Founder Valerie Fenchel has built the firm around the experience of its clients and its team. 

“My firm has grown by 73% in the last 3 years and has ranked for the first time in the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America,” Fenchel said. “I thought litigation was my zone of genius. But it’s actually leading and building a strong team of attorneys. I give them the tools, support, systems and confidence to win, which translates into our clients feeling safe and supported.”

The Inc. 5000 recognition adds to a list of growth honors for the firm:

• San Francisco Business Times, 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in the Bay Area: 2022 (No. 51) and 2024 (No. 61)
• Law Firm 500 Winning Firm: 2022 and 2024
• San Francisco Business Times, Top 80 Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area: 2024

Fenchel founded the firm in February 2017. Today its practice spans high-asset divorce for founders, tech executives, business owners, and their spouses, along with complex child custody litigation and domestic violence restraining orders.

“Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list is especially meaningful because our growth reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team,” Fenchel said. “When I founded Fenchel Family Law, PC, my vision was to build a firm where exceptional legal advocacy and an exceptional client experience go hand in hand.” 

The firm’s cases combine financial complexity with high-conflict family dynamics. A single matter may involve the valuation of a closely held company or startup equity alongside custody questions shaped by a parent’s mental health, substance use, or domestic violence. The firm handles those issues within the same case rather than referring restraining order matters to separate counsel.

“As we continue to grow, my priority remains the same: investing in talented people, strengthening our systems, and ensuring every client receives the thoughtful, strategic representation they deserve,” Fenchel said. 

Rankings are built on a research process that has remained consistent since Best Law Firms launched in 2010. Six research initiatives collect feedback from clients, lawyers, firm leaders, and marketing teams. Clients and professional references complete confidential surveys on a firm’s experience, responsiveness, understanding of their needs, cost effectiveness, civility, and whether they would refer another client to the firm. That feedback is combined with lawyer evaluations gathered through Best Lawyers ballots, firmographic information supplied by the firm, and interviews with managing partners and practice group leaders. The results are scored and awarded in tiers rather than a sequential list. Learn more about the Best Law Firms methodology.

“Having Reel Fathers Rights named among the top family law firms in California is no small honor,” said Mark Reel Jr., CEO of Reel Fathers Rights. “The congratulations really goes to the team of talented and dedicated attorneys we have in court every single day fighting for our clients.”

The firm ranking follows individual recognition from Best Lawyers for several Reel Fathers Rights attorneys. Brian Mullen, CFLS, has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Family Law five times. Mark Reel Jr. has been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Family Law twice, and Sahar Scioneaux, CFLS, and Nina Tahsini have each been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Family Law.

Reel Fathers Rights serves Orange County from its Irvine office, representing fathers in divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence matters. The ranking adds to the firm’s prior recognition, including an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and placement on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies.

For more information on Reel Fathers Rights and its services, visit ReelFathersRights.com or follow Reel Fathers Rights on social media.

The suit was filed for a former outpatient who alleges that registered nurse John Vincent Pica sexually assaulted her while she was at the hospital for surgery in October 2024.

According to the complaint, Pica made sexually suggestive comments to the patient and touched her in a sexual manner without her consent, both before and after her procedure. The lawsuit alleges the conduct continued after an anesthesiologist gave her a nerve block and left the room. The patient reported what happened to a nursing supervisor the next day.

The complaint alleges the hospital was negligent in hiring, keeping and supervising Pica, did not look into his background, and did not enforce adequate patient safety policies. It also alleges the hospital took no meaningful action after the patient made her report.

The claims include negligent hiring, retention and supervision, negligence in policies and procedures, vicarious liability, and neglect of a vulnerable adult under Florida law. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for psychological and emotional injuries.

Pica has also faced action from state regulators and law enforcement. The Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against him alleging similar inappropriate touching at the same hospital. On Dec. 8, 2025, Pica reportedly surrendered his Florida nursing license and agreed not to reapply. The Florida Board of Nursing accepted the voluntary relinquishment on April 20, 2026, to resolve the disciplinary case. A Broward Sheriff’s Office report dated May 6, 2026, found probable cause for battery, and Pica was charged.

“We commend our client for the courage it has taken to come forward and seek accountability,” said Adam Horowitz, founder of Horowitz Law. “Patients entering a hospital for surgery deserve to feel safe, especially when they are vulnerable. As alleged in our lawsuit, John Pica had a troubling history of misconduct that should have raised serious red flags. We intend to hold HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital accountable for failing to protect our client.”

The allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court. People who were sexually abused or assaulted in a hospital or other medical setting may have legal options under Florida law, and filing deadlines can apply.

More information about the lawsuit is available on the Horowitz Law website: https://www.adamhorowitzlaw.com/blog/hca-woodmont-hospital/

CASE INFORMATION
Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida
C.W. v. University Hospital, Ltd. d/b/a HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital
Case No. 2026-CA-016818

As a legal data and intelligence partner for lawyers, Chambers Spotlight evaluates small and midsize law firms based on independent market research and an assessment of their legal capabilities and professional accomplishments. 

Chambers Spotlight was introduced in 2023 to recognize the expertise and exceptional work of top small to mid-sized law firms in key US markets. It focuses on firms with 75 attorneys or fewer and highlights practices that are delivering high-quality legal work with strong local market presence. This year marks the Chambers’ first Spotlight DC Metro Area Guide for boutique and medium-sized firms.   

“Tax problems can create significant uncertainty for individuals and businesses, often affecting more than just their finances,” said John Pontius, founder and managing attorney of Pontius Tax Law. “This recognition from Chambers Spotlight is especially meaningful to us because it reflects the work we do to help clients understand their options, make informed decisions and find a path forward.”

Founded by Pontius nine years ago, the firm’s practice covers federal and state tax disputes, IRS examinations, appeals, collection matters and U.S. Tax Court litigation. It also advises clients on tax compliance and planning.

Pontius Tax Law serves local, national and international clients through offices in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The firm handles matters involving the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, helping individuals and businesses address tax compliance concerns and resolve disputes.

For more information about Pontius Tax Law, PLLC, or to request an appointment, visit https://pontiustaxlaw.com/.  

Through professional anecdotes, the article outlines the foundational experiences that have shaped her approach to legal advocacy. It details her progression through various leadership roles, culminating in her current position at the helm of the national organization. The designation of Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and her status as a Fellow of the academy represent significant milestones that the article highlights as evidence of her extensive background in the field.

In conjunction with the biographical feature, the current issue of NAELA News includes Hazen’s inaugural President’s Message, titled “Why This Work Matters.” Within the column, Hazen reflects on the origins of her career, noting that her path into this field of law was rooted in personal experience long before it became a professional pursuit. Her commentary underscores the critical nature of legal representation for older adults and individuals with disabilities, setting a clear, policy-oriented tone for her term as president.

The publication of this issue coincides with a period of significant demographic shifts, as the aging population in the United States continues to expand rapidly. This trend presents new, complex challenges in areas such as long-term care planning, nursing home transparency, and healthcare access. The July through September 2026 issue highlights these exact concerns, featuring articles on the growing complexity of nursing home ownership and the urgent need for law schools to embrace education in this sector to prepare the next generation of attorneys.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is a primary professional organization for legal practitioners dedicated to improving the quality of services for seniors and people with special needs. As president, Hazen will guide the organization’s strategic initiatives, oversee educational programming for members across the country, and direct national advocacy efforts concerning public policy.

Marielle Hazen of Hazen Law Group has built a practice focused on navigating intricate legal structures related to aging, estate planning, and disability. Hazen’s leadership of the academy during this critical juncture is expected to focus on equipping practitioners with the resources necessary to address evolving legal demands. The extensive coverage in the association’s flagship publication signals a robust agenda for the coming year, emphasizing both professional development and legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Certification by the Board of Legal Specialization is one of the most demanding credentials available to a California attorney. Specialists must pass a rigorous written examination, demonstrate substantial hands-on experience in the field, complete advanced continuing education, and earn favorable evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys.

Gallegos adds depth to the firm’s work on financially complex divorces. She holds a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and an LL.M. in taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law. That tax training gives her an edge in property division, asset valuation, and support calculations, where tax consequences often decide whether a settlement is fair.

Her practice covers the full range of family law matters. She handles complex financial issues, property division and valuation, child and spousal support, attorney’s fee claims, breach of fiduciary duty, custody and visitation, and domestic violence restraining orders. She represents clients both seeking and defending against restraining orders.

Gallegos favors resolving cases through mediation and negotiated settlement whenever possible. However, if and when a case needs to go to court, she is ready. She is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully tried numerous cases, primarily in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties.

“Andrea is exactly the kind of attorney our clients need in high-asset cases. Her tax background and trial experience make our whole team stronger and we’re looking forward to working with her on complex family law matters,” said Managing Attorney Michael C. Pascoe.

“Silicon Valley Law Offices gives clients the benefit of an entire team. I’m excited to bring my experience to that model and help families through some of the hardest decisions they will make,” said Gallegos.

A Team Approach to Family Law

Gallegos joins a firm built around collaborative representation. Silicon Valley Law Offices clients pay for one attorney but receive counsel from several lawyers with experience in the specific issues their case presents. The team applies this approach from the first consultation through final resolution.

The Firm’s attorneys understand what is at stake in Bay Area family law matters, where high property values and significant assets raise the complexity of nearly every case. The firm handles high-asset divorce, premarital and post-marital agreements, domestic violence matters, mediation, child custody and move-away requests, as well as post-judgment matters which include child and spousal support.

Gallegos earned her B.A. in English, cum laude, from Santa Clara University. She is admitted to practice in California and is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS).

The “Simply the Best” awards rely entirely on ballots cast by local residents, serving as a barometer for community trust and professional reputation within the region. Each year, Harrisburg Magazine invites its readership to nominate and vote for their preferred service providers, organizations, and professionals in various categories. The Reader’s Choice designation indicates that Kent received a substantial portion of the community vote in a highly competitive legal division, reflecting her standing among residents in the greater Harrisburg area.

At Hazen Law Group, Kent focuses her legal practice on helping individuals and families navigate the intricacies of estate planning. Her daily work involves drafting wills and powers of attorney, establishing trusts, and helping families navigate guardianships. The recent recognition from Harrisburg Magazine underscores the importance of accessible and reliable legal guidance when addressing sensitive family matters and future financial security.

Developing a thorough estate plan often requires a nuanced understanding of state and federal laws, as well as the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to clients clearly. Kent’s approach to legal representation emphasizes personalized planning tailored to the specific needs of each family. This community-voted accolade points to a track record of effective communication and dedicated advocacy in her chosen field of law.

Hazen Law Group, located in Harrisburg, continues to provide legal services centered on elder law, special needs planning, and estate administration. The firm’s ongoing commitment to the Central Pennsylvania community is reflected in the recognition of its attorneys by local publications and civic organizations. Kent’s recent acknowledgment by the readers of Harrisburg Magazine adds to the firm’s established history of legal service in the region.

The complete list of “Simply the Best” and Reader’s Choice winners, including the estate planning attorney category, is currently available for public viewing in the August 2026 digital issue on the Harrisburg Magazine website.

The attorneys were recognized for their work in Family Law, Family Law Mediation, and Litigation – Trusts and Estates.

“Recognition from professional peers is especially meaningful because it reflects the respect our attorneys have earned through their work, judgment, and commitment to their clients,” said Theresa A. Lyons, Esq., MSW, Managing Partner of Lyons & Associates. “We are proud to congratulate each of these attorneys and to see their individual accomplishments recognized.”

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2027

Four Lyons & Associates attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:

• Nicole L. Atlak, Esq. — Family Law
• Marie T. Bucci, Esq. — Family Law
• Jessica M. DeYoung, Esq. — Family Law
• Joanna R. Adu, Esq. — Litigation – Trusts and Estates

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America recognizes attorneys earlier in their private-practice careers. Honorees are selected through a peer-review process involving attorneys practicing in the same geographic region and area of law.

The Best Lawyers in America® 2027

Three Lyons & Associates attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:

• Marissa A. Del Mauro, Esq. — Family Law
• William P. Lemega, Esq. — Family Law
• Kristyl M. Berckes, Esq. — Family Law and Family Law Mediation

Best Lawyers recognitions are determined using confidential professional evaluations and an eligibility-verification process. Attorneys are evaluated by other lawyers familiar with their work within the same practice areas and geographic markets. Best Lawyers states that no fee is accepted for consideration or inclusion.

These recognitions reflect the individual accomplishments of the seven honorees and the depth of legal talent across Lyons & Associates.

About Lyons & Associates, P.C.

Lyons & Associates is a multidisciplinary law firm serving clients throughout New Jersey and New York. The firm represents individuals, families, professionals, and businesses in matters involving family law, criminal defense, civil rights, estate planning and administration, business law, medical malpractice defense, and other complex legal concerns.

The firm’s attorneys combine legal experience with personalized attention, practical guidance, and strategic advocacy tailored to each client’s circumstances.

For more information about Lyons & Associates or to schedule a consultation, call 908-575-9777 or visit www.lyonspc.com.

Maryland Law Explained with Todd Mohink is a podcast hosted by Todd K. Mohink, a family law and criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA in Glen Burnie, Maryland, that covers divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, asset protection, CPS and CINA matters, and serious abuse allegations. Each episode translates the questions Mohink answers for Anne Arundel and Howard County clients into practical guidance, including how custody is decided, how property is divided, and how families should respond when Child Protective Services becomes involved. 

Mohink founded the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, in Glen Burnie and has practiced Maryland trial law for more than 30 years, litigating family law, CPS and CINA matters, and criminal sexual offense cases across the Anne Arundel and Howard County Circuit Courts. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law and is admitted in the Maryland state courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar. He argued Braun v. Headley, 131 Md. App. 588 (2000), the Maryland Court of Special Appeals decision establishing that a parent’s right to travel does not override a child’s best interests in a custody-relocation case. Mohink serves on the Anne Arundel County SCRA board for deployed servicemembers and is a member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been recognized on the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in Maryland, holds Martindale-Hubbell gold status, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The debut episode, “The Story Behind the Maryland-Based Lawyer, Todd K. Mohink,” traces his path from White Plains, New York and the University of Maryland to Glen Burnie, and covers family law, CPS and CINA cases, military family law, Braun v. Headley, settlement strategy, and client education. It is available now.

“Families in Anne Arundel and Howard County often make decisions about custody or a criminal charge before they understand how Maryland courts actually treat those cases. I started this podcast so that people can hear, in plain English, what the law says and what their options are before they sit across from a lawyer.”

– Todd K. Mohink, founding attorney, Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA

The Inc. 5000 is widely recognized as a leading measure of entrepreneurial success, highlighting independent, privately held companies that have achieved significant revenue growth. Companies on the 2026 list were ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 through 2025.

“Being recognized for a second consecutive year is especially meaningful because our growth reflects something larger than numbers,” said Managing Partner Theresa A. Lyons, Esq., MSW. “It represents the trust our clients place in us, the extraordinary work of our attorneys and staff, and our continued investment in serving people with skill, compassion, and personal attention. Climbing more than 1,600 positions makes us proud, but the impact we are able to make remains the measure that matters most.”

Founded in 2010, Lyons & Associates has grown from a single-office practice into a full-service law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, and professionals throughout New Jersey and New York. Its continued expansion reflects the firm’s commitment to strategic advocacy, personalized representation, and accessible, high-quality legal services.

Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 for a second consecutive year underscores the sustained nature of the firm’s growth. Its significant rise in the national rankings further reflects the strength of its team, the development of its services, and its ability to respond to the evolving needs of the clients and communities it serves.

As Lyons & Associates, P.C., celebrates this achievement, the firm remains focused on growing with integrity, preserving the personal attention on which its reputation was built, and making a meaningful difference for every client it represents.

Proud to be Inc. 5000 — Growth. Excellence. Impact.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –  Petrelli Previtera, LLC has again been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, earning the No. 3,595 ranking for 2026. It is the firm’s seventh appearance on the list, following recognition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.

For the family law firm, the recognition reflects more than business growth. Petrelli Previtera has continued to expand its team and geographic reach with the goal of making family law representation available to more families, while preserving the personal guidance clients need during difficult transitions.

“We’re proud to make the Inc. 5000 again,” said Thomas Petrelli, Jr., founder of Petrelli Previtera. “As we’ve grown, we’ve been able to bring our approach to family law to more families and more communities. Growth for us is about building a stronger team and giving clients the guidance, resources, and support they need to move from chaos to clarity and into the next chapter of their lives with confidence.”

What the Growth Means for Families

Family law matters are deeply personal. A client facing divorce, a custody dispute, or decisions about how assets and support will be divided may need more than an attorney who understands the law. They need a team that can help them understand their options, anticipate what comes next, and build a strategy around what matters most to their family and future.

Petrelli Previtera’s growth has allowed the firm to keep investing in that model. Clients work with attorneys who are driven to support families during difficult transitions, backed by a full team when a matter gets complicated, including cases involving custody, businesses, substantial assets, and support.

The firm has expanded its local presence at the same time. In 2026, its growth has included new offices and expanded teams serving communities including Marietta, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Annapolis, Maryland; and Greenwood Village, Colorado. The combination is intentional: give clients an attorney in their own community and give that attorney a full family law team behind them. 

About the Inc. 5000

The Inc. 5000 is Inc.’s annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment, its independent small businesses. Companies are ranked by revenue growth over a three-year period. Inc. has produced the list since 1982, and past honorees include Microsoft, Dell, LinkedIn and Yelp. Complete results can be found at inc.com/inc5000.

CLM has studied AI recommendation behavior through Sequoia and trains their systems on that data on a regular basis. The majority of Sequoia’s discoveries are implemented internally for the benefit of CLM and its clients. 

The law firm marketing company has released multiple studies throughout the year relating to Google rankings and traditional law firm SEO. This report is the first of that body of research to be released publicly that relates to AI answer engine optimization.

The study submitted 3,200 identically worded questions to ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI Mode, for a total of 9,600 queries. The questions covered 100 of the largest cities in the United States and 32 legal practice areas, ranging from car accident and criminal defense to probate and wrongful termination, and were phrased as a consumer would phrase them. Researchers recorded every website each platform cited and the order in which it was cited, producing 107,716 citations for analysis.

Across the full study, the three platforms recommended 19,692 distinct law firm websites. Only 2.9 percent of cited law firms were recommended by all three AI platforms.

The disagreement was more pronounced at the level of individual questions. When two platforms answered the same prompt about the same city, the share of law firms appearing in both answers ranged from 2.8 percent to 8.6 percent. Claude and Google AI Mode returned no law firm in common in 70.6 percent of questions. When the analysis was limited to the first law firm each platform named, all three selected the same firm in 0.9 percent of questions, or 24 out of more than 2,500.

The report identifies differences in source material as a likely driver. Each platform relied on a different set of legal directories. Avvo appeared in 87.1 percent of Claude’s answers but 5.4 percent of Google AI Mode’s. Super Lawyers appeared in 62.8 percent of Google AI Mode’s answers and in none of Claude’s. Martindale appeared in more than half of Claude’s answers and in approximately one tenth of one percent of Google AI Mode’s. Google AI Mode also cited Yelp and Reddit regularly, while neither chat assistant cited either source.

Agreement also varied sharply by practice area. Corporate law produced the highest rate of three way agreement at 45.2 percent, followed by car accident at 32 percent and personal injury at just under 30 percent. Estate planning produced no agreement at all, with the three platforms never converging on a shared firm across any of the 100 cities tested. Probate and trust queries produced agreement rates of 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent.

Answer engine optimization, especially for law firms, has developed with comparatively little published data behind it, and much of the guidance available to law firms rests on assumption rather than measurement. Asked why the company chose to publish this particular study after keeping its AI research internal, CLM co-founder Jason Bland pointed to that gap.

“We hold most of this back because it is what our clients are paying for,” Bland said. “But there is a lot of confident advice circulating about AI visibility that nobody has actually tested, and firms are making budget decisions based on podcaster pontifications rather than real data.”

The full report, Do ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI Mode Recommend the Same Law Firms?, can be read on Custom Legal Marketing’s website.

The session will survey significant statutory and regulatory developments, as well as key decisions from the past year, with an emphasis on how recent changes may affect long-term care planning, public benefits, and the rights of aging and disabled individuals. Attendees can expect an analysis designed to help practitioners adjust strategies in areas such as Medicaid eligibility, Medicare coverage disputes and appeals, estate and incapacity planning, and guardianship. The event also emphasizes in-person dialogue among practitioners, with time set aside for questions, case studies, and an informal discussion.

Marielle F. Hazen is the founder of Hazen Law Group in Harrisburg, a firm that focuses on elder and special needs planning law, estate planning, tax planning, estate administration, and agricultural law. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Hazen currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and as co-chair of its Federal Advocacy Committee. She is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and was a founding member and past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys. She is also a past chair of the Elder Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a past president of the Special Needs Alliance, a national nonprofit organization of attorneys focused on planning for individuals with disabilities.

For Hazen Law Group, participation in the Elder Law Institute reflects the firm’s ongoing involvement in statewide and national conversations about aging, disability and the law. Through programs such as the “Year in Review,” the Institute seeks to equip attorneys with the information needed to advise clients amid an increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape.

The research examined Google’s top 8 organic desktop results across eight practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. After classifying every ranking website, the study identified 9,113 unique U.S. law firm domains. Only 125 of them, or 1.37 percent, use one of the four legal extensions, with .law accounting for 91 of the 125.

Law firms using legal extensions averaged position 4.86 in search results, while firms on .com domains averaged 4.77, a difference the study found to be statistically indistinguishable from zero. In 555 search results where a legal TLD firm and .com firms competed on the same results page for the same keyword in the same city, the legal TLD firm outranked the average .com competitor 47.9 percent of the time, a result consistent with a coin flip.

The study did identify one consistent benefit of the legal extensions. Among ranking law firms, the median domain name on .law and .legal extensions is 6 characters long before the extension, compared to 12 characters for firms on .com domains. Custom Legal Marketing made the same tradeoff itself this year when it moved its own website from customlegalmarketing.com to custom.legal.

“We cut fourteen characters off our web address, and that had real value for our brand,” co-founder Jason Bland said. “What it did not do, as our own research now confirms, is change where anything ranks.”

The findings align with Google’s public guidance, which has stated since 2015 that keywords in a top-level domain provide no ranking advantage or disadvantage. The study joins a series of CLM Sequoia research reports that have measured the true ranking influence of factors including PageSpeed scores, domain authority metrics, word count, and URL structures.

The accounts, authorized as part of the Invest America Act provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, are designed to allow long-term, stock market–based savings on behalf of U.S. children under 18. While the law promises tax-deferred growth and a one-time $1,000 federal contribution for certain children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, the attorney at the Atlanta estate planning firm says the structure raises complex planning and compliance questions that remain unresolved.

“Trump Accounts sound simple, but they sit at the crossroad of income tax, gift and estate planning, financial aid, and in some cases disability benefits,” said Jake Slowik of Slowik Estate Planning. “Families who treat these as a plug-and-play solution may face unexpected reporting burdens or conflicts with their existing plans.”

Under current guidance, Trump Accounts may be opened before July 4, 2026, but private contributions are generally not permitted until that date. During a “growth period” that typically runs until the end of the year in which a child turns 17, funds are invested in a diversified U.S. stock index fund and grow tax-deferred. Later withdrawals are taxed under rules similar to traditional IRAs, and funds may be used for general purposes rather than being limited to education costs.

Unlike 529 college savings plans, § 530A currently does not expressly state that contributions are treated as completed, present-interest gifts.

“Without clear statutory language paralleling 529 plans, even relatively modest contributions could trigger a federal gift tax reporting obligation,” the Slowik attorney said. “Most families would not owe immediate tax, but hiring professionals to prepare a Form 709 return can be time-consuming and expensive.”

Slowik Estate Planning also notes that Georgia’s existing Path2College 529 Plan remains governed by a mature regulatory framework. Contributions may qualify for a Georgia income tax deduction, and long-standing federal rules address gift treatment, rollovers, and qualified distributions. Trump Accounts, by contrast, offer no current Georgia tax deduction and depend heavily on future IRS and Treasury guidance.

Families with children who receive Supplemental Security Income face additional complications.

“For special needs families, the interaction among Trump Accounts, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and SSI rules is especially fragile,” Slowik stated. “Missteps could jeopardize benefits or create repayment issues. The existence of a new tax-favored account is not, by itself, a reason to overhaul an otherwise sound plan.”

According to the wrongful death complaint, Carle suffered severe neglect during her time at the facility, including multiple preventable falls and inadequate supervision. The lawsuit alleged that staff failed to properly monitor residents with dementia and high fall risks, failed to implement appropriate fall prevention measures or provide sufficient assistance with daily living activities, and delayed obtaining emergency medical care as Carle’s health deteriorated.

“While no award can undo their loss, we are honored to have stood with Lily’s family as they fought for accountability after an unimaginable loss. Our clients sought accountability for a death they believe could have been prevented with proper care and attention,” said Spencer Payne, Esq., founding partner of Moore Payne Law and lead counsel on the case. “What is especially troubling is that the evidence showed Lily’s case was not an isolated failure. This facility had prior warning signs involving the safety of memory care residents, yet the same types of preventable lapses continued, and inadequate insurance coverage at facilities like this is a pattern that raises serious questions about accountability.”

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of safety practices and staffing challenges within assisted living and memory care facilities in Florida and across the U.S. The Waverly recently faced public attention following separate reported incidents involving memory care residents, including the death of an 83-year-old dementia patient who allegedly wandered undetected from his room and was found dead in the facility’s walk-in freezer. These tragedies highlight a pattern of severe lapses in resident supervision, safety protocols, and accountability at The Waverly and other long-term care facilities. 

Both attorneys Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are passionate advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform and are active in state government efforts to expand the rights of nursing home residents. The firm motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives Moore Payne Law’s mission to effect change both through results for their clients and accountability of big businesses and insurance companies.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

CASE INFORMATION

Sixth Judicial District – Pasco County, FL
The Estate of Lily Carle, by and through Stephanie Baerkland, Personal Representative, V. Wellness Center of Trinity, LLC d/b/a The Waverly
Case No. 2025-CA-000530

The annual Philly Favorites program, produced in association with The Philadelphia Inquirer, highlights businesses and service providers across the region, from restaurants and retailers to medical practices and professional services. The law categories feature firms in practice areas that mirror how residents typically seek legal help, from family disputes and criminal defense to tax and injury matters.

MyPhillyLawyer first secured the Gold award in personal injury law in 2025 and has appeared in multiple law categories since 2024, including prior recognition in estate and workers’ compensation law. This year’s results place the firm among a relatively small number of practices honored across several legal disciplines.

“In a city with as many capable attorneys as Philadelphia, to be selected for a second year in a row in personal injury law is meaningful,” said Dean Weitzman, managing partner at MyPhillyLawyer. “People usually find us after something sudden and life-changing has happened. These awards suggest that, at those moments, the community continues to view our firm as a place they can turn.”

Personal injury work often intersects with other legal needs, particularly questions about long-term care, financial security and family planning. The Bronze award for Best Estate Law reflects that overlap, as clients who suffer serious injuries may need to reevaluate how their assets and responsibilities will be handled over time.

“When someone is injured, the concerns rarely end with a single case file,” Weitzman said. “They worry about medical bills, wages, the mortgage and what happens if they are unable to return to the life they had. Our work in estate matters grows out of those realities, and this recognition indicates that approach resonates with the people we serve.”

The additional Bronze award for Best Law Firm places MyPhillyLawyer in a broader category with firms that handle a range of civil matters. While the practice has a prominent profile in personal injury and related fields, its presence in the general law firm rankings underscores how residents perceive its role in the city’s legal landscape.

For MyPhillyLawyer, the 2026 awards—Gold in personal injury law for the second straight year, along with Bronze in Best Law Firm and Best Estate Law—add to a three-year run of recognition in the Philly Favorites program and signal a stable place in the city’s evolving legal community.

For more information on the myriad of legal services offered, visit MyPhillyLawyer.com.

The annual awards program recognizes the extraordinary talent and achievements within Florida’s legal community, celebrating individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the industry. The Managing Partner of the Year category honors outstanding leaders who successfully balance their caseloads with the management of their firm’s day-to-day affairs and long-term strategic vision. 

Payne co-founded Moore Payne Law in February 2025 to provide client-focused, personalized representation for Florida’s most complex catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and institutional negligence cases. Under his leadership, the intentionally low-volume firm saw remarkable growth within its first year of business, multiplying case filings tenfold and tripling its team size. Payne also spearheaded the responsible use of AI-assisted litigation and management tools within the firm to improve trial preparation workflows, regularly counseling other plaintiff lawyers across Florida and nationwide on ethical AI use from intake through trial.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized alongside such outstanding leaders dedicated to serving Florida’s fast-growing legal landscape,” said Payne. “From day one, my approach has centered around building trust, both with my team and with my clients, by leading with integrity and ensuring attorneys and staff keep our client-focused principle top of mind.”

As a trial attorney, Payne specializes in high-stakes litigation, regularly taking on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury cases. Having begun his legal career in insurance defense, he brings a strategic advantage and unique insights to clients facing claims against healthcare facilities and insurance companies. Since dedicating his practice to representing plaintiffs, he has amassed over $65 million in settlements and $18 million in verdicts. 

Beyond the courtroom, Payne and founding partner Geoff Moore, Esq. are active advocates for systemic change in nursing home reform, working with the state government to expand the rights of nursing home residents. Their motto, “Big Injuries, Big Justice, Bigger Purpose,” drives the firm’s mission to secure results for their clients while holding large corporations and insurance companies accountable.

Moore Payne Law is currently accepting new clients and offers free consultations to help individuals understand their rights and legal options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit moorepaynelaw.com or call 407-216-1000.

The event is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane. Organized by the church’s group, the session is intended for older adults, family members, and caregivers who are navigating decisions about health care, finances, and long-term support.

Hazen is a Certified Elder Law Attorney who plans to guide attendees through the key documents that can determine who will make decisions and how those decisions will be carried out if a person becomes ill, disabled, or passes away. Among the topics are powers of attorney, health care directives, wills and trusts, along with the practical questions that arise when those documents are put to use.

“In many families, the legal framework is not in place until a crisis exposes the gaps,” Hazen said in advance of the event. “Having clear, well-drafted documents can reduce conflict, help honor a person’s wishes, and make it easier for loved ones to act when time and health are uncertain.”

The May 13th program is sponsored by the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg as part of its broader effort to support congregants and community members through later-life transitions. Organizers say the series reflects a recognition that aging is not only a personal experience but also a civic and legal one, shaped by policies, courts, and planning decisions made years in advance.

The program, “Speaking Early: Easing Tough Medical Choices Through Family Dialogue,” will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kesher Israel Congregation, 3200 N. Third St. in Harrisburg. The event is sponsored by Kesher Israel Congregation and will feature Rabbi Jason Weiner, Executive Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, along with a panel of local practitioners who work with families facing serious illness.

The discussion is expected to range from the practical — such as health care powers of attorney and living wills — to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life and crisis care. Organizers say the goal is to give attendees tools to begin conversations long before a crisis arrives.

“By the time families are in an intensive care unit, it is often too late to ask what a loved one would have wanted,” Hazen said. “Thoughtful planning and open dialogue can reduce conflict, provide clarity, and allow medical decisions to reflect a person’s values as closely as possible.”

Hazen, a certified elder law attorney based in Harrisburg, regularly advises individuals and families on issues such as long-term care planning, capacity, guardianship, and surrogate decision-making. She said legal documents are only one piece of a broader process that requires ongoing communication in families.

The program is open to the public, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions following the panel discussion. Hazen said she views the event as part of a broader effort in central Pennsylvania to normalize conversations about illness and mortality.