Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC

09/11/2026

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in New York?

If you die without a valid Will, New York’s intestacy laws, not your wishes, determine who inherits your estate.

For spouses, children, unmarried partners, stepchildren, and other family members, the results may be surprising. Dying without a Will can also lead to additional court involvement, delays, expenses, and complications for your loved ones.

Our latest blog, written by attorney Adrianna Mihalek and law clerk Thomas Brosnihan, explains who inherits under New York law, what happens during the estate administration process, and why having an estate plan can help protect your wishes and loved ones.

Read the full blog:

Learn what happens when you die without a will in New York, including who inherits your assets and how state intestacy laws affect your estate and loved ones.

08/31/2026

A Saratoga tradition and a meaningful mission.

PCS was proud to sponsor and attend the 28th Annual Travers Soirée at Saratoga National Golf Club - an evening that brought together community leaders, supporters and partners in support of LifePath.

We’re especially proud to support LifePath’s work helping older adults remain independent, connected and engaged in their communities, including its Meals on Wheels program and other vital services throughout the Capital Region.

It was a wonderful evening of conversation, community and giving, and a privilege for our team to be part of it.

Photo from left: Beth Wurtmann, Frank Hemming, Amy McQuigge Hemming, Paula Pierro, Louis Pierro, Patricia Whelan.

08/28/2026

Cruising into the end of summer!

PCS attorneys Adrianna Mihalek, Avery Mickle and Patricia Whelan were happy to join the Albany County Bar Association Young Lawyers Committee for its Summer Networking Cruise aboard Dutch Apple Cruises. It was an evening of connecting with colleagues, welcoming summer associates, and enjoying the Capital Region from a different vantage point on the Hudson River. Thanks to the Young Lawyers Committee for putting together a terrific event!

08/20/2026

Seven Attorneys. Five Practice Areas. One Exceptional Team.

We’re proud to announce that seven Pierro, Connor & Strauss attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®.

Widely regarded as one of the most credible measures of legal distinction in the U.S., Best Lawyers recognition is based on extensive peer review within specific practice areas. Only approximately 5% of U.S. lawyers are recognized, while Ones to Watch honors early-career attorneys with fewer than 10 years in practice, representing less than 2% of early-career lawyers.

This year’s recognition spans Elder Law, Trusts & Estates, Litigation–Trusts and Estates, Tax Law and Real Estate Law, reflecting the depth of our team serving clients across our two flagship regions: Albany and the Capital Region, and the greater New York City region.

Congratulations to Louis Pierro, Aaron E. Connor, Peter J. Strauss, Arkley L. Mastro, Jr., Anthony K. Khatchoui, Patricia Whelan and Adrianna Mihalek!! We’re proud to see their experience and accomplishments recognized by their peers, and of the entire PCS team that makes these achievements possible.

Read the full award announcement here: https://www.pierrolaw.com/awards/pierro-connor-strauss-attorneys-honored-by-best-lawyers-2027/

08/05/2026

FREE SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING WEBINAR
September 15, 2026 | 7:00-8:00PM

Planning for someone with special needs involves more than preparing legal documents. It means creating a long-term strategy that helps protect their future while preserving access to essential government benefits.

Join Louis Pierro and Tommaso Marasco, estate planning attorneys at Pierro, Connor & Strauss and Bruce Maier, Financial Advisor, Managing Partner of Iron Birch Advisors, for this free educational webinar designed for families and the caregivers who support them.

Register today! https://www.pierrolaw.com/events/special-needs-planning-webinar/

07/17/2026

Is Your Estate Plan Truly Complete?

This week, attorney Patricia Whelan had the pleasure of speaking with residents at Pinnacle Living in Latham about what it takes to keep an estate plan up to date. From wills and powers of attorney to asset protection and legacy planning, it was a great discussion filled with thoughtful questions and engaging conversation. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Learn more about proactive estate planning here: https://www.pierrolaw.com/albany/

07/02/2026

Happy July 4th from Pierro, Connor & Strauss!

As we celebrate our nation's 250 years of freedom, this July 4th is also a reminder of the importance of protecting the people and values that matter to us most.

Join us this Saturday, for a special holiday episode of Life Happens Radio. Hosts and attorneys Aaron Connor, Tom Marasco, and Patricia Whelan explore the liberty that comes with thoughtful estate planning and how having a plan in place can help preserve independence, protect your future, and provide lasting peace of mind.

Tune in Saturday, July 4 at 9:00AM live on the radio at 810 AM or 103.1 FM or listen online at https://wgy.iheart.com/

**Please note that our offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.

06/29/2026

Caring for an aging parent can feel overwhelming. Having the right legal plan in place can help reduce stress and ensure your loved one’s wishes are protected.

In our latest blog, “The Family Caregiver’s Legal Checklist: 10 Things to Do Now,” we share important steps caregivers should consider, including reviewing essential documents, organizing important information, and planning ahead for future care needs. As you navigate this process, our experienced elder law attorneys can provide valuable guidance and help ensure each step is handled properly.

Read the full checklist and learn how taking action today can help your family feel more prepared for tomorrow:

Discover the key legal documents and planning steps every family caregiver should know to help protect aging parents and prepare for future care needs.

06/18/2026

At Pierro, Connor & Strauss, helping families achieve peace of mind is at the heart of everything we do.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL:
"My wife and I completed the "core four" estate documents with Pierro Law, including a trust.... The entire process was fluid, thorough, and attentive, with all counsel approachable if clarification was needed. Considering the attorneys' excellent knowledge base and experience, this firm is highly recommended for all estate issues."

We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us every day. Whether you're protecting assets, preparing for long-term care, or creating a legacy for future generations, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Ready to start the conversation? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation: https://www.pierrolaw.com/contact/

06/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Trust Administration Workshop on June 9!

With more than 70 attendees, our founding partner Louis Pierro was joined by Gretchen Guenther, CPA of Teal Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs PC and Michael Bates of Trustco Bank for an informative discussion on the responsibilities of trustees and the practical challenges that often arise during trust administration.

If you were unable to attend, or would like to continue the conversation, we’re pleased to announce our next Trust Administration Workshop on September 17 at 12pm at the Capital Region Chamber.

Register today: https://www.pierrolaw.com/events/trust-administration-workshop/