Withers Bergman LLP

Trust, Estates and Charitable Planning

Partner

Elizabeth focuses her efforts on estate planning, planned giving and tax-exempt organizations. Elizabeth represents clients in matters related to family wealth transfers for large estates, sophisticated estate and gift tax saving techniques, charitable planned giving, and complex probate and trust administrations. She also regularly represents tax-exempt organizations in formation, organizational and operational issues.

Elizabeth is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). She received the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from the Los Angeles Council of Charitable Gift Planners, where she has served as president and has been a member for 15 years.

Elizabeth is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and the UCLA School of Law where she served as Executive Editor of the UCLA Law Review. After law school, she clerked for Judge Wiley Y. Daniel of the Federal District Court in Colorado. Elizabeth is currently adjunct faculty at the UCLA School of Law teaching Estate and Gift Tax and Estate Planning.

Elizabeth serves on the board of the Heifer International Foundation, supporting the work of Heifer International to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities.

American Institute for Philanthropic Studies Certified Specialist in Planned Giving program (2020-present)

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow (2014-present)

USC Trust and Estate Conference Planning Committee, member

Los Angeles County Bar Association, Exempt Organization Section, Chair (2015-2016)

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Professional Advisory Council (2010-2015)

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section, Chair (2009-2010)

Beverly Hills Bar Association, Executive Committee of Trusts and Estates Section, (2005-2009)

Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Greater Los Angeles, Past President (2007)

Western Regional Planned Giving Conference, Conference Chair (2005)

UCLA School of Law, J.D.

Wheaton College (IL), cum laude, B.A.