Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC

06/05/2026

The Latest in Elder Law and Special Needs

We are proud to announce that two of our esteemed estate planning attorneys, Louis Pierro and Peter Strauss, have recently published articles in the latest edition of the New York State Bar Association Elder Law and Special Needs Journal.

Lou’s article, “Demystifying Trust Protectors in New York: Building Flexibility Into Irrevocable Trusts,” was co-authored by attorney Britt Burner, and explores how trust protectors can add meaningful flexibility to otherwise irrevocable estate planning structures.

Peter’s article, “Medical Aid in Dying in New York: A New Right for Persons Near the End of Life,” examines the evolving legal landscape surrounding end-of-life decision-making in New York.

At Pierro, Connor & Strauss we remain committed to providing thoughtful analysis and practical guidance on complex elder law and estate planning issues, helping clients navigate with clarity and confidence.

Both articles are available now under "Journal Articles" here: https://www.pierrolaw.com/resources/

05/22/2026

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Our founding partner, Louis Pierro, presented “The Louis A. Pierro Award” to a Columbia County high school senior who demonstrates strong leadership and community service skills. Students are nominated through their school administrators and guidance counselors. The Louis A. Pierro award winner is also presented with a $1,000 scholarship.

“Thanks to the Columbia County Youth Bureau for an excellent event recognizing outstanding high school seniors from all the schools in the county, and for honoring my father with the memorial Louis A Pierro Youth Leadership Award,” Lou said. “My dad dedicated his career to youth work, starting in FDR’s National Youth Administration and culminating with his service as Deputy Director of the NYS Division for Youth. He founded the County Youth Bureau, and continued to enrich the lives of local children throughout his life.”

Photos credit: Lance Wheeler

05/20/2026

Team PCS had a great time hitting the lanes at Saratoga Strike Zone on May 18 for the Hi-5 Sports bowling fundraiser! We were proud to support Hi-5 Sports, an incredible organization that provides adaptive sports programming for children and young adults with disabilities, creating opportunities for inclusion, confidence, and fun on and off the field.

A big thank you to Chris and Jodi Eaves for organizing this fun event and to everyone who bowled, cheered, and helped support such a meaningful cause. It was a fantastic night of teamwork for a truly important mission!

(Group photo from left: Beth Wurtmann, Olivia Vecchio, Avery Mickle, Frank Hemming, Amy Hemming, Lucas, Theo Sofi, Patricia Whelan)

05/08/2026

A great night for an even greater cause.

Louis Pierro, our Founding Partner, is proud to have attended the 3rd Annual Bootlegger’s Ball this week, hosted by MHA of Columbia Greene at Anthony's Banquet Hall in Leeds, NY! It was an inspiring evening dedicated to raising funds that support and expand mental health and total wellbeing across our community.

Pierro, Connor & Strauss is honored to have been a sponsor of this important event and to stand alongside so many committed advocates working to make a difference. Lou was joined by Paula Jordan Pierro, and James and Gina Armstrong.

05/01/2026

Pierro, Connor & Strauss is proud to announce that five of our attorneys have been named to the 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, an honor awarded to only the top attorneys in New York through a rigorous, peer-reviewed selection process. Join us in celebrating -

Super Lawyers:
Louis Pierro, Founding Partner
Aaron Connor, Managing Partner

Rising Stars:
Frank Hemming, Partner
Tommaso Marasco, Associate Attorney
Patricia Whelan, Associate Attorney

Learn more here: https://www.pierrolaw.com/awards/pierro-connor-strauss-attorneys-named-to-2026-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars-lists/

04/23/2026

We’re proud to welcome four talented paralegals to our growing team at Pierro, Connor & Strauss!

Paralegals play a vital role in delivering exceptional client service, supporting attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, managing case details, and helping ensure every matter moves forward efficiently and thoughtfully.

Say hello to (from left):
Theo Sofi, who joins our Trusts & Estates Litigation team, including guardianships
Yogeeta Shiwdin, based in our New York City office, assisting attorneys across a wide range of legal matters
Brittany Bardin, dedicated to document ex*****on and
Katerina Hines, supporting Estate Administration

We’re excited to have you all on board!
Learn more about our team here: https://www.pierrolaw.com/the-firm/our-staff/

04/17/2026

Partner Frank Hemming, along with attorneys Ethan Van Vorst, Avery Mickle, and Patricia Whelan, had the opportunity to attend the annual Albany County Bar Association Court of Appeals Dinner, held at the Albany Cap Center.

This signature event brings together members of the legal community for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration of the profession, while honoring New York State’s highest court.

Pierro, Connor & Strauss is proud to be part of such a strong and dedicated legal community and always value opportunities like this to connect and reflect on the important work being done across New York.

03/31/2026

Are you ready to hear from the leaders shaping the future of aging, disability services, and long-term care in New York?

Join us at the 31st Annual Elder Law Forum, where Pierro, Connor & Strauss convenes top voices in healthcare, government, advocacy, law, and finance to address today’s most urgent challenges and solutions.

Reserve your spot for timely insights on policy and funding, access to home and facility care, elder financial abuse, workforce pressures, and the evolving legal and financial landscape impacting New York’s most vulnerable residents.
https://www.pierrolaw.com/events/annual-elder-law-forum/

Not pictured: Sandra Sullivan-Smith, Executive Director, Our Lady Of Mercy Life Center, St. Peter's Health Partners

03/26/2026

Congratulations to the New York Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association on a fantastic conference, “Chartering the Future of Care,” held Wednesday at the New York City Bar Association!

We’re proud to share that Founding Partner, Louis Pierro presented on Medicaid and Long-Term Care Pathways to an engaged and thoughtful audience, joined by Tommaso Marasco, attorney in our Manhattan office.

Pierro, Connor & Strauss was honored to be a sponsor and to support these incredible professionals dedicated to aging life care and advocacy.

03/20/2026

Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your assets and preparing for long-term care.

In our latest blog, How to Use a Trust in Medicaid Planning, Partner Frank Hemming explains how the most effective trust strategy, a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), can help you preserve your estate while still qualifying for Medicaid. Learn the key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how income-only trusts work, and why timing matters when planning for Medicaid eligibility. With the right approach, you can safeguard your legacy for your loved ones while maintaining financial stability.

Read the full blog here:

Discover how irrevocable, testamentary, and supplemental needs trusts can safeguard your assets, help you qualify for Medicaid, and ensure your family’s financial security.