In this episode of Death and Dirt, we sit down with Dean Jerry Dickinson, the youngest active dean of any U.S. law school, to trace his remarkable journey—from Pittsburgh native to constitutional law scholar, civil rights lawyer, and, as of January 15, 2025, Dean of Pitt Law School at age 38. Dean Dickinson discusses his early years in private practice at Reed Smith LLP, his deep roots in constitutional law and real property (takings) litigation, and his unplanned but meaningful transition into academia after clerking in the Third Circuit and founding a housing rights pro bono project.

Reflecting on his multifaceted career spanning private practice, academia, and leadership, Jerry Dickinson offers an insider’s view of life in legal education—balancing teaching, strategic planning, and community engagement. He shares insights into how real property and trusts and estates are evolving in law school curricula, especially as bar exam requirements and market dynamics shift. From the importance of mentorship to actionable steps bar associations can take, Jerry offers a thoughtful look at how to support the next generation of lawyers in these foundational, yet often overlooked, fields.

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Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.

Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.

*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠