Elizabeth T. Pierson received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her law degree from the University of Southern California Law Center. She practiced for over 20 years with two firms in southern California specializing in trusts, estates and tax before starting her own firm. Ms. Pierson is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the California State Bar Trusts and Estates Committee. Ms. Pierson is past chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Taxation Section, and of its Estate and Gift Taxation sub-committee. In that role, she has personally presented proposals to tax officials at I.R.S., Treasury, and on Capitol Hill. She has been active in the California State Bar Estate Planning Law Advisory Committee, which participates in certifying specialists in trusts and estates and a member of the California State Bar Taxation Section Executive Committee.