Death and Dirt

• Fiduciary Duties, Legal Deserts, and the Future of Mentorship | Season 1 Episode 11

  In this episode of Death and Dirt, we’re joined by Alison T. Smith, a leading trusts and estates attorney and past Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section. Alison shares practical insights from her work advising fiduciaries on their roles, responsibilities, and how to set expectations with beneficiaries to reduce the risk of conflict and litigation. With extensive experience in fiduciary litigation and estate and trust administration, she offers a grounded perspective on managing risk and building transparency into the estate planning process.We also explore Alison’s pioneering work to expand access to estate planning services across Pennsylvania. As Chair of the Section, she launched the Wills Clinics initiative—a model for delivering free estate planning services to low-income individuals in the Commonwealth. Her leadership in this area earned her the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Louis J. Goffman Award for pro bono service. Alison reflects on the professional and personal impact of this work, the urgent need to address “legal deserts,” and why mentorship is essential to building a sustainable future for the trusts and estates bar.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠

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• Managing Risk: Insuring Real Estate Owned by a Trust or Estate | Season 1 Episode 10

  In this episode of Death and Dirt, we take a deep dive into the increasingly complex world of real estate ownership and insurance, particularly in the context of trusts and estates. Our guest, Kevin Thomas—Partner and Personal Risk Practice Leader at USI Insurance Services—brings over 20 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals on property risk, with a focus on flood and fire coverage.Together, we explore what happens when a property owner dies, how insurance policies are impacted by trusts and estate administration, and why extreme weather is reshaping the insurance landscape across the country. Whether you're an estate attorney, real estate professional, financial advisor, or property owner, understanding how property held in a trust or estate is insured—and what happens when things go wrong—is more relevant than ever. From immediate post-death steps to trustee responsibilities and insurability in high-risk states, this episode delivers real-world guidance for those navigating risk, coverage, and property ownership transitions.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠

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• Engaging the Bar: Justin Brown on the RPPT Section’s Role, Reach, and Value | Season 1 Episode 9

  In this episode of Death and Dirt, we sit down with Justin Brown, current Chair of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association—and one of the driving forces behind this podcast. Justin shares how Death and Dirt came to life, reflecting on his podcasting journey and what inspired him to help create a new platform for meaningful conversation in our practice areas. We also dive into his path to becoming Section Chair, his vision for the RPPT Section, and the initiatives he’s championing to increase engagement, mentorship, and collaboration among members. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Section, this episode offers an inside look at the leadership shaping our future.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠

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• Jean Marfizo King: Modernizing the Office of the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court | Season 1 Episode 8

  In this episode of Death and Dirt, we are joined by Jean Marfizo King, the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court for Dauphin County, who has been serving the county since 2011. Jean shares insights into the vital role these offices play in estate administration, guardianship proceedings, adoptions, and the issuance of marriage licenses, and how her leadership has modernized the way the office serves the public.We dive into how Jean has successfully implemented technology solutions to improve probate efficiency, file management, and the issuance of marriage licenses, transforming traditional processes into streamlined, accessible services for the community.Jean also discusses the broader impact of her work through her involvement in the Register of Wills and Clerks of the Orphans' Court Association of Pennsylvania, highlighting the common challenges faced by offices across the Commonwealth and the importance of collaboration and advocacy within this network.Whether you're a legal professional, court official, or just curious about how public service and technology intersect in estate and family law, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠

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• Understanding Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax with Chris Jones | Season 1 Episode 7

  In this episode, we’re joined by tax attorney Christopher A. Jones to break down the Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax. Chris covers the fundamentals before diving into the nuanced areas that often trip up real estate professionals, attorneys, and investors. Whether you’re structuring transactions, navigating exemptions, or simply looking to expand your tax knowledge, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the real estate business.Christopher A. Jones leads the Tax team of Ballard Spahr. He advises clients on a wide range of federal, state, and local tax matters. His practice includes advising clients regarding the tax consequences of complex transactions and associated planning opportunities. Additionally, Chris assists clients in federal, state, and local tax audits and controversies, and has represented clients in administrative appeals and in court. He provides clients tax advice in labor and other litigation matters, including withholding tax and information reporting issues.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠

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