Slowik Estate Planning focuses on helping individuals and families organize their affairs in anticipation of life changes, incapacity, and the transfer of assets to the next generation. It will continue to serve both current and new clients from its new headquarters, offering legal guidance for estate planning, elder law, wills and trusts, asset protection, and probate and trust administration.

The move places the firm closer to a growing corridor of professional services and medical offices along the Glenridge Connector, an area that has seen an influx of families and retirees in recent years. The new location is intended to offer greater convenience to existing clients while accommodating the steady increase in inquiries about wills, trusts, and long-term care planning.

The Sandy Springs-based firm is led by attorney Jake Slowik, a Harvard Law School graduate with more than a decade of experience in estate planning and related matters. The firm’s approach is grounded in careful documentation and in communicating options in plain language, particularly for older adults and families navigating complex financial and medical decisions.

To learn more about the firm, visit https://slowikestateplanning.com/.

Estate planning attorney Jake Slowik said many Atlanta families assume that placing assets in a trust automatically shelters income from taxation or eliminates filing obligations, an assumption that can lead to penalties and interest when returns are missed.

“People are often surprised to learn that, in many cases, trust income is fully taxable and must be reported on a separate federal return,” Slowik said. “If trustees wait until the last minute to sort out whether their trust is a grantor or non-grantor trust, they risk filing late or filing incorrectly.”

For tax purposes, revocable living trusts are commonly treated as grantor trusts. In those cases, all income is reported on the grantor’s personal Form 1040, and the trust does not file its own federal income tax return while the grantor is alive and in control.

By contrast, non-grantor trusts are separate taxpayers. They generally must file Form 1041 if they have any taxable income or at least $600 in gross income for the year. The trust pays income tax on amounts it retains, while income distributed to beneficiaries is deducted by the trust and reported to beneficiaries on Schedule K‑1.

“The federal income tax brackets for trusts are compressed,” Slowik said. “In 2026, a non-grantor trust can reach the top 37 percent bracket after only about $16,000 of taxable income, compared with more than $640,000 for an individual. That gap makes it critical to know whether income is being taxed at the trust level or to beneficiaries.”

Georgia’s rules add another layer. Trusts with a Georgia connection generally face the state’s flat income tax rate on their taxable income in 2026, whether they earn $5,000 or $500,000. Trustees must account for both federal and state rules when determining whether and how to file.

The filing deadline for calendar-year trusts typically matches the April 15 individual deadline. Trusts that expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax after credits may also be required to make quarterly estimated payments, a requirement that some individual trustees overlook until they receive IRS notices.

Slowik noted that irrevocable trusts raise additional planning questions. Under IRS guidance issued in 2023, assets transferred as completed gifts to certain irrevocable trusts may not receive a step-up in basis at the grantor’s death if they are excluded from the taxable estate, potentially increasing capital gains taxes when those assets are sold.

“Trusts are powerful tools, but they do not operate outside the tax system,” Slowik said. “As April 15 approaches, trustees should confirm how their trusts are classified, whether income has been distributed properly, and whether all required Forms 1041 and K‑1 will be filed on time.”

Slowik added that reviewing the trust document, recent account statements and prior-year tax returns together can help trustees and families avoid last-minute confusion and reduce the risk of costly filing mistakes as the deadline nears.

The firm focuses on probate administration across all of Florida. Unlike many offices that pass clients to junior staff, this firm ensures every person works directly with the lead attorneys. This personal touch helps manage the many small details that often cause delays. The partners believe that people deserve to talk to the lawyer they hired, not an assistant who does not know the full history of the case.

Walser brings a unique history to his practice. A Boca Raton native and University of Miami graduate, he earned his law degree from New York University School of Law. His past roles include work in the wealth strategy department of US Trust and an internship for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. These roles gave him a deep understanding of how to manage complex financial assets and high level logistics. He holds licenses to practice in Florida, New York, and New Jersey.

“We built this firm to change how people feel about the legal system during a loss,” says Walser. “My background in finance and private wealth showed me that families need clear answers and fast action. We use modern tools to remove the wait times that usually slow down these cases. Our goal is to handle the hard work so families can focus on their own lives.”

The office uses a digital first approach. Clients do not need to visit a physical building or go to court for standard cases. The team handles every step through electronic means. They use the latest software to send papers for signatures and file documents with the court. This technology allows the firm to move as fast as a family is ready to sign the paperwork.

Walser also stays active in the community. He volunteers many hours with the No Place Like Home program through Legal Aid Service of Broward County. He helps people who have limited resources handle property issues. This work earned him respect for his leadership and his desire to help underserved populations.

The team understands that the legal process feels heavy. They promise to explain rules in plain language and answer every question. From the first filing to the final payout of assets, the goal is to make the family feel at ease. By combining high level legal knowledge with a simple digital process, Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC creates a better way forward for residents.

CLM ran the study through its proprietary CLM Sequoia platform, pulling the top 5 organic Google results for 28 legal keywords across 24 major U.S. cities in February of 2026. Each law firm page in the dataset was then fed through Winston AI, which scored every page for AI-generated content percentage. CLM also captured word count and readability scores for each URL. When the dust settled, the working dataset covered 2,435 law firm ranking appearances, 1,618 unique URLs, and 1,021 unique domains across 8 practice areas including personal injury, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, business law, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and employment law.

The headline finding? AI content percentage and organic ranking position have no statistically significant connection. The Spearman correlation came back at r = 0.065 with a p-value of 0.138, which lands well above the 0.05 cutoff that would indicate a real relationship.

“For the past two years, the loudest conversation in legal marketing has been whether AI content helps or hurts your Google rankings,” said Jason Bland, Co-Founder and CEO of Custom Legal Marketing. “We went out and measured it across more than 2,400 ranking appearances. The answer turned out to be neither. You are not going to leapfrog your competitors by publishing AI content, and you are not going to get slapped for it either. The algorithm just does not care.”

Key Findings on AI Content and Law Firm Rankings

AI content shows up on nearly every ranking law firm page, but the way it distributes is striking. Roughly 54.7% of ranking pages have 5% or less AI-detected content. On the other end, 21.4% clock in at 70% or higher. What is missing is the middle. Fewer than one in four pages land in the 6 to 69% range. Rather than a gradual shift toward AI adoption, the industry appears to be splitting into two distinct camps: firms that barely use it and firms that use it for almost everything.

Of all the practice areas CLM studied, personal injury has the most AI content by a wide margin. The median AI detection for PI pages sits at 14%, which is roughly five times the 3% median across all practice areas. Not a single personal injury law firm page in the top 5 results came back clean. Every one of them had some detectable AI content. Criminal defense, on the other hand, looks completely different. Eighty-seven percent of pages ranking at Position 1 for criminal defense keywords had less than 10% AI, making it the most human-written category in the study.

The data points toward a blended workflow as the strongest approach. Pages landing in the 26 to 50% AI range, which likely reflects content where a writer used AI for drafting or research and then did heavy editing, posted the best average ranking position at 2.83 and the highest average word count at 2,958 words. Meanwhile, pages at the 71 to 100% AI level averaged only 1,561 words and ranked a bit worse at an average position of 3.23.

There is also a readability problem that firms using AI heavily need to know about. CLM found a correlation of r = -0.233 (p < 0.0001) between AI percentage and readability score. Put simply, the more AI on the page, the harder it is to read. That matters on its own, but it also matters because word count (r = -0.089, p = 0.042) turned out to have a stronger statistical tie to rankings than AI percentage did. Firms pumping out AI content without editing it down may be quietly undermining their own performance through readability issues they have never measured.

Where a firm is located also plays a role in how much AI content surrounds it in the search results. Columbus, OH came in as the biggest outlier at 59% mean AI content and a 76% median, most likely because national firms dominate the rankings there. On the low end, San Antonio (16.9%), Jacksonville (18.3%), and Houston (19.3%) had the least AI content, reflecting markets where regional and local firms still rely on traditionally written pages.

Study Methodology

CLM built the study inside Sequoia’s Research Tool, which runs regular studies to train its AI marketing platform.

The team executed all 672 keyword-city queries on mobile, matching how Google indexes and ranks pages under its mobile-first approach. Pages were scraped using a headless browser with an HTTP fallback for pages that resisted rendering. Winston AI handled the detection side, returning a percentage score for each page, estimating how much of the content appeared to be machine-generated. All told, CLM processed 1,889,828 words across the full law firm dataset. Of those, 615,934 words (32.6%) came back flagged as AI-generated.

The 24 cities in the study span the country: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Austin, Jacksonville, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Seattle, Denver, Boston, Nashville, El Paso, Detroit, and Oklahoma City.

Implications for Law Firms

Bland was blunt about what the findings should mean for how firms spend their marketing dollars. “What gets you from Position 5 to Position 1 in competitive legal markets has not changed. It is still domain authority, content that actually says something, pages people can read without a headache, strong E-E-A-T signals, and solid local SEO. AI content does not appear anywhere on that list. If a firm is pouring money into AI content production but ignoring editorial quality and link building, they are focused on the wrong thing.”

One other number stood out: 18.2% of Position 1 results for personal injury keywords came from pages with 70%+ AI content. But those pages belong to a handful of firms with enormous authority behind them, which strongly suggests it is the domain strength doing the work, not the AI-generated copy.

Trapp joins from a distinguished medical malpractice defense firm, bringing extensive experience representing clients in comprehensive medical malpractice actions, as well as and personal injury cases. At Moore Payne, Trapp will provide valuable insight to injured individuals and families seeking accountability. Trapp earned his B.A. in business management from Barry University and his J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law where he was a member of the Mock Trial Team, co-founder of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a judicial clerk in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

“After years in medical malpractice and other complex litigation, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these cases can be to families,” said Trapp. “I look forward to working alongside Geoff, Spencer, and the entire Moore Payne team, knowing that together we can do a lot of good for our clients.”

In addition to his litigation practice, Trapp remains deeply involved in the Central Florida community. Since 2016, he has served as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, advocating on behalf of children in the dependency system. His pro bono service earned him the society’s Pro Bono Award of Excellence, along with prior recognition for his volunteer work. As a lifelong athlete, Trapp also dedicates time coaching and training youth basketball players at a regional YMCA and with TnT Elite Hoops.

“Zack is a seasoned trial attorney who understands how medical practice cases are built and defended,” said Geoff Moore, Esq., co-founder of Moore Payne Law. “Our clients will benefit from his courtroom experience and commitment to the community, making him a powerful advocate and strong addition to our team.”

For more information about Moore Payne or to request a free consultation, visit moorepaynelaw.com.

The new law eliminates a scheduled reduction that would have cut the exemption roughly in half to approximately $7 million per person in 2026. For married couples who plan together, the combined exemption now stands at $30 million.

“Many families created estate plans specifically designed around the expected 2026 exemption reduction,” said Jake Slowik, estate planning attorney and owner of Slowik Estate Planning. “Now that the rules have changed, those plans may contain provisions that no longer make sense. This is a good time for families to revisit their documents and make sure everything still aligns with their goals.”

Key Provisions of the Act

Under the new law, the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions increase to $15 million per taxpayer, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2027. The top marginal tax rate for amounts exceeding the exemption remains at 40 percent.

The step-up in basis at death remains intact under the Act. This provision allows heirs to receive inherited assets with a cost basis equal to fair market value at the date of death, which can reduce capital gains taxes when those assets are later sold.

The annual gift tax exclusion—the amount that can be transferred to any individual each year without using lifetime exemption—continues at $19,000 per recipient for 2025 and 2026 under existing inflation adjustment rules.

Implications for Georgia Residents

Georgia does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax. As a result, Georgia residents are subject only to federal estate taxes, and the higher exemption means fewer families will face federal estate tax liability.

However, estate planning attorneys note that the tax law changes may require families to review existing documents. Plans created in anticipation of the 2026 exemption reduction may contain strategies or formula clauses that no longer serve their intended purpose under the new rules.

Considerations for Existing Estate Plans

According to Slowik Estate Planning, families who implemented aggressive gifting strategies to use their exemption before the anticipated reduction should evaluate whether those transfers still align with their overall financial goals.

Estate plans containing formula clauses, particularly those directing assets to credit shelter trusts or GST trusts based on the exemption amount,may produce unintended results under the higher thresholds. In some cases, these formulas could direct more assets to trusts than intended or result in missed opportunities for basis adjustments at the surviving spouse’s death.

For individuals who previously used most of their lifetime exemption through taxable gifts, the increase to $15 million provides additional exemption capacity for future wealth transfers.

Planning Beyond Tax Considerations

Estate planning addresses matters beyond federal taxes. Proper planning can help families avoid probate costs and delays, establish incapacity protections, minimize potential disputes among beneficiaries, and ensure assets pass according to the individual’s wishes.

Families with estates below the federal threshold may still benefit from reviewing their plans to confirm that documents reflect current circumstances and goals.

Impact100 Gulf Coast serves Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Washington and Holmes counties in Florida, bringing together women to award significant grants to local nonprofit organizations addressing key community needs. 

In her new role on the 2026 board, Sombathy will help guide the chapter’s strategic initiatives, support fundraising and outreach efforts, and work collaboratively with other members to strengthen the organization’s impact throughout the area. Her leadership will advance Impact100’s mission: empowering women to make meaningful, long-lasting change through collective philanthropy. 

Sombathy brings over 30 years of legal experience in estate planning, probate, civil litigation, business and real estate law. She has been a longtime leader in the Panama City area, known for her commitment to community and service. 

“I am honored to join the Impact100 Gulf Coast board,” said Sombathy. “This organization’s collaborative philanthropic model resonates deeply with my belief in community engagement and empowerment. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that support impactful local nonprofits and uplift the Gulf Coast.” 

To learn more about Julie Ann Sombathy and The Sombathy Law Firm, visit our website at www.thesombathylawfirm.com.

The complaint filed in the case alleged the financial elder abuse and isolation of an elderly Los Angeles man with dementia. According to the complaint, the three defendants (a woman unrelated to the victim and her two daughters) allegedly exploited the elderly male victim financially by taking three real properties he owned in Los Angeles and all his life savings. The complaint alleged that the trio squandered the victim’s money on themselves, living lavishly and shopping at high-end stores, and taking trips to Miami, New York City, and Europe, all on the elderly man’s money. According to the allegations in the complaint, while defendants were in Europe spending the victim’s money, the elderly man was found by the police unconscious on the side of a road. He was completely destitute, and had no home to return to, since one defendant had deeded the elderly man’s home to herself, according to the complaint.

The victim, his son, and his granddaughter retained Ingrid Evans and Evans Law Firm, Inc. to bring a financial elder abuse action against the three abusers and recover his property and money. Judge Daniel Juarez held a bench trial at Stanley Most Courthouse in Los Angeles on December 1, 2025 and reached a judgment after trial of $41.865 million against one defendant and $2.65 million against each of her two daughters who were co-defendants. The judgments included twice the value of the property taken from the victim under Probate Code Section 859, $8,000,000 in pain and suffering and emotional distress damages, and $27,000,000 in punitive damages for the defendants’ oppressive, malicious and fraudulent conduct towards the elderly victim.

For press inquiries contact Ingrid Evans at 415-441-8669 or ingrid@evanslaw.com

About Ingrid M. Evans and Evans Law Firm, Inc.

Evans Law Firm, Inc. founded by Ingrid M. Evans, is a plaintiff’s law firm with its principal office in San Francisco. Evans Law Firm, Inc. focuses on financial elder abuse cases in particular ranging from individual cases involving financial abuse of elderly victims by caregivers or others to complex State and national class actions involving financial elder abuse of groups of seniors through sales of unsuitable annuities or life insurance products, misrepresented products or violations of statutory safeguards for seniors.

As a former San Francisco Deputy City Attorney, Ms. Evans brought the first financial elder abuse case on behalf of a 76-year-old man who was being manipulated and stolen from by his 40-year-old “friend.” After leaving the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Ms. Evans sought to rectify the problem of “living trust mills” by bringing national attention to, and starting impact litigation against, various trust mills and insurance companies responsible for supporting the concept of living trust mills to increase their sales of deferred annuities. In these cases, she was named as a Finalist for California Consumer Attorney of the Year in 2009 for the case of Buhs v. American International Group where she recovered approximately $5 million in restitution for 750 senior victims that were sold deferred annuities by AIG and its agents, and also named as a Finalist in 2012 and 2015 for Consumer Attorney of the Year for the case of Rand v. American National Insurance Company where she recovered over $9,000,000 for 17,000 senior victims and 2015 in Negrete v. Allianz Life Insurance Company where she and co-counsel represented over 200,000 senior victims. She also recovered an estimated $100 million dollars in compensation for other senior victims against insurance companies in other legal actions.

As a result of her involvement in these national cases, Ms. Evans testified before California senate and congressional committees, the Department of Insurance, and have organized senior victims to testify before a United States Senate subcommittee on issues involving the protection of senior citizens. She has also written legislation to protect seniors that has been enacted into law. The elder abuse cases she has handled appeared on NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Fox News, San Francisco’s local KRON Channel 4 and KGO Channel 7 stations, the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, California Lawyer and the Miami-Herald.

You can read more about the firm and Ingrid’s work on the firm’s website:  https://www.evanslaw.com/bios/ingrid-evans/

CASE INFORMATION

Superior Court of Los Angeles County – Probate Division
In re Durable Power of Attorney of Dock Dean
Case No. 23STPB13044

Somerville, New Jersey – The tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, and the subsequent arrest of their son Nick have raised numerous legal and financial questions for many people. Among those questions is, can and should Nick, as the accused killer, still receive his inheritance? The short answer is not likely.

Although parricide is rare, it accounts for approximately 2% of homicides in the United States, and of that number, only about a quarter involve the killing of both parents.

While investigators work to piece together evidence in this parricide case, and try to bring the Reiner family justice through the criminal system, important legal and financial questions remain for the three other Reiner children: Jake, Romy, and Tracy (adopted). Rob Reiner, an accomplished Hollywood director, and his wife, Michele, had an estimated net worth of over $200 million. Many have asked whether Nick Reiner would still be entitled to any inheritance from his parents.

Under California’s Probate Code, sections 250-259 (also known as the “Slayer Statute”), if Nick is found to have “feloniously and intentionally” killed his parents, he would be precluded from receiving “any property, interest, or benefit under a will of the decedent, or a trust created by or for the benefit of the decedent or in which the decedent has an interest.” California’s Slayer Statute goes on with more specificity as to all kinds of other prohibitions against Nick, but the overall spirit and language of the law is clear. Children who kill a parent are not entitled to receive estate benefits from the person they killed.   

Of course, since Nick Reiner has not yet been convicted, and is still presumed innocent under the law, he could try to make an argument that he is entitled to at least some portions of his parents’ estate until the conclusion of the murder trial. Such monies could help fund his legal defense. However, if the other beneficiaries of the estate desire to stop such preliminary distributions, they also could bring their own action in California Probate Court to try prevent any proceeds from being distributed until after the murder trial has concluded.

What all of this means is that, while all four Reiner children will have to say goodbye to their parents, Nick likely will also have to say goodbye to his parents’ money.

Theresa A. Lyons, Esq., MSW is a lawyer, social worker, and the Managing Partner of Lyons & Associates, PC, a law firm that represents clients in many matters, including estate planning and litigation issues.  Fabian T. Ardila is a law student at Seton Hall University and also serves as a 2ndLieutenant Firefighter in Raritan New Jersey. They can be reached at 908-575-9777.  www.lyonspc.com 

Together, Bauer and Petry have built a platform dedicated to one mission: helping women rise through change—not just survive it.

A Digital Lifeline for Women in Transition

Life’s turning points—divorce, career shifts, fresh starts—can be isolating and overwhelming. The She Who Wins app offers women a place to land, reflect, rebuild, and rise with clarity and confidence.

“Women deserve accessible support at any hour of the day,” says Bauer. “This app gives them expert guidance, community, and encouragement right in their pocket.”

Available now on iOS and Android, the app is free to download and is already gaining attention for its supportive, mission-driven approach.

The app was built for women who are:

• Going through or healing from a divorce
• Facing personal or professional crossroads
• Rebuilding their confidence after a setback
• Seeking community during a major life change
• Ready to step boldly into their next chapter

Built by Leaders Who Understand the Journey

Bauer brings nearly two decades of experience working with women through divorce and reinvention. Petry contributes a deep background in operations, brand development, and community building. Their combined expertise shapes an app that is both emotionally supportive and action-oriented.

“She Who Wins isn’t just technology—it’s a lifeline,” says Petry. “Our goal is to remind women that they are powerful, capable, and never alone, no matter what chapter they’re stepping into.”

A Movement, Not Just an App

Bauer’s motto—“You don’t have to be broken to want something different”—is woven into every corner of the app. This is support without judgment, empowerment without fluff, and guidance without overwhelm.

After a bestselling book, and She Who Wins live event series, the app represents the next evolution of Bauer’s mission: to democratize access to support for women worldwide.

Download She Who Wins

The app is available now and free to download:

App Store
Google Play

Christian completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Denver and graduated with his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. During his time at Rutgers, he assisted in running the Planning Estates Project (PEP) where he worked on drafting Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills for elderly South Jersey residents.

“We’re very proud to welcome Christian to our team in an attorney capacity,” says Ethan J. Ordog, Esquire. Christian has been a valuable member of our Team while studying at Rutgers prior to his graduation and successful admission to the bar. He has primarily assisted families, to date, with the Guardianship process and in the administration of estates, while also assisting in other areas of the firm’s practice. Christian’s compassion and dedication to the individuals and families he works with is evident in his thoughtfulness and thoroughness, and he looks forward to expanding his involvement on other client matters.

“It’s truly an honor to do what I love at one of the most preeminent Elder Law firms in the country,” Christian stated.

Christian’s hometown is Saddle River, New Jersey, and he is currently a resident of Philadelphia. Christian enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.

The firm’s new space reflects its continued growth and commitment to providing clients with personalized, results-driven legal representation in a more modern, accessible environment. Located near the heart of downtown Syracuse, the new office offers convenient access and improved facilities for client consultations, team collaboration, and community engagement. 

This move marks an exciting new chapter for CDH Law. It will allow the firm to serve its clients better and continue delivering the highest quality of legal advocacy they’ve come to expect.

CDH Law’s attorneys will continue to represent individuals and families across Central New York in matters involving:

• Criminal defense
• Family and matrimonial law
• Personal injury
• Estate planning
• Real estate

The firm looks forward to welcoming both new and returning clients to its new location and continuing to serve as a trusted advocate throughout Central New York’s legal community. To learn more about CDH Law or to schedule a consultation at the new office, please visit our website at https://lawcdh.com.

The Best Lawyers’ selection process is stringent, beginning with nominations from peers and followed by detailed evaluations from currently recognized practitioners within the same field and region. The feedback gathered is instrumental in identifying the nation’s top legal talent, ensuring nominees are in good standing with their local bar associations.

Hazen Law Group’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores its commitment to serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Through active advocacy on both state and national platforms, Hazen Law Group strives to create effective plans to protect its clients’ interests and provide peace of mind.

Marielle Hazen, the firm’s founder, is distinguished as a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. Her leadership extends to her role on the board of directors of the Special Needs Alliance. Hazen’s accolades include repeated recognition as a Super Lawyer and as one of the top 50 women attorneys in Pennsylvania, reflecting her dedication to her clients and the legal community.

Hazen Law Group’s approach is rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client, serving a diverse array of families with varying backgrounds and goals. This client-centered philosophy, paired with Hazen’s extensive legal experience, has garnered national recognition, including a long-standing acknowledgment by U.S. News and World Report.

The firm’s latest recognition by Best Lawyers not only highlights its legal excellence but also underscores the trust and respect it has earned within the legal community. As the 2026 Best Law Firms awards continue to spotlight exceptional legal practice areas and emerging trends, Hazen Law Group’s standing is a testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in law.

Mt. Sinai, New York – Robert F. Brogan, CELA, of Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, New Jersey, has been elected president of the Special Needs Alliance. A long-time member and past board officer, Brogan brings decades of experience in elder and special-needs law and a deep personal commitment to helping families navigate complex systems of care.

“My goal is to nurture what makes this organization exceptional,” Brogan said. “The Alliance’s strength comes from both its professional expertise and its sense of community. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of practice while supporting each other like family. That collegial spirit is what I hope to preserve and pass on to the next generation of members.”

Brogan’s priorities for the coming year include fostering mentorship opportunities, maintaining rigorous membership standards, and ensuring the organization’s continued vitality through engagement and shared learning.

2025–2026 Executive Officers

• President: Robert F. Brogan, CELA — Brogan Law Group, P.C., Brick, NJ
• President-Elect: Bryn Poland, Esq. — Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, TX
• Vice President: Christopher W. Smith — Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices, PLLC, Southfield, MI
• Treasurer: Elizabeth Noble Rollings Friman, Esq. — Fleming & Curti, PLC, Tucson, AZ
• Secretary: Larry H. Rocamora, Esq. — McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC, Durham, NC
• Immediate Past President: Tara Anne Pleat, CELA — Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Clifton Park, NY

Board of Directors

Leonard R. Anderson, Esq. — Barlow Anderson LLC, Anchorage, AK
Roxanne J. Chang, Esq. — Roxanne J. Chang, Plymouth, MI
Emily A. Donaldson, CELA — Arcare, Inc., Overland Park, KS
Robert W. Fechtman, CELA – Fechtman Law Office, Indianapolis, IN

Emma R. Hemness, CELA — Hemness Faller Elder Law, Brandon, FL
Emily B. Kile, Esq. — Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC, Scottsdale, AZ
Elena A. Lidrbauch, CELA — Hickman, Lowder, Lidrbauch & Welch Co., LPA, Sheffield Village, OH
Jacob H. Menashe, Esq. — Hickman Menashe, P.S., Lynnwood, WA
Nikki Mitchell, Esq. — Mitchell, Brown & Associates, LLC, St. Louis, MO

Rebecca C. Morgan, Esq. — Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL

Ethan J. Ordog, Esq. — Begley Law Group, Moorestown, NJ
Benjamin A. Rubin, Esq. — Rubin Law, A Professional Corporation, Buffalo Grove, IL
Matthew T. Smith, Esq. — Elder Law Lawyers McClelland & Associates, PLLC, Lexington, KY
Thomas E. Smith, Esq. — Thomas Smith Law Firm, Hot Springs, AR
Scott C. Suzuki — Scott C. Suzuki, Attorney at Law, LLLC, LLC, Honolulu, HI

About the Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance comprises more than 150 attorneys across 45 states, each invited to membership based on demonstrated excellence in disability and public benefits law. Members average more than 18 years of experience and include many Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA). Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the SNA works to improve the quality of legal services and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

For more information, visit www.specialneedsalliance.org.

“There was no investigation,” Sombathy says in the interview. “They had no evidence that he was ever at the crime scene. The case started at the end. They thought they had a suspect and killed the entire criminal investigation.” 

According to Sombathy, the lead investigator was a close relative of the alleged victim, a fact that raised serious concerns about the integrity of the process. Key evidence in the case was overlooked or not secured. Ultimately, cell phone records mapped the defendant’s movements miles away at the time of the shooting. 

“The phone data is scientific evidence. You can’t intimidate it,” Sombathy explains. “It’s always going to be the same.”

At trial, Sombathy centered on credibility and the jury’s duty to “speak the truth,” reminding jurors that the verdict rests on evidence, not character attacks. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning not guilty verdicts on the most serious counts.

“The word verdict comes from the Latin ‘to speak the truth,’” says Sombathy. “And I really leaned in on that. I said [to the jury], ‘If we’re speaking the truth, then where’s the video from across the street? Where’s my client’s statement?’”

Sombathy, a former homicide prosecutor who has tried more than 200 jury trials, says the case reinforced a core lesson: “Never assume the police properly investigated a case.” 

Listen to the full episode: “Uncovering the Truth: A Shocking Case of Injustice and Flawed Investigation.”

Attendees have the opportunity to attend seminars like the Woman’s Power Panel: Motivation, Movement, & Momentum, as well as Recognizing and Responding: Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace. All of the seminars at the Big Connect Expo are designed to help small businesses maximize their potential and better meet the needs of their clients.

The expo prides itself on giving small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to “step away from the scene and into real opportunity” while exploring business in an era of collaboration and transformation. 

The chance to make face-to-face connections with fellow entrepreneurs allows business owners to network and hone their outreach strategies, ensuring that they remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace. 

Registration, which includes access to the main exhibit hall and Big Connect Expo seminars, is free and simple. Attendees may also register for the affiliated 9th Annual Nonprofit Stars Align Awards Breakfast and the 2025 Big Taste. 

The team with Happy Even After looks forward to hosting a booth on the exhibition floor alongside a suite of other exhibiting companies. The firm will be sharing its understanding of the modern legal marketplace with industry peers and learning about upcoming developments in the worlds of law and entrepreneurship.

Join other up-and-coming businesses like Happy Even After at the 2025 Big Connect today!

Atlanta estate planning lawyer, Jake Slowik of Slowik Estate Planning, points to his own childhood experience as a reminder of why these conversations matter. After the loss of his father at age nine, Slowik’s family endured the challenges of navigating life without the benefit of a professional estate plan. “My mother became supermom overnight, raising my brother and me without guidance from a plan. That experience left a lasting impression and motivates my work today,” said Slowik.

Slowik emphasizes that open discussions about estate plans can reduce stress and confusion for loved ones when it matters most. While these topics may feel uncomfortable, approaching them with honesty and care can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and legal disputes down the road. He notes that many families first reach out to an attorney only after a crisis, making proactive planning a critical step.

“Our goal is to help families achieve peace of mind, not just for themselves, but for future generations,” Slowik said. “Holiday gatherings bring together multiple generations and provide a unique chance to ensure everyone understands and respects each other’s legacy wishes.”

Slowik Estate Planning recommends that families begin by confirming the existence and location of wills, powers of attorney and health care directives. Reviewing these documents periodically, especially after major life events, can help ensure they still reflect current wishes. The firm also highlights the importance of reviewing beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, which can sometimes override will instructions if not kept up to date.

According to Slowik Estate Planning, open communication is one of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of costly probate disputes and reduce the chances of long-term rifts between relatives. A recent survey from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils found that more than half of Americans do not have a will or estate plan, underscoring the urgency of these conversations.

Slowik encourages families to set aside time during the holidays to discuss their estate plans, framing the conversation as an act of care and responsibility. “Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a process that protects families and honors their values,” he said.

We extend our congratulations to Founding Partner Bernard A. Krooks, J.D., CPA, LLM (in taxation), CELA®, AEP® (Distinguished), Partner Amy C. O’Hara Esq., CELA®,  Joel Krooks, Esq., and Jessica Saio, Esq. for receiving Super Lawyers® honors in Elder Law and Estate Planning and Probate, and Partner Marion M. Walsh, Esq., and Attorney Arshi Pal, Esq., for receiving Super Lawyers® honors for in Schools and Education.

“We are proud that six members of the Littman Krooks team are named in the 2025 Super Lawyers honorees,” said Bernard A. Krooks, founding partner. “We thank Super Lawyers for this prestigious distinction once again, and for recognizing our team’s work in Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate, and Special Education Advocacy.”

The accolades received by Littman Krooks LLP’s attorneys in the 2025 Super Lawyers list not only highlight their professional excellence but also underscore their ongoing commitment to serving the legal needs of their clients and the community with integrity and distinction. To be named a Super Lawyer, the attorney  undergoes a rigorous, multi-phase selection process that evaluates their professional achievements and peer recognition that results in a select group in the top 5% recognized for their excellence in their specific legal practice area.

Mr. Abendschein’s track record of driving digital transformation and building advanced technology platforms will reinforce the company’s leadership position in the Medical-Legal sector, as well as streamline PLCP’s next generation of technology-enabled digital products to complement its expert-led damages valuation services.

“Over the last year and a half, we have been making bold technology investments to reimagine what damages valuation can look like for our clients in a modern, data-driven world,” said Chad Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Physician Life Care Planning. “Bringing David on board as CTO reflects our commitment to not only setting the industry standard, but also building the tools that empower attorneys, medical experts, and clients with faster, smarter, and more reliable solutions. We will launch innovative new digital and expert service products throughout 2026—offerings unlike anything seen before.  We are thrilled to welcome David and look forward to everything we will achieve together.”

David Abendschein commented, “I am honored to join PLCP at such a pivotal time in its journey. Not only does PLCP understand the importance of innovation, but this team recognizes the importance of delivering high-quality and differentiated products at industry-leading timelines. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that is already in place, as well as leading the next wave of technology-driven products that will dramatically redefine how attorneys leverage technology and data for damages valuation in personal injury litigation matters.”

The appointment of Mr. Abendschein underscores PLCP’s investment in technology and the broader leadership team to combine next-generation technology solutions and expert services to deliver unmatched value to attorneys law firms, and clients across the country.

The first six episodes cover topics such as: 

• Estate Planning 101 – The Binder & Child Protection Planning 
• What’s Next After Setting Up the Binder
• Dynasty Trusts: Protecting Your Heirs for Generations
• When to Update Your Estate Plan
• The Hidden Risks of Putting Your Kids on the Title
• Estate Planning Myths That Can Cost Your Family Thousands

Listeners will gain an understanding of common pitfalls to avoid, the importance of personalized planning, and the human aspect of estate planning that goes far beyond drafting legal documents. 

Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder is hosted by The Legal Podcast Network. The first six episodes featuring Brian Chew are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music, as well as the OC Wills and Trust Attorneys’ website. Additional episodes with Chew are slated for release within the coming weeks.

Brian Chew is the Managing Partner of OC Wills & Trust Attorneys and has extensive experience in estate planning, business succession, and asset protection. Known for his client-centric approach, Chew translates complex legal concepts into clear, actionable strategies for individuals and families throughout Southern California.