Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning

Hosted by Wiggin and Dana LLP's Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning with Wiggin and Dana LLP, the show where you can learn high-level estate planning techniques in a manner that is accessible and understandable. This is the show where CPA’s, Insurance Professionals, Investment Bankers, Trust Companies, CFP’s, and more can firm up on their understanding of estate planning strategies so that they can better guide their clients to make wise decisions with their legacy. Future Focused is hosted by Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear, Partners of the Private Client Services department at Wiggin and Dana, LLP, with the aim of preserving the wealth that a family has worked so hard to create, we pride ourselves in offering value driven solutions and results. Head on over to Wiggin and Dana’s Private Client Services page where you can subscribe to this show on your favorite podcast platforms, share episodes with your clients, and follow our highly talented, creative, and experienced lawyers on LinkedIn for even more great insight.

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60 recent

May 28, 202619 min

Ep. 66 – The Lifecycle of Art Ownership: Key Legal, Tax, and Practical Considerations for Collectors

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes Kenley Stark, Counsel in the Private Client Services Department at Wiggin and Dana, for an in-depth conversation about the complex lifecycle of art ownership. Together, they delve into the many stages collectors face—from the initial acquisition to the eventual sale or transfer—revealing how each step brings its own set of complex legal, financial, and logistical challenges that go far beyond the simple act of buying art. Michael and Kenley emphasize the necessity of thoroughly reviewing sale documentation to safeguard title, ensure authenticity, and understand risk exposure. They also discuss the critical roles of art advisors, the complexities of physically taking possession of art, and why securing the right insurance and storage solutions is essential for protecting both the artwork and the owner's investment.

May 12, 202615 min

Ep. 65 - When AI Walks Into the Estate Planning Meeting

How is artificial intelligence reshaping estate planning discussions, and where does it fall short?In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear examines the growing role of AI in the estate planning process, as clients increasingly arrive with AI‑generated strategies in hand. While these tools can help simplify complex concepts and spark creative thinking, Michael highlights the risks of false precision, missing context, and inadequate risk assessment. He encourages listeners to approach AI insights with a critical eye, asking the right questions, testing real‑world applicability, and understanding the limits of technology, especially when it comes to tax compliance, document validation, and data privacy.

March 10, 202625 min

Ep. 64 – PPLI in Practice: A Conversation with Carl Peterson

Gain insights into how high‑net‑worth families are leveraging Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) in their long‑term planning strategies in the latest episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning. Hosts Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls sit down with Carl Peterson of Lindberg & Ripple to break down what PPLI really is, who it’s designed for, and why it’s gaining traction among investors with $5 million or more in investable assets. Carl tackles common misconceptions, such as whether existing assets can be moved directly into a policy or how much investment control an owner can retain, while highlighting the significant tax advantages and administrative efficiencies that PPLI can offer. Tune in for a clear, practical overview of one of today’s most powerful estate planning tools.

February 24, 202635 min

Ep. 63 – The Human Side of Planning with Brian Lasher

In this episode of Future Focused, host Michael Clear sits down with Brian Lasher, Managing Director at Euclid Harding, to explore why planning so often stalls – and what it takes to move forward with clarity and confidence.Brian shares a human‑centered perspective on estate and succession planning, challenging the idea that these issues are primarily technical or tax-driven. He explains how fear, uncertainty, identity and unspoken expectations often create the real obstacles for families, business owners and leadership teams alike.Together, Michael and Brian discuss why clarity matters before documents, how unaddressed blind spots quietly erode value and trust, and why succession planning is ultimately about people, not spreadsheets.This episode is not about planning for the end it’s about planning for continuity, leadership, and confidence across generations.

February 10, 202618 min

Ep. 62 – Modern Board Membership with R.J. Kornhaas: Duties, Risks, and Opportunities

In this episode, host Michael Clear welcomes back Corporate Partner R.J. Kornhaas to unpack the critical responsibilities and risks associated with modern board membership. Michael and R.J. supply actionable insights on the legal and fiduciary duties board members must uphold, how to assess an organization before joining, and the questions every prospective director should ask. They share real-world advice for navigating boardroom dynamics and preparing for leadership roles, including when it might be appropriate to step down. Discover how effective governance and forward-thinking strategies can equip you to excel as a board member and make a lasting impact within an organization.

January 21, 202628 min

Ep. 61 – Passing on Values with Legacy Letters: A Conversation with Allison Donaldson

In the latest episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes Allison Donaldson, Certified Financial Planner at HTG Investment Advisors. Michael and Allison discuss the interplay of legacy letters, also known as ethical wills, in estate planning and emphasize how these non-binding documents can convey personal values, stories, and intentions, helping to avoid family conflicts and clarify estate planning decisions. The conversation hits on potential issues around timing, level of detail and audience when forming a legacy letter, but ultimately the most important consideration is to get started. Whether you’re just starting your estate planning journey or looking to deepen its impact, this episode offers practical insights to help you create a legacy that truly reflects who you are.

January 6, 202623 min

Ep. 60 – Looking Back, Planning Ahead: Estate Planning in 2026

In the latest episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls discuss the implications of the OBBBA legislation on estate and gift planning strategies, including why it may be more tax-efficient to gift during your lifetime as opposed to transferring wealth at death. They also delve into the connection between trusts and divorce, highlighting recent troubling court cases. Michael and Erin encourage listeners to remain proactive in their estate planning as laws and strategies evolve.

December 17, 202526 min

Ep. 59 – Elevating the Practice from Within: In Conversation with Dan Maloney Part II

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes back Dan Maloney, Senior Practice Manager, discussing the introduction of "Will Power," an automation bot designed to streamline the drafting process from preparation of documents to task tracking and data collection. An example of robotic process automation, this innovative tool significantly reduces overall time spent on redundant and highly manual tasks, integrating seamlessly with existing systems to enhance workflow efficiency. From development through to implementation, the focus was always to enhance accuracy, minimize errors, and deliver faster, more predictable results to clients. In pursuit of these objectives, Dan and Michael also explore emerging technologies and innovative solutions to further elevate the practice of Private Client Services.

December 2, 202523 min

Ep. 58 – Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Probate Litigation with Matt Brown

In this episode, host Michael Clear is joined by Matt Brown, a Litigation Partner at Wiggin and Dana, to explore the human side of probate litigation. Their conversation sheds light on the emotional challenges that often accompany major life events, such as the loss of a loved one. They emphasize the value of thorough preparation and maintaining composure in the courtroom, underscoring how honesty and clear communication can strengthen credibility. The discussion also examines the increasing role of mediation in resolving disputes outside of court and highlights the importance of proactive planning to reduce potential conflicts, while acknowledging that some disputes may be inevitable.

November 18, 202524 min

Ep. 57 – Planning Strategies for Successful Business Transitions with Daniela Spanos

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes Corporate Partner Daniela Spanos to dive into planning strategies tailored for founder-owned businesses navigating an exit or a transition to a new form of ownership. They examine the key drivers behind seller decisions, such as liquidity needs and retirement goals, and explore how different buyer types, including private equity firms and strategic acquirers, shape those choices. The conversation highlights the critical role of counsel in structuring incentives, like equity retention after sale, and in addressing common tax-related diligence challenges. Michael and Daniela stress the importance of engaging trusted advisors early to manage complexities and ensure alignment with long-term business objectives.