Brian Laudadio

Member and Co-Chair, Trust and Estate Department, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Years in current role: 18

What changes in the legal industry do you believe will have the biggest impact on clients over the next few years?

AI-driven automation, rising data privacy obligations and growing cybersecurity risks will reshape what clients expect from lawyers. Clients will demand faster turnaround, clearer pricing and more proactive risk guidance as regulations expand across technology, employment and global supply chains. Litigation will become more complex due to digital evidence and deepfakes, while businesses will increasingly rely on lawyers for strategic advice, not just legal analysis.

How do you balance legal expertise with client service and relationship-building?

I balance legal expertise with client service by treating them as complementary, not competing, priorities. Technical skill matters, but clients rarely evaluate a lawyer on doctrine alone — it is important that (1) legal principles are clearly explained, (2) client needs are anticipated and (3) clients are skillfully guided through uncertainty. This means translating complex issues into practical options, being responsive and reliable and building trust through transparency about risks, costs and strategy. Strong relationships come from listening first, tailoring advice to the client’s goals and showing that you understand their business as well as their legal problem.

How important is community involvement or pro bono work within your organization?

Community involvement and pro bono work are deeply woven into Bond, Schoeneck & King’s identity, not treated as optional extras. Bond has a long-standing culture of public service and attorneys are encouraged — and expected — to use their skills to strengthen the communities where they live and work. That includes providing free legal services to individuals and nonprofits who couldn’t otherwise afford representation, supporting local organizations and participating in civic and charitable initiatives. It’s seen as both a professional responsibility and a core part of the firm’s values, reinforcing trust, empathy and connection beyond traditional client work.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

Being selected by Monroe County Surrogate, Hon. Christopher Ciaccio, to serve as the Monroe County Public Administrator is a great honor. I am privileged to serve as the fiduciary for many of the estates of our county’s deceased residents and loved ones. Helping families in need by providing this service with proficiency and integrity has been a highlight of my nearly 30-year career.

This profile is part of our Trusts & Estates Power List for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.