The Fundamentals of Land Use and Zoning Law | Season 2 Episode 6

The Fundamentals of Land Use and Zoning Law | Season 2 Episode 6

Land use and zoning issues touch far more than developers and municipal officials. They affect real estate transactions, business expansion plans, estate and succession planning, investment decisions, and property rights throughout every community. In this episode, we are joined by Slade Miller, partner at Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, for a discussion on the fundamentals of land use and zoning law. We examine where municipalities derive their authority to regulate land use, the roles of governing bodies and zoning hearing boards, and the processes that govern land development and property use decisions. Slade also explains the distinctions between conditional uses, special exceptions, and variances, discussing when each applies and the practical considerations involved in seeking relief from a municipality or zoning hearing board. Whether you are an attorney, financial advisor, real estate professional, business owner, developer, municipal official, or property owner, this episode provides a practical overview of the legal framework that shapes how land is used, developed, and regulated. ~~~ 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 [https://www.nickdematteo.com/podcastproduction]

What the Pennsylvania Bar Association Actually Does – and Why It Matters | Season 2 Bonus Episode 1

In a special live episode of Death and Dirt recorded at the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Bar Association in Pittsburgh, the hosts sit down with the Executive Director of the PBA, Matthew M. Holliday, to discuss the role of the PBA in shaping the legal profession across Pennsylvania. The conversation explores how attorneys can become involved in meaningful statewide change through the support and structure of the PBA – from influencing legislation and court rules to building leadership skills, professional relationships, and long-term engagement within the profession. The episode also examines the relationship between local bar associations and the PBA, how the organization is structured internally, the connection between the bar association and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the many ways attorneys can get involved regardless of where they are in their careers. Whether you are a new attorney looking to build connections or an experienced practitioner interested in leadership and advocacy, this episode provides an inside look at how lawyers across Pennsylvania work together to strengthen both the profession and the legal system itself. Links: PBA Press Release – Pennsylvania Bar Association Names Next Executive Director (Nov. 14, 2022) [https://www.pabar.org/site/News-and-Publications/News/News-Releases/2022/November/Pennsylvania-Bar-Association-Names-Next-Executive-Director⁠] Matt’s article in the May/June 2026 issue of PennsylvaniaLawyer [⁠https://www.pabar.org/site/News-and-Publications/Pennsylvania-Lawyer-Magazine/Current-issues-in-pdf-and-e-dition-format] ~~~ 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 [https://www.nickdematteo.com/podcastproduction]

Life of a Dirt Lawyer: Property Fights, Pitfalls & Consumer Protection | Season 2 Episode 5

What does a real estate lawyer actually do? In this episode of Death and Dirt, attorney Glenn Smith joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a dirt lawyer. We discuss seller disclosure claims, contractor disputes, partition actions, neighbor conflicts, fraudulent deed transfers, and the many ways property problems become legal problems. Part substantive knowledge, part stories from the trenches, and full of practical insight —this episode explores where land, law, and life collide. ~~~ 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 [https://www.nickdematteo.com/podcastproduction]

The Legal System Behind Homeownership—and Reforming Discriminatory Deeds | Season 2 Episode 4

In this episode of Death and Dirt, we sit down with Marshal Granor, a leading voice in community association law and one of the principal drafters of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Planned Community Act. Marshal brings a rare combination of legal, development, brokerage, and management experience, offering a comprehensive perspective on how private communities are structured and governed. We explore the foundations of private real estate governance—from the historical origins of deed covenants to the modern statutory frameworks that govern planned communities, condominiums, and cooperatives. Marshal also shares insight into Pennsylvania’s legislative landscape, including his leadership in developing Act 54 of 2023, which allows property owners to formally repudiate discriminatory deed restrictions and reinforces their unenforceability under state law. He breaks down how these systems function in practice for lawyers, developers, and property owners alike, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand the legal infrastructure behind common interest communities and the broader landscape of real estate law in Pennsylvania. ~~~ 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 [https://www.nickdematteo.com/podcastproduction]

Act 50: New Rules for Intestate Deaths and Small Estates | Season 2 Episode 3

Pennsylvania probate law changed in a big way with Act 50 of 2025, and in this episode of Death and Dirt, the hosts talk with Bryan Tate, York County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, about what the new law means. Bryan explains the practical impact of Act 50, including raising the limit that allows banks to release certain funds to family members without opening a probate estate. The conversation also explores intestate succession, how heirless estates were previously handled, and how the law now allows those rare estates to support local community foundations. Bryan also discusses the unique jurisdictional issues of the Office of the Register of Wills. ~~~ 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 [https://www.nickdematteo.com/podcastproduction]