00 PM at at Boxing Bear Brewery | 8420 Firestone Lane NE 87113

For more information or special inquiries, please contact Kelsey Martin, Developement Manager.

Registration Information

Regular Registration - $200

  • 6 educational sessions with estate planning CLE credit (Including 1 session on ethics)
  • Breakfast and lunch provided for in person attendees
  • Virtual or in person attendance accommodated
  • Digital manual provided
  • CLE credit registration provided for NM State Bar, OSI, and CFP
  • 1 admission to post-event networking

Sponsorship - $500

  • Logo included in all marketing materials from the time of sponsorship
  • Logo advertised on screen at conference
  • Logo and one-page advertisement available in conference materials (1 complimentary registration)
  • If sponsoring firm is represented by the speaker, one complimentary registration in addition to the speaker will be offered
  • Discounted registration price ($175/ticket) guaranteed for all attendees from sponsor firm
  • 3 complimentary admissions to post-event networking

For more information or special inquiries, please contact Kelsey Martin, Developement Manager.

REGISTER NOW

2024 Guest Speakers

Jennifer Degraauw Square Portrait

Jennifer deGraauw, Esq.
Owner & Partner Attorney, Terry & deGraauw, P.C.

Jennifer deGraauw is an attorney who has practiced Family Law for over sixteen years in the state of New Mexico. Her practice includes divorce, complex property division, business valuations, asset tracing, child custody, and support.

While Jennifer has extensive trial and litigation experience, she is also a skilled negotiator and trained Collaborative Law practitioner. She is a Past-President of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group, and was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Mexico to serve on the New Mexico Domestic Relations Rules Committee. During her time on the committee, she helped author various Domestic Relations rules, including drafting the New Mexico Collaborative Law Act. Jennifer has also served as a board member of the Albuquerque Bar Association and State Family Law Section board.

Jennifer was named a “Top Three Family Law Attorney” by the Albuquerque Journal from 2018 to present, was deemed a SuperLawyers “Rising Star” in 2017 and has received the SuperLawyers distinction from 2019 to present. She earned the Best Lawyers distinction for Family Law in 2020 and was named “Attorney of Year” in 2022 for Family Law Mediation and Collaborative Divorce and “Lawyer of the Year” in 2023 for Family Law in Albuquerque.

Nell Graham Sale Square Portrait

Nell Graham Sale
Of Counsel and Attorney, Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, P.C.

Ms. Sale is Of Counsel with the law firm of Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, PC. While actively practicing law, she was licensed in New Mexico, Delaware, Pennsylvania, U. S. Tax Court and the U. S. Supreme Court.  She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and is an emerita member of the Special Needs Alliance.

Nell is celebrating over 10 years of having her AV Preeminent® rating from LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. She has been repeatedly selected for inclusion by her peers in Best Lawyer in America® Super Lawyers and was included in the 26th Edition of Best Lawyers in America for her work in Elder Law and Trusts and Estates in 2020. In 2019 Nell was chosen for Who’s Who among American Lawyers. In 2017, Nell chaired a successful capital campaign for Paws and Stripes and she is also one of the founders of the New Mexico Planned Giving Roundtable.

Cristy Carbon-Gaul Square Portrait

Cristy Carbón-Gaul
Attorney at Law, Law Office of Cristy J. Carbón-Gaul

Cristy J. Carbόn-Gaul grew up primarily in Omaha, Nebraska but considers herself a New Mexican, living in Albuquerque most of her adult life.  Her and her husband, Daniel Gaul, moved to New Mexico in 1997.  They have two children, two dogs, three cats, and 23 chickens.

She is a lawyer licensed by the New Mexico State Bar since 1997, earning her law degree from Creighton University School of Law, graduating cum laude.  Her undergraduate degree, a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting is from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Cristy J. Carbόn-Gaul has practiced estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship and probate law in New Mexico for over 25 years.  She is also the Probate Judge for Bernalillo County.

Image

Ken Leach
Attorney, Roybal-Mack & Cordova, P.C.

Kenneth C. Leach completed his education through the University of New Mexico with his B.A. in History in 1972, and his JD in Law in 1975. He was then admitted to the bar by the New Mexico and U.S. District Court in 1975. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and has been listed on Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He is a member of the University of New Mexico Law School Alumni Association, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New Mexico Estate Planning Council and Southern New Mexico Estate Council, and a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Kenneth previously served on the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization, An Agency of the Supreme Court of New Mexico Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Law Specialty Committee, He is presently serving on the San Juan College Foundation Board and served as President from 2019-2022. Mr. Leach served on the University of New Mexico Foundation Board (from 1995-2003), and as the Chairman of the Gift Acceptance Committee for the UNM Foundation. Kenneth has been listed in the prestigious “The Best Lawyers in America” publication in the Trust & Estates section for 26 consecutive years (1996-2022). He was the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico advisor for the year of 2013, and he received the Excellence in Charitable Gift Planning Award for 2006 by the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Image

Brad Justice
Wealth Management Advisor, Justice Financial

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Brad graduated from Brigham Young University with a double major in Business Administration and Portuguese in 2004. Immediately after college Brad was recruited by GE Consumer Finance to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

In May 2006, Brad transitioned into financial services and joined Northwestern Mutual. He achieved prestigious company milestones and excelled in multiple leadership roles. The Justice Financial team was recognized in 2022 by Forbes Magazine as one of the best Wealth Advisors in the state of New Mexico.

Today Brad focuses primarily on working with clients in the retirement income space and professionals. He holds securities registrations in Series 6, 7, 26, and 63 in addition to the following designations:  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™(CFP®), Masters of Finance Services (MSFS), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Advisor of Senior Living (CASL) and Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP).

Brad is married to Lisa, and they have four wonderful children, one dog, and 18 box turtles that live in their backyard.  They love playing lots of board games, swimming, traveling, regular visits to Disney, and anything that involves family.  He loves a good hamburger, fries, and a Dr. Pepper.

Image

Darci Severson
Director of Planning and Investment Operations

Darci was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She served 11 years in the Air Force and was a Pilot and Commander. She went to undergraduate school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering while serving in the US Air Force.  After graduating, she went to pilot training and flew as an Instructor Pilot teaching young officers how to fly and later as a Fighter Pilot. After separating from the Air Force, Darci worked in Product Management for large companies in the meat and protein industry like Tyson Foods.

In 2023 she joined Justice Financial as the Financial Planning Analyst. Her background as an Air Force Commander, which includes responsibilities of leading, managing and improving her unit, reflect greatly in the progress she is making in her position at Justice Financial. Darci has an MBA and has her New Mexico Life & Health Insurance license.

Portrait of Vanessa Kaczmarek

Vanessa C. Kaczmarek
Shareholder, Modrall Sperling

Vanessa C. Kaczmarek is a shareholder in the Transactions Department at Modrall Sperling.  Her practice is focused on estate planning, trust administration and probate, tax matters, private foundations and nonprofits, and closely-held businesses.  Vanessa’s clients include individuals, families, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Before joining Modrall Sperling in 2013, Vanessa was an associate in the Tax Department at the New York offices of Clifford Chance US LLP.

Trust-Based Philanthropy Panel

Marisa Magallanez headshot

Marisa Magallanez
Chief Operating Officer

As a native New Mexican, Marisa has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, establishing her career at the National Institute of Flamenco, and starting at the Foundation in 2019 as Advancement Manager. During her time at the Foundation, Marisa has led and managed the largest federal government contract the Foundation has seen in 42 years, led the development of the Foundation’s first strategic plan in 15 years, along with the update of the organization’s mission, vision and values, and increased work in diversity, equity and inclusion of the overall organization.

In July 2023, Marisa was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Marisa is the first woman of color in executive leadership at Albuquerque Community Foundation, and the first person to hold the title of COO and responsibilities, in the history of the organization.

Marisa holds an MBA with a focus in Policy and Planning from the University of New Mexico. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hot yoga, and spending time with her dog.

Image

Celia Yapita
Community Leadership Director

Celia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in the spring of 2023. Celia is of the Aymara people of Bolivia through her father and was raised by her mother in Gainesville, Florida. After going to college in the northeast and law school in the west, Celia found her home in the vibrant community of Albuquerque in 2004.

Her legal work in Florida, California and New Mexico included support of survivors of domestic violence, as well as advocacy for senior citizens and youth in special education. In Albuquerque, Celia worked at Catholic Charities for 11+ years, directly serving immigrants and refugees, and in her last couple of years there, supporting all programming as the Chief Program Officer. In fall 2021, Celia became the first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at United Way of North Central New Mexico.  Throughout her career, Celia has centered clear communication in her collaborations: Aruskipt’asipxañanakasakipuniraskispawa – Sea lo que fuere, estamos obligados a comunicarnos – In all situations, we must communicate with each other.

Celia is part of a blended family, with three teenagers at home.  She enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction, dancing for exercise and fun, listening to podcasts, hikes with her husband, and relaxing with her two senior chihuahuas. Her joy comes from being with her kids, challenging herself through deep learning from the wisdom of those with lived experience, and learning how to embrace rest as a value in life.

Image

Khia Griffis
Community Impact Director

Khia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in June 2019 after completing her graduate internship at Con Alma Health Foundation, where she was drawn to the world of grantmaking. Khia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNM and her Master of Social Work from NMHU.

Philanthropy & Strategic Grantmaking at Albuquerque Community Foundation have been a welcome application of her passion for improving the lives of others.Khia was born and raised in New Mexico and currently resides in Corrales, while also spending time in the East Mountains with family. In her free time, Khia enjoys playing soccer and running in the Bosque with her dogs, Pepper & Buffy.

2024 Sponsors

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Zia Trust Red Logo
Modrall Sperling Logo