Tucker Arensberg Law Attorney Elected Fellow to American College of Trust and Estate Council

During the Fall 2023 Meeting, the Board of Regents of the of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) elected Tucker Arensberg Estates & Trusts Attorney Nora Gieg Chatha to become a Fellow. This prestigious and highly esteemed recognition is a testament to Nora’s outstanding contributions to the practice of law. ACTEC membership is based on professional reputation, expertise in the fields of trusts and estates and on the basis of having made substantial contributions to these fields through lecturing, writing, teaching, and bar activities. Her election as a Fellow of ACTEC is a reflection of her exemplary achievements and dedication to the field.

Nora represents corporate fiduciary banks and trusts companies, individuals, and healthcare providers in all areas of estate & trust planning, administration, and litigation. Nora’s extensive knowledge of Orphans’ Court practice and fiduciary duties enables her to provide comprehensive representation in complex situations. With a background as legal counsel for the Pennsylvania State Medicaid (Medical Assistance) Agency, the Department of Human Services, and a Certified Elder Law Attorney, Nora uniquely is poised to advise clients in asset protection, tax minimization, special needs, public benefits, elder law, long-term care, and end-of-life planning.

Additionally, Nora is a sought-after speaker for various local community advocacy, outreach, and non-profit groups, and fiduciary organizations, including the Pennsylvania Bankers’ Association, the Fiduciary Education Foundation, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the National Business Institute, and the Trust Education Foundation’s Trust Advisors Forum. To learn more about Nora, click here.

ACTEC, an organization comprising nearly 2,400 trust and estate lawyers and law professors, elects members based on peer recognition of exceptional achievements in the field. The College serves as a nexus for top legal professionals, fostering mutual education, networking, and contributing to the advancement of trust and estate law.

The substantive areas of expertise within ACTEC encompass estate planning, probate and estate and trust administration, protective intervention and guardianship administration, transfer tax laws, income tax laws, elder law, charitable planning, employee benefit planning, asset protection, and fiduciary litigation.

In other Tucker Arensberg personel news, the firm announced the election and promotion of three attorneys – with one promoted to Shareholder status and the other two being named Senior Counsel attorneys.

The newly appointed attorneys are listed alphabetically by last name:

BRANDON O’CONNOR

A business attorney with a focus on guiding clients through the entire business life cycle, from startup ventures to buy/sell transactions, has been promoted to a Senior Counsel attorney. Specializing in various business transaction structures, including asset purchases, stock sales, and corporate reorganizations, Brandon has consistently provided invaluable counsel to businesses of all sizes and industries. He also serves as outside general counsel to numerous clients, advising them on a range of legal matters as they arise, including commercial financing, real estate transactions, contract review, and employment issues. Brandon’s impressive portfolio includes representing clients in complex multimillion-dollar buy/sell transactions, and navigating intricate legal matters such as eminent domain, franchise agreements, and state agency licensing. Furthermore, Brandon is an integral part of the firm’s Estates & Trusts practice group, where he offers comprehensive estate planning and administration services, demonstrating his commitment to understanding clients’ needs holistically. His dedication extends beyond his legal practice, as evidenced by his pro bono efforts in establishing a legal clinic for veterans.

CHRISTOPHER J. PARKER, JR.

A relentless and thorough litigator who consistently prioritizes client interests by building strong and trusting relationships and fostering open, transparent communication has been appointed to Shareholder status. His practice revolves around complex business litigation including assisting multi-employer funds and corporate clients in federal and state courts, and navigating intricate statutory and regulatory landscapes. Specializing in cases involving withdrawal liability, delinquent contributions, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, and various commercial and tort claims, Christopher has secured favorable decisions in federal and state appellate courts, including the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Pennsylvania Superior Court, and Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Known for his exceptional writing and persuasive oral advocacy skills, Christopher distinguishes himself within the legal community, consistently outworking opposition and overcoming obstacles to deliver positive client solutions.

WESTON P. PESILLO

Whether serving public or private clients, Weston understands client concerns and remains responsive to their needs and communications which has earned him the advancement to a Senior Counsel attorney position. As a valued member of the firm’s Estates & Trusts, Fiduciary Services & Risk Management, and Municipal & School Practice Groups, Weston has demonstrated exemplary skills as an attorney. In his estates and trusts practice, he represents individual and corporate fiduciaries in a variety of trust and guardianship matters, and crafts tailored estate plans for individual clients encompassing asset protection, wealth succession, special needs, and long-term care planning. Weston’s expertise extends to active practice before the Orphans’ Court, where he navigates clients through adjudications of incapacity, appointment of guardians, fiduciary allowances, confirmation of accounts, and complex estate and trust litigation matters. Additionally, in his municipal practice, Weston provides invaluable counsel to municipal clients, offering guidance on matters governed by the Pennsylvania Borough and Township Codes, Sunshine Act, Right-to-Know Law, and the Municipal Planning Code. His role involves assistance in ordinance and policy drafting, tax assessment appeals, zoning and land use approvals, and general litigation matters.

“These appointments represent the firm’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of client-focused legal representation,” said Irving Firman, the firm’s Managing Shareholder. “These lawyers are the embodiment of our client first mentality, and we are pleased to see them progress within the firm.”