Alison Smith named co-chair of McNees’ Estate Planning Group
January 7, 2026
Press Releases
PITTSBURGH (January 7, 2026) Alison Smith has been named co-chair of McNees’ Estate Planning Group, joining Vance Antonacci in leading the team. This marks the first female practice group appointment from the Pittsburgh office, effective January 1, 2026.
Alison, who joined the firm in 2024 after serving as chief counsel at PNC Bank, has more than 29 years of experience in fiduciary litigation, estate planning, and nonprofit law. Her practice spans advising corporate fiduciaries and banks on risk management, representing clients in Orphans’ Court proceedings, and guiding charitable organizations on governance and compliance matters. She also counsels individuals and businesses on estate and trust administration, succession planning, and charitable giving strategies.
The firm’s estate planning group comprises 12 professionals who assist individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations. Spanning across Pennsylvania, the group offers legal guidance on matters including wills, powers of attorney, business succession planning, trusts, and asset protection.
“Alison’s experience in fiduciary litigation and charitable planning complements our group’s focus on sophisticated estate planning strategies,” said Vance. “Her insight into risk management and nonprofit governance will be invaluable as we continue to help clients across the state navigate complex trust structures, succession planning, and charitable giving in a dynamic marketplace.”
A recognized leader in her field, Alison was elected a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in 2024, an honor reserved for attorneys who demonstrate exceptional integrity, experience, and contributions to the profession. ACTEC comprises approximately 2,500 lawyers nationwide.
Her experience in charitable planning is especially timely as Pittsburgh’s nonprofit sector continues to expand, with more than 500 organizations driving social impact and seeking sophisticated governance and succession strategies.
Alison’s appointment underscores McNees’ commitment to advancing women in leadership, with women now representing almost two-thirds of the firm’s leadership positions.
Beyond her practice, Alison has earned recognition for her pro bono efforts. The Pennsylvania Bar Association honored her with the Louis J. Goffman Award in 2023 and the Special Achievement Award in 2022 for creating estate planning clinics for low-income families and developing training programs for volunteer attorneys.
Alison is based in McNees’ Pittsburgh office and will continue to serve clients across Pennsylvania in matters involving fiduciary responsibility, estate planning, and charitable organizations.
###
McNees is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1935 with more than 150 attorneys representing businesses, associations, institutions, municipalities, and individuals. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Radnor, State College, and York, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Frederick and Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C.
