Blog Archives

Paralegal | britchey@sigmalegal.com
Brittany is a versatile paralegal with diverse experience across Estate Planning, Trusts, Business Law, Civil and Criminal matters, Elder and Family Law. Her broad background equips her with a well‑rounded yet adaptable skill set to every matter she serves. Brittany ensures her clients receive thoughtful, informed, and comprehensive support. Brittany has a genuine desire to help people navigate complex legal situations with clarity and confidence.

Outside of her professional life, Brittany is a proud mom of two amazing boys and the owner of three energetic dogs. They enjoy exploring new destinations—and make it a rule never to vacation in the same place twice. Much of Brittany’s time is spent at sport fields, cheering on the boys’ athletic pursuits. She also owns a sports training facility, which allows her to stay closely connected to the youth sports community.

Paralegal | dwieseman@sigmalegal.com
Dana brings nearly 25 years of Estate and Trust Administration experience to Sigma, taking pride in her ability to offer clients a steady, knowledgeable, and compassionate guide during life’s most challenging moments. After receiving her degree from Central Penn College, Dana became a Certified Paralegal and is a proud member of Central Pennsylvania Paralegal Association.

Outside the office, Dana embraces a vibrant life rooted in family and community. She and her husband own and operate a Christmas Tree Farm and Farm Stand in Bedford County, where she enjoys connecting with neighbors and visitors throughout the seasons. Dana cherishes time with her adorable grandsons—and is excited to welcome a third on the way.

Legal Assistant | jschade@sigmalegal.com
Jen is one of Sigma’s two Legal Assistants and serves as the central hub of the firm’s daily operations. She ensures every client receives a seamless, welcoming, and highly organized experience from the moment they contact the office. With a deep understanding of Sigma’s processes and workflows, Jen provides personalized, day‑to‑day support to all attorneys and staff and is known for anticipating the needs of the entire team.

Jen brings to Sigma a strong background in litigation and estate planning, making her an invaluable resource for both clients and colleagues. She is often the first person clients ask for—thanks to her warmth, knowledge, and ability to make complex situations feel manageable.

Outside the office, Jen is a proud mother of two sons and a daughter‑in‑law and loves spending time with family, friends, and her beloved grand‑dog. She enjoys board games,  crocheting, and even the occasional paintball match.

Paralegal | kfoster@sigmalegal.com
Kristi joined Sigma Legal Advisors in 2023 alongside attorney William R. Church, bringing with her 26 years of experience in Estate and Trust Administration as well as broad exposure to other areas of law. Before beginning her legal career, she worked in the architectural field which helped shaped her eye for detail.

At Sigma, Kristi prepares income tax returns, fiduciary accountings, and administers estates and trusts with exceptional care. She also serves as one of Sigma’s Notary Publics. Kristi is deeply committed to her clients and considers it an honor to support families through the estate administration process. She approaches each matter with kindness, patience, and a genuine understanding of how difficult this journey can be, ensuring every estate is handled with dignity and compassion.

Outside the office, Kristi enjoys a creative life with her husband and two daughters. Their shared love of theater keeps them active in the arts, and Kristi remains involved in her church community. With more than a decade of vocal experience, Kristi spent many years performing in her church’s Broadway-style holiday productions. She also enjoys reading, video games, and designing handmade cards. When she can get away, she loves relaxing on cruise vacations.

Paralegal | lknode@sigmalegal.com
Lisa brings more than 40 years of paralegal experience to her work, with a career that began in several general‑practice firms in Harrisburg. Those early years gave her broad exposure to civil litigation, real estate, bankruptcy, and other practice areas. Over the past 25 years, she has developed a deep and respected niche in Estate and Trust Administration.

Her expertise includes preparing Federal and State death tax returns, probate and Orphans’ Court filings, accountings, income and gift tax returns, and the full range of documents required to transfer and administer assets. Lisa especially enjoys helping clients understand the inheritance and asset‑protection processes—areas that are often unfamiliar and overwhelming. Lisa’s ability to translate complex requirements into clear, manageable steps is one of the many reasons clients value her guidance as a trusted tax preparer and estate administrator. Lisa’s blend of experience, intuition, and unwavering professionalism makes her a cornerstone of Sigma’s client service experience and a trusted resource for the entire team.

Lisa is a graduate of Harrisburg Area Community College, where she earned her Associate in Arts degree in Paralegal Studies, graduating magna cum laude. Outside the office, Lisa is a proud mother and grandmother. She lives on a small family farm in northern York County with her husband and their spirited Jack Russell Terriers.

Legal Assistant | rrosario@sigmalegal.com
Rocky brings more than 44 years of legal experience to Sigma and serves as a core member of Sigma’s Legal Assistant team. Rocky is known for her positive energy, her reliability, and calm command of even the most complex workflows.

Rocky manages the scheduling, priorities, and workflow for Attorney Mark Hipp ensuring he is fully supported and able to focus on client needs. Her role extends far beyond calendar and workflow management—she plays a pivotal part in the firm’s financial and administrative processes, helping maintain smooth operations for both the team and the clients they serve.  Whether coordinating client communications, preparing documentation, or handling account payables, Rocky brings a level of order and insight that helps keep the firm running smoothly.

Outside of Sigma, Rocky loves spending time with her family, doting on her grandchildren, camping and watching Purdue basketball and football.

Attorney | pdame@sigmalegal.com
With over two decades of experience in law, procurement, and strategic contract management, Paul is a seasoned executive and legal advisor known for driving operational excellence and mitigating risk in complex commercial and government environments.

Paul began his legal career specializing in insurance litigation, handling D&O, E&O and CGL policy claims. He gained early experience drafting persuasive briefs for both trial and appellate proceedings.  Paul has served as Senior Counsel for retail litigation at a national brand, where he oversaw high-stakes litigation portfolios, advised on consumer protection and employment disputes, and partnered with cross-functional teams to proactively reduce legal and competitive exposure. Paul’s litigation strategy and negotiation acumen consistently delivered favorable outcomes while preserving brand reputation. With his previous role as Director of Procurement and Contracts for a federal contractor, Paul brings expertise in government contracting and has successfully negotiated and managed high-value federal and state contracts, ensuring alignment with FAR/DFARS & ITAR regulations, performance benchmarks, and audit readiness. Paul’s ability to translate legal complexity into actionable business strategy has made him a go-to advisor for executive leadership and procurement teams alike.

Paul is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington D.C.

Education
William and Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law - J.D.
Undergraduate degree, Penn State University

Paralegal | aholland@sigmalegal.com
Annette brings more than four decades of paralegal excellence to Sigma, with deep experience supporting small firms and solo practitioners. As a trusted tax and accounting paraprofessional in Estate & Trust Administration, and known as Sigma’s expert in Deeds, Annette offers valuable real estate insight and a steady, knowledgeable presence that our clients rely on. Families look to Annette for her blend of estate administration knowledge and genuine compassion. Her personal touch creates a sense of comfort during some of life’s most challenging moments, guiding personal representatives through the estate administration process with clarity and empathy in honoring their loved one’s final wishes.

Beyond her professional expertise, Annette is the proud mother of two and a devoted animal lover who has opened her home to many cherished cats. She enjoys sewing, antiquing, and lovingly restoring her Tudor‑style home. Around Chambersburg, you might spot Annette tending to her garden or riding on her beloved vintage bicycle.

Partner | wchurch@sigmalegal.com
Will joined Sigma Legal Advisors in 2023 after a decade at a prominent local firm. His practice focuses on wealth‑transfer planning for individuals and business owners, including estate and gift planning, retirement planning, and business‑succession strategies. Will has also represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in trust and estate administration matters, including contested issues and litigation before the Orphans’ Court. In addition, Will assists clients in resolving state and federal tax controversies, including appeals before the Board of Finance and Revenue and the United States Tax Court.

Will has authored materials and presented for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Dauphin County Bar Association on a range of topics—from estate administration to navigating the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty under Section 6672 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Will is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, admitted to practice in the United States Tax Court, and is a graduate of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Mid‑Atlantic Fellows Institute.

Will is fluent in Spanish and proficient (formerly fluent) in Portuguese.

In his free time, Will enjoys spending time with his family, especially travelling, and introducing his three kids to new cultures, languages, and experiences. Will also has a passion for karaoke and making music.  Will is also Sigma’s resident Green Thumb, nurturing and providing care for our office plants.

Education:
Widener University School of Law – J.D.
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law – LL.M., Taxation

Partner | bhinkle@sigmalegal.com
Brian is a founding partner of Sigma Legal Advisors, where his practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and business succession planning for closely held business owners. He works closely with clients to design and implement effective estate and succession strategies that align with their personal and business objectives, utilizing trusts, private foundations, and other tax‑efficient planning techniques. In addition to his planning work, Brian advises individual and corporate fiduciaries on all aspects of trust and estate administration, from straightforward matters to highly complex estates. He also counsels clients on the legal, financial, and tax considerations that arise for individuals who receive substantial personal injury settlements or significant lottery winnings.

Brian is a published author and a frequent speaker on trusts and estates topics. He has presented a wide range of issues, including Pennsylvania estate administration, asset protection strategies, modification of irrevocable trusts, and recent developments in federal estate and gift tax law. He also serves as an adjunct professor of law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Brian is the immediate past President of the Central Pennsylvania Estate Planning Council and an active member of the executive committee of the Downtown Camp Hill Association. He has been awarded the Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.

Brian is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. He is also admitted to practice in the United States Tax Court.

Education:
Widener University School of Law – J.D.
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law – LL.M., Taxation ('26)

Partner | mhipp@sigmalegal.com
Mark is a founding partner of Sigma Legal Advisors where his practice focuses on tax planning, business transactions, and trust and estate planning (and administration). He is regarded for his ability to navigate complex tax issues and sophisticated business matters, including entity structuring, drafting and negotiating business agreements, and developing strategic tax planning solutions.

Mark also brings significant experience to real estate matters, advising clients on 1031 and 1033 exchanges, tax assessment appeals, and planning related to oil and natural gas interests. A frequent speaker on corporate governance and tax planning topics, he shares his insights with professional and community audiences alike.

He currently serves on the Asbury Foundation Board of Directors, the Bethany Village Community Advisory Committee and the World Surgical Foundation. Mark has a number of interests outside of work, including skiing, mountain biking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Mark is a graduate of the University of Pittsburg (BA), Dickinson School of Law (JD) and the Villanova University School of Law (LL.M in Taxation).  He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and in United States Tax Court.

Education:
University of Pittsburg (BA)
Dickinson School of Law - J.D. 
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law - LL.M., Taxation

Business transactions involve significant legal and financial decisions. We assist clients with mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions that arise throughout the lifecycle of a business, including 1031 and 1033 exchanges.

Our attorneys help you understand each step, coordinate with advisors, and move toward closing with clarity and confidence.

Strong governance structures support stability, accountability, and long-term success. From forming new entities to advising on leadership and ownership transitions, we help businesses put the right framework in place.

We work alongside your professional advisors to address challenges, support growth, and guide decision-making throughout the lifecycle of your organization.

Thoughtful planning can help preserve wealth and reduce risk over time. We collaborate with your financial and tax advisors to develop strategies that support tax-efficient growth, protection, and transfer of assets.

When appropriate, we also explore planning opportunities across jurisdictions to help strengthen asset protection and long-term planning outcomes.

Business succession planning helps ensure the future of the company you have worked hard to build. Whether you plan to transition leadership within your family, transfer ownership to key employees, or prepare for a future sale, careful planning helps avoid uncertainty and disruption.

We work closely with business owners and their advisors to create transition strategies that align legal, financial, and personal goals, helping the next chapter begin smoothly and confidently.

Trust and estate planning helps you protect what you have built and prepare your family for the future. Whether you are creating a plan for the first time or updating an existing one, we help you understand your options and make thoughtful decisions that reflect your goals and values.

We guide individuals, families, and fiduciaries through wills, trusts, estate administration, guardianship matters, and multi-generational and philanthropic planning. Our role is to provide clear direction so your plan supports the people and causes that matter most.