Panelists Bill Boesch, Charlie Heard, Charles DeGrandpre, Susan Leahy, Chuck Leahy, Bob Wells, Hon. John Maher and Mae Bradshaw spoke on numerous subjects, from life insurance to the modernization of probate laws and practices.

Much was made of the importance of staying abreast of developments in the variety of planning and probate law practice areas. Charlie Heard spoke of the wealth of information that could be obtained from credible and qualified life insurance salespeople, as the proper use of life insurance is an ever more complex practice.

Judge Maher hit on several topics regarding the probate court. He also touched upon the quickly changing nature of the probate laws, which as of 1983, had their last extensive update in 1890. Since that time, he says, the court has exploded with changes seeking to modernize and innovate, a process that Maher says, "we must continue."

Bill Boesch took another direction, saying that the 25 years he spent with the IRS as an Estate Tax Counsel provided virtually no "psychic or emotional rewards," an experience that differed considerably from his private practice, in which his efforts were more appreciated, since he was working hand-in-hand with clients to sort through difficult situations.

Judge Maher, aside from the developments in probate law, also spoke of learning how to care for the client – not for personal monetary gain, but for the desire to better the client’s life – saying, "The first reasons to choose this career are a liking for the work; you must want to help other people."