Digest ~ October 23, 2026

Next Week....

Through the 
DBA Lens

Karyn Polak

President & CEO

“It’s Significant Because Delaware is Significant”

So says Hillary Sale, the Agnes Williams Professor of Leadership and Corporate Governance at Georgetown Law Center, in a recent interview with Delaware public media about the newest addition to the Court of Chancery. The new addition is not just any justice of the court that gets the most attention here and across the nation: he’s the Delaware Court of Chancery's newest Vice Chancellor. Just weeks ago State Senators confirmed Kyle Lachmund, former clerk to the esteemed Vice Chancellor Travis Laster and since 2021 (until now) a corporate lawyer at Delaware Bankers member Richards, Layton and Finger.

Predictability matters — it’s one of the most important elements of the attraction to Delaware as a corporate home. The responsibility of those courts to interpret faithfully the laws passed by the General Assembly is critical to that predictability, interpretation that is the daily work not only of the justices but of our deep bench of legal practitioners. Ms. Sale observes that one of Delaware’s defining strengths is a remarkably small legal bar, which is nonetheless extremely sophisticated and deeply interconnected. The state’s compact size fosters frequent interaction among legal professionals, both formally and informally, creating a collegial and notably professional culture. Those dynamics add to the unique ability of the Court to move quickly on even the most complex matters.

Want to hear from some of those extremely sophisticated lawyers on this very topic? Join us at the Delaware Trust Conference next week for a special session to discuss the Court of Chancery — as the presenters put it, “our secret weapon” for situs decisions. Your quick link to register is below!

2026 Delaware Trust Conference

Speaker & Sponsor Kickoff Reception

You're Invited!

Join us for an evening of networking at Iron Hill Brewery, a local brewpub featuring craft beers and classic American cuisine. Connect with fellow attendees, sponsors, speakers, and industry leaders as we kick off the 2026 Delaware Trust Conference.

Tickets to this exclusive event are $150/per person.

Platinum and Diamond sponsors receive two complimentary

registrations and speakers attend for free!

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TODAY
OCTOBER 23

Richards, Layton & Finger Attorneys Recognized Among Lawdragon’s Leading Dealmakers and Litigators for 2027

Santora CPA Group

Announces Four New Staff Accountants to its Team

Santora CPA Group, a Newark-based certified public accounting and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the addition of four staff accountants to its professional team. SCG is especially proud because each of these professionals began their careers through its internship program, demonstrating the success of SCG’s commitment to developing future accounting talent.

All four professionals are currently preparing for the CPA Examination and are members of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants.

BMF Attorneys Author Resources on 
Delaware Probate and Ancillary Administration in Practical Law by Thomson Reuters 

Brockstedt Mandalas Federico Partners Barbara Snapp Danberg and Michele L. Muldoon and Attorney Nicholas M. Tyler have authored two Delaware estate administration resources for Practical Law by Thomson Reuters. Their Practice Note, “Ancillary Probate in Delaware,” explains the processes available when a nonresident dies owning Delaware property, from collection by a foreign personal representative without local appointment to testate and intestate ancillary administration and the administration and sale of Delaware real property. 

The attorneys also wrote a State Q&A guide that answers 20 common questions spanning each stage of Delaware estate administration, from opening the estate through discharge of the personal representative. Together, the resources give practitioners a reference for handling estates with Delaware property, whether or not the decedent lived in the state 

Volunteers Needed:

Support Local Teens Through Mock Interviews

The Warehouse RISE Program is seeking volunteer interviewers for its upcoming RISE "Mix & Meet" event on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at The Warehouse, 1121 Thatcher Street, Wilmington, DE.

This interactive event helps teens participating in the RISE youth workforce development program build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and gain valuable interview experience. Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and engage with local young people while providing encouragement and constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

What to Expect

• 30 minutes of networking and refreshments
• Participation in a speed-interview format with RISE students
• Five to six brief mock interviews over the course of one hour
• Interview guides, sample questions, and conversation starters provided in advance

The organizers are seeking approximately 35 volunteer interviewers and welcome participation from banking professionals and others interested in supporting workforce development initiatives.



Interested in volunteering? Please respond by October 31. Feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested in helping prepare Delaware’s future workforce for success.

Contact dsullivan@reachriverside.org to volunteer!

November 18, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | Wilmington, DE

2026 ABA Agricultural Bankers Conference

November 4-6, 2026 | Minneapolis

Connect with agricultural banking professionals from across the country to explore emerging industry trends, economic outlooks, risk management strategies, and lending best practices. This premier conference offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical solutions to help banks better serve agricultural customers and communities.

Teller Basics: 
Upskill for a Digital World

Member Price: $150

Perfect for onboarding new tellers, this refreshed six-course suite delivers essential customer service, cash handling, transaction processing, and security training through a modern, interactive learning experience featuring enhanced graphics and narration. Includes an ABA GO Huddle to help managers reinforce learning and drive real-world application.

We want to hear from you! Please send your news items to

Corinne Stayton at corinne.stayton@debankers.com