Overview

Nic serves as of counsel in the firm’s Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation practice group.  He brings a depth of experience with a focus in the areas of estate planning, tax planning, high-net-worth planning, business succession planning, charitable giving, special needs planning, and trust and estate administration. 

Most of Nic’s practice is centered around efficient tax planning strategies for individuals, families and family owned businesses. Specifically, Nic has successfully navigated complex qualified fund planning allocations for clients after the limitation of lifetime stretch IRAs post the 2020 Secure Act through the utilization of charitable planning. He has also successfully assisted numerous family businesses through strategic tax generational lifetime transfers. Nic advises clients in regard to inter vivos and testamentary planning techniques with a special focus on generation skipping transfer tax planning, timed defective trust funding, complex and rolling grantor retained annuity trust plans, and beneficiary deemed owner trust toggle provisions based on a balance of estate, gift and income tax scenarios.

Nic also safeguards the privacy of athletes, business owners, media personalities, and other high profile clients by employing blind trust ownership strategies.

Known for his dedication to pro bono work, Nic received the Ohio Northern Pro Bono Service Recognition Award in 2011. He also received the Volunteer Attorney of the Year for the 18th Judicial District of Arkansas in 2013 and the Legal Aid of Arkansas Pro Bono Service Award in 2017.

Education

  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law  (LL.M., 2021)
  • Ohio Northern University College of Law  (J.D., 2011)
  • Duquesne University  (B.M., 2009)

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • Arkansas
  • U.S. Tax Court

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Allegheny County Bar Association

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Edition
  • Legal Aid of Arkansas, Pro Bono Service Award, 2017
  • 18th Judicial District of Arkansas, Volunteer Attorney of the Year, 2013
  • Ohio Northern Pro Bono Service Recognition Award, 2011

Community

  • The Pittsburgh Foundation, Young Professional Advisors Committee, Member
  • Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, Former Board Member
  • Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, Former Board Member