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Pierro, Connor & Strauss Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers®

Recognition for Estate & Trust Planning, Elder Law, Litigation and Tax Law

New York – Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC is proud to have six attorneys recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

The awards were announced August 21 by Best Lawyers®, regarded since 1983 as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Best Lawyers® lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation for specific practice areas. Approximately 5% of lawyers in the United States are chosen, reflecting the selectivity and credibility of the results.

2026 Best Lawyers in America® – Capital Region, NY
Louis W. Pierro, Founding Partner is honored for the 19th year in four practice areas: Elder Law, Litigation- Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates and Tax Law.

Aaron E. Connor, Managing Partner, is honored in the practice areas of Elder Law, and Litigation -Trusts and Estates. It is Mr. Connor’s 2nd year of recognition by Best Lawyers®.

Arkley L. Mastro, Jr., Senior Counsel, is honored for the 2nd year for his practice in Trusts and Estates.

2026 Best Lawyers in America® – New York, NY
Peter J. Strauss, Senior Counsel, is honored for the 19th year in the practice areas of Elder Law, Litigation- Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates.

Anthony K. Khatchoui, Counsel, for Trusts and Estates, and Elder Law.

2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® -practicing fewer than 10 years
Patricia T. Whelan, Associate Attorney, is recognized for the first time by Best Lawyers® as Ones to Watch in America, 2026 Edition, in the fields of Elder Law, and Trusts and Estates. She practices in the Capital Region office.

“This honor reflects not only the commitment of our individual attorneys, but the strength of our entire team in helping families protect what matters most: their loved ones, their legacies, and their futures,” said Pierro.

“This recognition underscores our firm’s unwavering dedication to guiding families through life’s most important transitions with skill, compassion, and integrity,” said Connor.

In 2025, Pierro, Connor & Strauss was recognized for the third consecutive year by Best Lawyers® as National Tier I Law Firm for Elder Law in New York City and the Capital Region.

Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC provides trusted counsel to clients in locations that include Albany and the Capital Region, New York City, Garden City, Ronkonkoma, Hudson, and Lake Placid, and also serves clients in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida and Hawaii.

For more information or to view awards letters:
Beth Wurtmann
(866)951-PLAN
[email protected]

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The OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) and its Effect on Estate Planning

At Pierro, Connor & Strauss, we stay closely attuned to developments in Washington, including the extension of the Trump-era tax cuts through the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These sweeping federal tax changes present significant opportunities—but only for those who plan ahead. With the right legal and financial strategies, you can reduce your tax burden, safeguard your legacy, and keep more of your wealth working for the people and causes you care about. As laws and policies shift at the federal, state, and local levels, having a trusted team to guide you through the complexity can make all the difference.

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Essential Planning Considerations for LGBTQ+ Adults

Planning for our later years is something we all need to think about, yet for LGBTQ+ adults, this process often comes with unique concerns and considerations that many traditional resources don’t address. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality care as we age.

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Unlocking the Power of Trusts in Estate Planning

Often people start an estate plan with a will, providing for your loved ones after you have passed away by designating who should receive your property, money, retirement accounts and life insurance policies. But have you considered the power of trusts in securing your estate? In this article, discover how they offer complex options all in one place to customize your plan for probate avoidance, flexibility, asset protection, tax savings and even charitable giving.

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6 Facets of Estate Planning That LGBTQ+ Couples Should Know

Estate planning is an important consideration for all couples. However, for LGBTQ+ couples (or former couples), it may be more important than they realize to review their circumstances and see whether they have an estate plan in New York that accurately reflects their wishes.

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Asset Transfers and Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts

By: Richard S. Rothberg, Esq.

For wealthy families who wish to transfer assets from one generation to the next while achieving significant tax savings, an intentionally defective grantor trust may be an excellent solution.

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Estate Tax Law Changes – What To Do Now

By: Louis W. Pierro, Esq.

The opportunity to make proper use of the present $11,700,000 Federal Gift Tax exemption, and the opportunity to fund and sell to Grantor Trusts, form and fund Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, fund Qualified Personal Residence Trusts and other planning techniques, may be gone in a matter of days.

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Advisory: Drastic Changes to the Estate and Gift Tax System – TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

By: Louis W. Pierro, Esq.

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How to Create an Estate Plan That Includes Your Pet

Pets are members of the family, so it is important to consider how to provide for them in your estate plan just as you would the human family members. 

While we may think of pets as part of our family, the law considers them to be property. This means that you cannot leave anything in your will directly to a pet. The following are some steps to take to make sure your pet is protected: 

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