Clay R. Stevens retired from the practice of law on March 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished career in complex estate planning. As founder and Managing Partner of Strategic Planning Law Group, he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s culture, mentoring rising leadership, and establishing a standard of excellence in client service and technical expertise.
Clay will continue to impart his wisdom to the next generation of lawyers as a professor at Chapman University Fowler School of Law and other local law schools.
Clay’s legacy at Strategic Planning Law Group reflects both his dedication to clients and his leadership in fostering a collaborative, skilled team of advisors. The firm’s partners deeply appreciate Clay’s contributions to the practice and remain committed to carrying forward his values in their work.
Publications
- The Reverse Defective Grantor Trust (“Trusts & Estates” – October 2012)
- To Bypass or Not to Bypass, That is the Question: Using a Formula General Power of Appointment Clause to Address New Estate Planning Uncertainties (“California Trusts and Estates Quarterly” – Spring 2011)
- Using a Personal Residence DGT to Capitalize on Reduced Property Values (“Practical Tax Strategies/Taxation for Accountants” – June 2010)
- The Family Charitable Remainder Trust: Achieving Wealth Transfer and Charitable Goals in an Income Tax-Efficient Manner (“Taxes-The Tax Magazine” – May 2010)
Speaking Engagements
- FPA Norcal Conference
- Orange County Bar Association
- University of California Irvine School of Business
- National Business Institute
Media/Press Releases
- Los Angeles Times
- Business Week
- Trusts & Estates
- California Trusts & Estates Quarterly
- Taxes – The Tax Magazine
- Practical Tax Strategies
- Bloomberg.com
- Financial Advisor Magazine
- CNBC.com
Notable Accomplishments
- AV-rated attorney from Martindale-Hubbell
