Biography
Jon has been practicing trust and estate law in Maryland for over twenty-six years. During that time, he has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of meeting each client’s individual needs, and for helping clients and their loved ones navigate difficult transitions both through sensitive planning and the conscientious administration of estates and trusts. He brings a sophisticated understanding of estate and gift planning – including marital issues, business succession, and unusual assets – and estate and trust administration to Franke Beckett’s clients.
Jon is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”), and a past Chair of the Estate and Trust Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association (“MSBA”). He is committed to improving the accessibility and equity of trust and estate law, and is actively involved in Maryland legislative matters. In that capacity, Jon has played a major role in the development of Maryland’s elective share statute, the addition of exemption portability to the Maryland estate tax, the development of procedures for the remote execution of documents during the pandemic, and other aspects of the State’s estate, trust, and taxations statutes.
Jon speaks and writes frequently about estates and trusts topics including, among others, spousal rights in inheritance, legislation impacting Maryland estate and trust law, Will and trust drafting, and planning strategies. He is a member of the Real Property, Trust and Estate Section of the American Bar Association and the Estate and Trust and Taxation Sections of the MSBA. He is listed in Maryland SuperLawyers.
Jon received his JD and MA in Public Policy Studies from Duke University, and his BA from Colorado College. A native of Bethesda, he has lived in and near Annapolis for almost thirty years.
Colorado College, 1986
Bachelor of Arts, Political Economy
Duke University School of Law, 1992
Juris Doctor
Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, 1992
Master of Arts in Public Policy