Meet the People Behind the Practice

Our team is made up of experienced attorneys and dedicated professionals who share one mission: to make your legal journey clear, manageable, and tailored to your needs. Each person brings not only knowledge, but also genuine care for the families and businesses we serve.

Meet Our Attorneys

Jay R. Hagerman

Slade R. Miller

Michael H. Marks

Daniel T. Reimer

Philip D. Luciano II

Bryan D. Sack

Caroline C. Sczweck

Beata I. Gray

Meet Our Attorneys of Counsel

Jay L. Fingeret

Ilene H. Fingeret

Russell C. Miller

James H. Limbaugh

Meet Our Support Staff

Lexi Dhillon

Christy Epstein

Nicole Grady

Amber McMaster

Kristen Gutonski

Leia Werner

Michael Yoest

Geri Goyke

Nancy Rupert

Adam Heald

Let’s talk about your future.

We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.

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Jay R. Hagerman, Esq.

Partner

Jay Hagerman prides himself on being an attorney who makes life’s headaches disappear. As a partner at Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. his transactional law practice encompasses estate planning, estate and trust administration, elder law, real estate transfers, business startups and governance, contracts, and tax law. Whether clients are dealing with the grief caused by the passing of a loved one, the stress of selling a house, or navigating the complexities of starting a new business, Jay works to minimize anxiety and provide peace of mind.

Born and raised in Hampton Township in the North Hills of Allegheny County, Jay developed a passion for American history that led him to Gettysburg College, where he earned his degree in that field. During his college years, he had the privilege of working in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He went on to attend Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his studies on laws relating to wealth creation and preservation.

Jay began clerking at a law firm during his second year of law school and worked there as an associate attorney after graduation. Driven by his desire to serve the community he loves, he returned to his hometown of Hampton Township to open his own practice. He currently resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Jay was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 to 2021. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania (2011) and Florida (2010).

Slade R. Miller, Esq.

Partner

Slade R. Miller is a partner at Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. where he has established himself as one of the region’s leading estate planning and probate attorneys. After earning his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 2010, Slade began practicing law in 2011 and has since built a reputation for providing detail-oriented, results-focused legal representation.

Slade’s commitment to excellence has been recognized by his peers he was selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars list from 2019 through 2021, an exclusive recognition granted to top-rated attorneys after thorough evaluation. This distinction places him among the top young attorneys in Pennsylvania.

At Miller & Miller, Slade focuses on estate planning, probate, real estate law, and business law. He is known for his honest, down-to-earth approach and his willingness to guide clients toward the most cost-effective solutions even when it means recommending they handle certain matters themselves to save money. His practice philosophy centers on truly understanding what clients want before offering advice, then developing personalized strategies that address their unique vision of success.

Clients praise Slade for his exceptional attention to detail, hard work, and ability to navigate complex legal challenges with skill and professionalism. His dedication to going above and beyond has earned him lasting relationships with the families and businesses he serves throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Michael H. Marks, Esq.

Attorney

Michael H. Marks has been a trusted elder law attorney in Pittsburgh since 1979, bringing over four decades of nuanced experience to complex elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid matters. After earning both his J.D. and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh where he was inducted into the Order of Barristers and Beta Gamma Sigma Michael founded Marks Elder Law, which is now part of Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C.

Michael understands that every family’s situation is unique. He listens carefully to clients’ needs and goals, then crafts customized legal tools  including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and special needs trusts to provide protection and peace of mind. His client-centered philosophy, honed through years of guiding thousands of Pennsylvania families, ensures practical, compassionate solutions tailored to personal circumstances.

He is particularly skilled in handling Medicaid eligibility, long-term care planning, and special needs trust creation areas where precision and foresight are essential. Michael’s depth of knowledge and thorough approach help clients avoid legal pitfalls and safeguard their assets.

Beyond his legal achievements, Michael is known for his warmth and accessibility. He makes complex issues easy to understand, offering guidance with clarity and patience. Clients and professional peers alike value his trusted counsel and steady support during life’s transitions.

Daniel T. Reimer, Esq.

Attorney

Dan Reimer was raised in the North Hills of Pittsburgh and graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1993, where he served as a Research Editor for the Duquesne Law Review. His legal career began with several years as a prosecutor in both the Warren County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where he gained extensive trial experience, arguing cases before judges and juries, as well as handling appellate matters before the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania.

During his time in private practice, Dan concentrated on juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings, and represented indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases. At the request of the President Judge of Allegheny County, he served as coordinator of a group of conflict delinquency attorneys and participated in the committee that ultimately created the Office of Conflict Counsel. He also served on the Allegheny County Commission on Juvenile Justice following the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission’s investigation of the Luzerne County “Kids-for-Cash” scandal, where he helped review and assess best practices for the county’s juvenile justice system.

Dan also coached the North Allegheny High School Mock Trial Teams and served as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at Point Park University. In 2005, he was appointed Assistant Counsel to the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board, where he investigated and prosecuted judicial misconduct across the Commonwealth, including several high-profile Philadelphia County cases. He also served as the Board’s Open Records Officer.

Dan returned to Pittsburgh from Harrisburg in 2010 and has since focused his practice on estate planning and elder law. He has presented countless public workshops on asset protection and legacy planning and has been invited by financial advisors to speak to their clients. Dan is honored to provide trusted legal guidance in the very neighborhoods where he was raised. He currently lives in the North Hills with his wife, Carol, and his daughter, Hannah.

Philip D. Luciano II, Esq.

Attorney

Phil Luciano studied at Messiah College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Studies in 2008. Before attending Duquesne University School of Law in 2011, he lived in his hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a grant writer to rebuild and rehabilitate a community center in an abandoned church building. Through the grants he secured, sidewalks in the neighborhood were rebuilt and several community parks and programs were established, reflecting his early commitment to community service.

While at Duquesne, Phil gained extensive real estate experience working with the Urban Redevelopment Practicum and as an intern with Rice Energy. That internship opened doors after graduation, allowing him to work in the energy industry where he further developed his legal and real estate skills.

After relocating his family to the North Hills, Phil decided to refocus his legal practice on serving the community where he now lives. His background in real estate, energy law, and community development brings a unique perspective to his work at Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. where he assists clients with real estate transactions, estate planning, and business matters.

Phil’s dedication to both legal excellence and community service continues to define his practice, as he works to help individuals and families navigate complex legal issues while building stronger neighborhoods.

Bryan D. Sack, Esq.

Attorney

Before attending law school, Bryan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion (formerly Clarion University) in 2017. Between receiving his Bachelor’s Degree and attending law school, Bryan immersed himself in the field of Elder Law, primarily assisting clients in becoming eligible for Medical Assistance.

Bryan went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2022. Following law school, Bryan traveled back to the Pittsburgh area to achieve his goal of providing legal assistance to the community.

Bryan prides himself in connecting with clients and finding the best solutions to their concerns. Aside from practicing law, Bryan enjoys cheering on the big three Pittsburgh sports teams, spending time with his dog, Louie, and playing guitar.

Caroline C. Sczweck, Esq.

Attorney

Caroline, a Pittsburgh native, attended Vanderbilt University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Health, and Society and a Bachelor of Arts in History. After graduation, she was awarded the Keegan Traveling Fellowship where she had the opportunity to travel solo to twenty-three countries in six continents to study end of life care around the world through her self-designed study “Dignified Life and Death: a Global Perspective on End-of-Life Care and Decision-Making.” This experience provided a deeper understanding of how different cultures care for those at the end of life through the development of public policy, legal systems, hospitals, hospices, and religious practices.

Upon returning to the United States in 2016, she began a Master’s Degree in Bioethics from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota which she completed in 2018 while working as a Campus Minister in Pittsburgh. She then transitioned to the legal field and gained experience as a case specialist, paralegal, and managing paralegal.

Caroline’s passion for end-of-life care led her to begin law school at the Thomas R. Kline Duquesne School of Law where she graduated in 2025. While at Duquesne Kline, she found her niche in estates & trusts through the Wills and Health Care clinic leading her to her position at Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C.

Outside of work, Caroline serves on the Board of Directors for Move a Mountain Missions, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the homeless in Pittsburgh. She also serves as the social media coordinator for the Vanderbilt Alumni Pittsburgh Chapter.

Caroline lives with her husband and three kids (soon to be four) in Etna, Pennsylvania.

Beata I. Gray, Esq.

Attorney

Beata offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to Estate Planning and Estate Administration, ensuring clients’ needs are met with both legal precision and heartfelt attention.

Her professional journey provides a unique advantage. A graduate of Slippery Rock University (where she earned a B.A. Summa Cum Laude in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice), Beata dedicated several years to the mental health field before entering law. This experience cultivated a deep appreciation for the human dynamics involved in sensitive client matters, reinforcing the critical need for clear communication, trust, and meticulous planning—skills she directly applies to her legal practice today.

Beata subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Duquesne University Thomas R. Klein School of Law. She is committed to guiding clients through the often-complex process of securing their futures and legacies. Her practice involves developing comprehensive estate plans including Last Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Trusts as well as the full administration of estates when a loved one passes. She is driven by the conviction that having stellar, well-drafted documents is paramount to protecting a client’s assets, honoring their wishes, and ensuring a smooth process for their family.

Away from the office, Beata remains dedicated to continuous learning and community engagement. She enjoys spending time outdoors, jogging, reading, and working on home projects, and volunteers her time at the Humane Society, reflecting a commitment to service that extends well beyond her professional sphere. Beata is also fluent in Polish.

Jay L. Fingeret, Esq.

Of Counsel

Jay L. Fingeret brings more than 40 years of experience helping Pennsylvanians tackle their elder law and estate planning challenges. Whether clients are looking to draft a will, establish a plan to address long-term care expenses, or execute an advance directive regarding medical treatment, he develops unique solutions tailored to each individual’s circumstances rather than relying on boilerplate forms.

Jay’s personalized approach has earned him a reputation as a local leader in his practice areas. Many individuals and families first come to the firm after being referred by satisfied clients. Several area hospitals recommend Jay to families who require assistance with advance healthcare directives, power of attorney documents, or guardianship proceedings.

Jay is particularly knowledgeable about programs and services for families with developmentally disabled children. When service agencies fail to inform families about available resources, he knows how to seek out and obtain appropriate services to create supportive environments. He understands that estate planning and elder law involve more than just protecting assets and drafting documents with the right legal counsel, clients can ease burdens on themselves and their loved ones while establishing fitting legacies for the future.

Jay serves as Of Counsel to Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. where he continues to provide the knowledge, skill, and experience that put families in the best possible position for their futures.

Ilene H. Fingeret, Esq.

Of Counsel

Drawing on more than 15 years of experience as a trusts and estates attorney, Ilene H. Fingeret helps clients develop personalized plans to meet their particular goals. After taking time to discuss priorities and financial circumstances, she clearly explains options so clients can make informed decisions about their present and future needs. From there, Ilene prepares thorough, enforceable documents to achieve their objectives.

Ilene has extensive experience with challenging issues that have become increasingly prominent in recent years. She provides knowledgeable counsel to clients concerned about funding care for elderly parents while maintaining family assets and safeguarding their own estate plans. Families also rely on her to develop special needs trusts and other long-term methods to support disabled children financially after they reach adulthood. She assists in the management of these trusts after the beneficiary’s parents have passed away.

Proficient in all aspects of estate planning and administration, Ilene has steered multimillion-dollar estates through the probate process, handling complex tax preparation issues and the distribution of substantial assets to designated beneficiaries. She also represents parties in Orphans’ Court in litigation related to will contests and trust disputes, advocating on behalf of executors, administrators, trustees, and potential beneficiaries in a range of matters.

Ilene is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania (1978) and is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Federal Court – Western District. She earned her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 1973 and her B.A. in Economics Education from Penn State in 1966. She serves as Of Counsel to Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C.

Russell C. Miller, Esq.

Attorney/Partner

Russell C. Miller is a founding partner of Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. bringing decades of legal experience to estate planning, real estate law, and business matters throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. As one of the firm’s principal attorneys, Russell has built a practice focused on delivering efficient, practical legal solutions to individuals and businesses across the Commonwealth.

Russell’s approach to law is rooted in careful attention to detail and a commitment to understanding his clients’ long-term objectives. He believes that a strong vision is the basis of every successful strategy, and he works closely with clients to understand their goals before developing legal solutions. Whether establishing estate plans, handling real estate transactions, or advising on business matters, Russell focuses on results that reduce risk, protect assets, and advance his clients’ positions.

Russell earned his J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 1973 and his B.A. in Economics Education from Penn State in 1966. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Federal Court – Western District, where he has been a member since 1973.

At Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. Russell has helped establish the firm’s reputation as “The Legal Troubleshooters” a title that reflects the firm’s problem-solving approach and versatility across multiple practice areas. After working as an attorney at Anderson/Moreland & Bush from 1973 to 1977, Russell established his own practice, which evolved into the successful partnership that serves families and businesses throughout the region today.

James H. Limbaugh, Esq.

Attorney

James H. Limbaugh is an attorney with Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. where he assists clients with real estate law, probate, and family law matters. Jim brings a wealth of experience and a client-centered approach to his practice, helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most important legal decisions.

Jim’s practice encompasses a broad range of legal services, with particular focus on real estate transactions, estate planning and probate matters, and family law issues. He understands that legal matters often arise during challenging or transitional periods in people’s lives, and he approaches each case with both professionalism and sensitivity to his clients’ circumstances.

At Abernethy, Hagerman & Miller, P.C. Jim contributes to the firm’s reputation for providing personalized legal strategies that address clients’ unique needs. Whether assisting with a residential real estate closing, guiding families through the probate process, or helping clients resolve family law disputes, he is committed to delivering practical solutions and clear guidance.

Jim’s approach emphasizes open communication with clients, ensuring they understand their options and feel confident in the legal strategies being employed on their behalf. He takes pride in being accessible to clients and responsive to their concerns throughout the legal process, embodying the firm’s commitment to serving the citizens and businesses of Southwestern Pennsylvania with efficient, practical legal solutions.