Students Study Comparative Law in China

The Max S. Baucus Institute at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law ran another successful China Comparative Law Study Abroad Program this summer, with 12 law students from the University of Montana and the University of South Dakota joining an equal number of Chinese law students to study comparative business organizations, renewable energy, constitutional, and international business law at partner universities in Chongqing and Beijing, China. All courses were co-taught by one U.S. and one Chinese law professor.

Professor Sam Panarella, director of the Max S. Baucus Institute, led the program and, along with a Chinese professor from Southwest University of Politics and Law (SWUPL) in Chongqing, China, taught comparative renewable energy law. In addition to attending classes, the students enjoyed the cultural offerings in China, including attending a Chinese opera and a chamber music concert.

More details and additional photos are available on the Baucus Institute China Summer Study Abroad program page.

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Professor Mills Travels to Cambodia for Professional Fellow’s Program

Professor Monte Mills recently visited Cambodia as a Professional Fellow on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and Mansfield Center’s Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI). He and the law school hosted a professional lecturer from Cambodia in 2017, and this spring’s trip was part of that professional exchange. While in Cambodia, Professor Mills spoke with university students from across Phnom Penh about legal education in the United States and the American legal system, including federal Indian law and international indigenous rights.

Professor Mills wrote a recap of the trip in his WORKING WITH (AND LEARNING FROM) STUDENTS AND LECTURERS IN CAMBODIA post on the Mansfield Center’s Professional Fellows Program blog.

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Homecoming/Law Alumni Reunion Weekend

Mark your calendars! UM Homecoming and Law Alumni Reunion Weekend will take place October 6-7, 2018. This year's featured classes are 8s and 3s! Activities include class dinners organized by class members, the Browning Symposium, School of Law alumni tailgate, law school tours, and GRIZ football.

Volunteer as a Class Captain: We encourage class members to organize your reunion dinners as a class. We can support your efforts by offering venue options and contacting class members on your behalf. If you would like to lead your class in planning your reunion dinner, please contact Erin Lunde Kennan, Director of Development, at erin.keenan@supportum.org or (406) 243-4319.

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Save the Date - 66th Annual Montana Tax Institute

Learn from some of the nation’s tax experts! The 66th Annual Montana Tax Institute, taking place October 19-20, 2018, at the Doubletree Hotel in Missoula, features a distinguished faculty of tax practitioners and scholars. Join us to learn about a broad range of topics and the impact of recently enacted tax legislation from the nation’s foremost experts on tax and estate planning:

Annual Income Tax Update
Sam Donaldson, Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, Georgia

Using Family Limited Liability Entities in 2018 and Beyond
J. Martin Burke, Blewett School of Law, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
Elaine Gagliardi, Blewett School of Law, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

Current Developments in Corporate and Partnership Taxation
Bruce McGovern, South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas
Cass Brewer, Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, Georgia

Choice of Entity In Light of 2017 Tax Law Changes
Steve Gorin, Thompson Coburn, LLP, St. Louis, Missouri

Federal Wealth Transfer Tax Planning Update
Clary Redd, Stinson Leonard Street, LLP, St. Louis, Missouri

Charitable Planning Update
Larry Katzenstein, Thompson Coburn, LLP, St. Louis, Missouri

Tax Advice on the Green Horizon: Marijuana Businesses in MontanaPippa Browde, Alexander Blewett III School of Law, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

Partnership Audit Rules
Steve Gorin, Thompson Coburn, LLP, St. Louis, Missouri

Review of the Past Year’s Significant, Curious, or Downright Fascinating Fiduciary Cases
Dana Fitzsimons, Bessemer Trust, Atlanta, Georgia

Ethical Challenges In Recognizing & Representing Clients With Diminishing Capacity
Mary Radford, Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, Georgia

Effect of 2017 Tax Act on Charitable Giving: A Contrarian’s Point of View
Ramsay Slug, U.S. Trust, Fort Worth, Texas

Effective Use of Non-Grantor Trusts After the 2017 Tax Act
Jonathan Blattmachr, Pioneer Wealth Partners, New York, New York

Visit the Montana Tax Institute page for more information and to register.