Welcome to the Heirs' Property Practitioner Network (HPPN), a community of dedicated attorneys working to support heirs' property owners in navigating the complexities of generational real estate ownership.
Mission
Our mission is to build and sustain a healthy ecosystem of legal service providers who are committed to promoting justice and preserving generational wealththrough their work either directly with heirs' property owners as clients, in support of those legal providers, or in the work to change policy to better support heirs’ property owners.
Our Approach
At HPPN, we understand the challenging nature of this legal practice – from navigating complex legal issues and family dynamics to working with clients who are land-rich but cash-poor. We recognize the importance of offering support and resources to attorneys in this field to help them overcome these challenges and thrive in their practice.
Finally, we recognize the need for policy change to support both the attorneys working in this field and the heirs’ property owners.
Our Origins
The Heirs' Property Practitioner Network began as a grassroots initiative with monthly virtual meetings aimed at fostering a sense of community, developing practical skills, and providing strategic advice on client matters. In the Fall of 2023, we held our first in-person convening, focusing on the well-being of attorneys as much as on skills building and legal practices.
This retreat was made possible through the tireless efforts of HPPN members, the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School, HeirShares, the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation and Wake Forest University School of Law, with funding from the USDA National Agricultural Library.
Our Future
As we continue to grow and evolve, the Heirs' Property Practitioner Network is engaged in organizational development to define our mission, vision, and activities. We are not currently a referral service, but rather, our focus is on building a strong foundation for attorneys to thrive in this dynamic and impactful area of law, and to recommend policy change where appropriate.
Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of heirs' property owners and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Together, we can create a brighter future for all those involved in this vital work. If you would like to join the network.
Our Community
Currently, the Heirs' Property Practitioner Network brings together over 100 attorneys from 21 states, engaged in private practice and nonprofit law firms across the country, as well as academics and other more policy-oriented attorneys. Our network is hosted by the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School and HeirShares, under the leadership of Fran Miller and Mavis Gragg.
A leadership team made up of members of HPPN leads the network. Together, we are committed to driving positive change for heirs' property owners and the legal professionals who serve them.
Support HPPN
Interested parties can play a crucial role in supporting the Heirs' Property Practitioner Network (HPPN) and its mission. Lawyers or other practitioners with expertise in succession planning, creating business entities, agriculture law, real estate, small practice management, and unique legal service financing are highly desired to provide education and mentoring to our network of attorneys. Additionally, organizations offering legal tech tools are welcome to provide free or discounted access, enabling our attorneys to leverage technology in their work.
However, the greatest area of need lies in funding to pay for legal services. There is a significant demand for legal assistance from heirs' property owners who are unable to afford the services, and it is essential to ensure that our attorneys can sustain healthy law practices while offering their expertise. Therefore, financial support to cover the costs of providing legal services is greatly appreciated and would have a profound impact on the lives of heirs' property owners.
By joining forces with the Heirs' Property Practitioner Network, interested parties can make a meaningful difference in promoting justice, preserving generational wealth, and supporting our attorneys who are dedicated to serving heirs' property owners. Together, we can create a more equitable and empowered future for all those involved in the dynamic field of heirs' property law.