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Megan Harris-Pero: A Legal Advocate for Local Farmers and Agricultural Legacies

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in 2025, Business, Community, Featured, Local Farmer, Newspaper, September.

In Saratoga Springs, New York, attorney Megan Harris-Pero and her team at Harris-Pero Law Firm have carved out a unique and meaningful niche—supporting farmers and agricultural businesses through estate planning, succession strategy, and business law. With a career rooted in compassion and a deep respect for community, Megan has emerged as a trusted advocate for the farming community, helping them prepare for the future while protecting their land, legacy, and livelihoods—and offering that same thoughtful guidance to individuals and business owners throughout the region.

From Big Law to Local Roots 

Megan’s journey to help farmers as part of her law practice was born from a love of the land and a desire to use her skills to make a tangible impact and to keep farms in operation. After working in a global law firm, Megan relocated to Saratoga County and launched her own practice—starting humbly from her basement ten years ago. Her firm now employs a team of seven and offers services spanning estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, and business formation. 

But it’s Megan’s connection to and empathy for farmers that distinguishes her work. Motivated by the revitalization of small farms in places like Essex County and inspired by the surge of young and beginning farmers, Megan committed herself to learning the unique needs of this vital community. Through conferences, personal outreach, and her participation in the prestigious LEAD New York program—a two-year leadership initiative by Cornell University aimed at advancing New York’s agricultural sector—Megan developed deep insight into the challenges and opportunities farmers face. 

Farmers aren’t just small business owners—they are stewards of land, legacy, and food systems. Their estates are often complex, blending personal and business assets, land held under conservation easements, leased acreage, and high-value equipment. Add to that the realities of generational transition, fluctuating markets, and a physically demanding profession, and the need for specialized legal guidance becomes clear. Harris-Pero Law provides: 

  • Farm Succession Planning: Helping farm families pass land and operations to the next generation or determine alternate paths for preservation. 
  • Estate and Emergency Planning: Establishing healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, wills, and trusts—especially important in high-risk professions like farming.
  • Business Law Services: Structuring farm entities, managing transitions, and ensuring operational continuity through legal agreements and asset protection.
  • Resource Connection: Collaborating with organizations like New York FarmNet, the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation (HVADC), Cornell Cooperative Extension, American Farmland Trust, Farm Credit East, Adirondack Land Trust, and the Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) to provide comprehensive support—including social services and business consultants. 

Understanding the Farming Mindset 

Megan understands that farmers are long-term thinkers by nature. They plan for seasons and generations, not just quarters or fiscal years. But that doesn’t always translate to legal preparedness. “Many farmers hesitate to plan because they don’t know where the farm is going yet—or they’re not ready to think about leaving it,” Megan explained in a recent interview. “But it’s critical to create an emergency plan that works for today, even if your long-term vision evolves.” 

She also stresses that failing to plan leaves decisions in the hands of the state. In New York, for example, a spouse doesn’t automatically inherit everything if there are children involved—a surprising reality for many. “It’s always better to decide for yourself who handles your medical, financial, and succession decisions,” she says. 

Megan’s firm doesn’t just offer services—they build relationships. They understand that each farm family is different, and they tailor their process to meet people where they are, whether they’re tech-savvy or paper-based. Megan has also trained in mediation, recognizing the emotional and familial dynamics that often complicate succession planning. And for those who can’t afford services upfront? Megan points clients to grant-supported options through resource connections , ensuring that legal support isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity every farmer can access.

Investing in Agricultural Resilience 

Megan’s mission goes beyond paperwork. She is a vocal advocate for supporting local agriculture through Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs), farmers markets, and land preservation. Her collaboration with organizations like the Adirondack Land Trust and Agricultural Stewardship Association shows a deep commitment to the broader ecosystem of food and farming in upstate New York. 

As small farms face increasing pressure from development, economic volatility, and climate uncertainty, Megan Harris-Pero is doing the quiet, essential work of safeguarding their futures—one plan at a time.

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Learn more about Megan Harris-Pero and her services for farmers at saratogawills.com. Her website also features a dedicated section on farm succession with educational videos in partnership with the Adirondack Land Trust. 

Follow the firm on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor for helpful tips, updates, and community events