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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode, host Erin Nicholls welcomes Victoria Fiengo, Private Client Services Associate, to discuss the complexities of self-dealing in private foundations. The discussion focuses on the importance of understanding the broad definition of disqualified persons to avoid impermissible self-dealing actions that the IRS would consider an abuse of its rules. In this vein, practitioners are reminded of the need for careful estate planning, particularly when considering private foundations as beneficiaries, as it can complicate estate administration. Tune in, as this episode serves as a guide for navigating numerous regulations surrounding private foundations and self-dealing.