The research team analyzed 31,977 unique URLs appearing in the top 8 organic Google results for 32 high-intent legal keywords across 288 major U.S. metropolitan areas, producing a dataset of 73,674 total ranking appearances. Every URL was parsed for more than a dozen structural attributes, including length, path depth, keyword presence, geographic signals, domain composition, HTTPS usage, word separators, file extensions, and trailing slash patterns. Sites were classified as law firm websites, legal directories, or resource sites, and all findings were segmented by ranking position, practice area, and individual keyword.

“There is a lot of conventional wisdom in legal SEO about how to structure your URLs, but very little of it is grounded in data at this scale,” said Jason Bland, Founder and CEO of Custom Legal Marketing. “We wanted to move the conversation from opinions to evidence. When you can look at what 31,977 ranking URLs actually have in common across 288 cities, the patterns become very clear, and some of them challenge assumptions that firms have been operating on for years.”

Key Findings of the Law Firm URL Study

The study examined eight practice areas personal injury, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, business law, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and employment law. While workers’ compensation and medical malpractice are sub-practice areas of personal injury, many regions have firms that specialize in those ares or exclude them from their practice set which is why Sequoia researches them as standalone practices. The study found that URL-level signals vary significantly across practice areas. Patterns that hold strongly in one practice area may be irrelevant or even reversed in another.

Among the headline findings:

• One URL attribute showed a consistent, monotonic correlation with higher rankings across every single position from 1 through 8, with the largest positional spread of any metric measured in the study. The full report identifies which attribute it is and breaks down the rates by practice area.
• Nearly half of all Position 1 organic results for one major practice area keyword are homepages, while another practice area shows a homepage rate below 7% in the top 3. The report maps homepage viability for all 32 keywords studied and identifies which firm types can lean on their homepage versus which need dedicated inner pages.
• Google’s treatment of keyword synonyms produced several significant outliers in the data. For certain keyword pairs, top-ranking pages almost never contain the exact searched term in the URL, because Google is resolving the query to pages using a different but semantically equivalent phrase. The report identifies these synonym mappings and explains what they mean for page planning.
• Legal directories occupy a dramatically larger share of Position 1 results than most firms realize. The study quantifies the exact percentage at every position and explains what this means for law firm URL strategy in the most competitive slots.
• Keyword-rich domain names and city-name domains, two investments that law firms have historically paid premium prices for, showed no correlation with higher rankings in the study. The rate of keyword presence in domains was virtually identical at Position 1 and Position 8. The report breaks down where those URL-level signals actually do show positional advantages.
• The study identified an optimal character count range for law firm URLs and an optimal path depth range, both of which challenge the common “shorter is always better” assumption. The full data tables and position-by-position breakdowns are included in the report.

Practice Area Segmentation

Each of the eight practice areas receives a dedicated deep dive in the report, with keyword-level data, recommended URL structures, and identification of outlier keywords where Google’s semantic understanding creates unexpected ranking patterns. The analysis covers all 32 keywords individually and identifies which practice areas benefit most from geographic URL signals, which can rely on homepages for head terms, and which require the deepest site architecture.

About the Methodology

All data was collected in March 2026 using CLM Sequoia’s Research Tool. Queries were executed on desktop with precise geographic targeting across 288 U.S. metro areas ranging from the largest cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston) to mid-size markets (Bend, OR, Meridian, ID, Sparks, NV). URL attributes were extracted programmatically from each ranking result with no reliance on third-party SEO tools or estimated metrics. The study analyzed top-level, high-intent practice area keywords. The report includes a full methodology section and research disclaimer.

Accessing the Full Report

The full report on Law Firm SEO and URL Structures is available here. The report, includes all data tables, interactive charts, practice area deep dives, and an 8-point URL playbook.

This ruling follows the previously reported hung jury and mistrial in November 2025. As detailed in Aiello Harris Abate, Law Group PC, Achieves Hung Jury in Federal Tax-Fraud Trial of New Jersey CPA, defense attorneys James A. Abate and Jay J. Freireich of Aiello Harris Abate Law Group PC secured the hung-jury outcome after deliberations were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. At that time, the Honorable Zahid N. Quraishi, U.S.D.J.  reserved decision on a pending motion for acquittal.

In a detailed written Opinion and Order issued on February 13, 2026, the Court determined that the Government failed to present sufficient evidence from which a rational jury could find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Applying the standard under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29, the Court concluded that the evidence did not establish that Mr. Demba willfully violated a known legal duty — a required element in criminal tax prosecutions.

The tax fraud case involved Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit calculations, an area the Court recognized as particularly complex within federal tax law. The Opinion emphasized that inaccuracies alone are insufficient to prove criminal intent and that the Government failed to negate Mr. Demba’s good-faith belief regarding the methodology used.

The Court further found insufficient evidence to support the obstruction charge, concluding that the record did not establish corrupt intent beyond a reasonable doubt. The Judgment of Acquittal prevents retrial under double jeopardy principles and brings the matter to a final resolution.

Aiello Harris Abate Law Group PC, which represents clients in complex criminal defense matters including Federal and New Jersey tax fraud cases, successfully defended Mr. Demba throughout the proceedings, led by James A. Abate and Jay J. Freireich.

CASE INFORMATION

United States District Court – District Of New Jersey – Trenton, NJ
United States of America v. Christopher Ward Demba
Case No. 3:25-cr-00032-ZNQ

The case, Robert Klingler, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Matthew Morrison Bates et al., was filed Jan. 15, 2026, according to the federal court docket.

The complaint names defendants, including Hedgehog CEO Matthew Morrison Bates, Wilfred Jose Manuel Vigil, Joshua Curtis Bishop, Frances Palacios, Stronghold Capital Partners LLC, Stronghold Wealth Partners LLC and others.

Securities Fraud Attorneys alleges that Hedgehog Investments raised millions of dollars through promissory notes by promising investors their funds would be used to help growing companies obtain financing and generate returns. Instead, as alleged in the complaint, investor money was misused in a scheme resembling a Ponzi scheme, with new investor funds used to pay returns to earlier investors.

In May 2025, the Utah Division of Securities issued an emergency order to cease and desist against Hedgehog Investments and affiliated individuals and entities. The order accused the respondents of unlicensed securities activity, securities fraud, making untrue statements and omitting material facts. It found that bank records showed little to no evidence of investor funds being used for the promised purpose of financing growing companies.

The order and related public records also highlighted serious red flags, including Bates’ prior felony conviction and status as a registered sex offender, Vigil’s lengthy criminal history and placement on Utah’s Buyer Beware list, and professional reprimands against other affiliated individuals.

A July 2025 news report on the state action described the operation as using new investor money to pay older obligations, characteristic of a Ponzi scheme.

“As alleged in the complaint, plaintiffs believe this was a massive Ponzi scheme based in Utah that affected investors nationwide,” said Scott Silver, managing partner of Silver Law Group. “Scott Silver is proud to represent the investors and victims in this case and looks forward to helping them recover their investment losses.”

This lawsuit is part of Silver Law Group’s ongoing efforts to hold promoters of fraudulent promissory-note and private investment schemes accountable and to recover losses for defrauded investors across the country.

The lawsuit seeks to proceed as a class action and recover losses for affected investors. No class has been certified, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the allegations.

Securities Fraud Attorneys continues to investigate claims and seeks to represent additional investors who suffered losses in Hedgehog Investments’ promissory notes.

The lawsuit was filed with co-counsel from JurisLaw LLP and Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP.

CASE INFORMATION

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Case: Robert Klingler, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Matthew Morrison Bates et al.
Case No. 2:2026cv00043
Filing date: Jan. 15, 2026

The Winter 2026 session, titled “Good Business Practices & Preventing Problem Employees,” will take place on Thursday, March 26, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts School of Law, Room 204. Food will be provided.

The night will begin with welcoming remarks by Michael L. Coyne, Dean of Massachusetts School of Law, and continue with instruction from a team of MSLAW business and legal experts. Topics will include:

• Establishing Systems for Documenting Performance and Discipline (Michael Leamy – Professor of Business)
• Harassment, Bullying, Violence, and OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Paula Colby-Clements – Professor of Law)
• Piercing The Corporate Veil (Joseph Devlin, Professor of Law)
• Agent Liability on Instruments (Amy Dimitriadis – Professor of Law)
• Mental Health Issues in the Workplace (Shane Rodriguez – Professor of Law)

The Winter 2026 session will be the 6th installment in The Cummings Business Law Seminar Series in partnership with MSLAW to educate the public on the interplay between business and law.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Prospective attendees can scan the QR Code below to sign up, or RSVP directly to Diane Sullivan at dianes@mslaw.edu.

The investment fraud and class action law firm won this year’s title for demonstrating a long-term dedication to its clients. It is known for taking on important national cases and creating a workplace that helps employees grow while focusing on excellent client service. 

Following the 2024 winner, Chaffin Luhana LLP, Meyer Wilson Werning now joins a highly respected list of firms praised for their innovation and consistent top performance.

CrispX evaluates nominees across several measures of organizational strength, including leadership clarity, operational discipline, and the capacity to grow without compromising client service. 

Meyer Wilson Werning’s approach reflects more than 25 years of experience advocating for investors harmed by financial adviser misconduct and through the pursuit of consumer class actions. Their team structure, national casework, and low-volume/high-value model align closely with the criteria the CrispX program highlights.

The award also recognizes the firm’s efforts in planning for the future and improving its systems. Meyer Wilson Werning invests significant resources into upgrading technology, internal processes, and workflow setups. 

These improvements help the firm manage large value and high-impact investor claims, including FINRA arbitration matters and other adviser-misconduct cases. Their lawyers work on cases like misleading or high-risk investment advice, breach of fiduciary duty, poor supervision, high-risk private offerings, and other financial adviser-related issues.

Firm culture played a meaningful role in this year’s selection. CrispX focuses on groups that improve their field using mentorship, teaching, and public involvement.

David Slovick, who served for nearly a decade at both the CFTC and the SEC before joining an AmLaw100 law firm, brings extensive experience in all major markets for securities and commodities enforcement to Kopecky Schumacher Rosenburg LLC.

“I’m looking forward to rejoining my friends and former SEC colleagues who have built a firm that is rightly regarded as a go-to resource for financial markets litigation, enforcement defense and regulatory counseling,” said Slovick. “Our combined experience makes us unique among small to mid-size firms specializing in enforcement and regulatory work.”

Slovick recently represented a C-suite officer in parallel CFTC, SEC and DOJ investigations into Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX Trading and its affiliated entities. Earlier this year he represented a former JPMorgan investment banker in his appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals challenging collateral associational bars imposed in an SEC enforcement action.

“This is an exciting milestone for KSR,” said Jim Kopecky, a founding partner. “The background Howard Rosenburg and I have with the SEC has always differentiated us as a firm. Bringing David on board adds to the depth of SEC experience we have at the firm, and also adds to our experience on the commodities side. Our clients will further benefit from his SEC and CFTC background and practice experience in Chicago, New York, and D.C.”

In addition to his legal practice, Slovick is a frequent speaker at compliance conferences and contributes articles and commentary on regulatory and enforcement topics to publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg, Futures & Derivatives Law Report, The Hill, Hedge Fund Law Report, Securities Regulation Law Journal, and Securities Law 360.

The Fall 2025 session, titled “Good Business Practices & Preventing Problem Employees,” will take place on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts School of Law, Room 204. Sandwiches will be provided.

This free two-part seminar series brings together expert faculty from MSLAW to explore the most pressing issues employers face — from employee management and theft prevention to shielding small businesses from lawsuits.

Seminar Part I Topics (November 12):

• Effective Management and Operational Strategies – Michael Leamy, Professor of Business
• Shielding Your Small Business from Lawsuits – Paula Colby-Clements, Professor of Law
• How to Draft Totally Awesome Severance Agreements – Joseph Devlin, Professor of Law
• Monitoring Your Own Employees – Amy Dimitriadis, Professor of Law
• Employee Theft – Shane Rodriguez, Professor of Law

Part II (March 26, 2026) will continue the series, addressing advanced topics such as documenting performance, harassment and OSHA compliance, corporate veil issues, and remote worker liability.

Opening remarks will be given by Michael L. Coyne, President and Dean of the Massachusetts School of Law, who emphasized the importance of practical education for business owners:

“Our goal is to make the law accessible — empowering business leaders to make informed, confident decisions that strengthen their companies and protect their employees.”

The event is free and open to the public, to register attendees can scan the QR code below.

The scammers are contacting individuals, claiming to be attorneys with Meyer Wilson Werning and promising to recover stolen digital assets. They build trust by sending text copied directly from the firm’s official website, detailing Meyer Wilson Werning’s legitimate track record of recovering over $350 million for clients. Due to various marketing initiatives the firm has in motion for victims, this tactic can be highly effective for individuals potentially seeking assistance. 

The primary goal of the fraud is to solicit an upfront payment. After establishing contact, the impersonators request a “minimum fee” to “file a case to the court,” as seen in messages sent from the phone number +1 (423) 579-7404 and other similar numbers provided by individuals exchanging correspondence with the scammers. 

“This scam is a textbook example of the predatory tactics we fight against every day in the cryptocurrency space. What’s truly insidious here is that our own voice—built on decades of client advocacy—is being weaponized against the very people we protect,” said Courtney Werning, a Partner at the firm. “These illicit messages spread rapidly in the dark. The only way to outpace their deception is with the truth. We urge the public and media to share this warning; your action could be the one that prevents the next person from becoming a  victim.” 

How to Identify the Scam and Protect Yourself: 

• Official Communication Only: Meyer Wilson Werning does not solicit new clients or conduct formal business through unsolicited WhatsApp messages. Verify any communication by contacting the firm through its official websites, https://investorclaims.com and https://meyerwilson.com.
• No Upfront Fees: The firm will never request a “filing fee,” “case fee,” or any other advance payment to begin work on a case. 
• No Cryptocurrency Payments: Meyer Wilson Werning does not accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency. 
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact: Be skeptical of any lawyer or law firm that contacts you unexpectedly on a messaging app to offer asset recovery services. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Contacted: 

If you have been contacted by someone on WhatsApp claiming to be from Meyer Wilson Werning, do not send them money or personal information. Please block the number, report the chat to WhatsApp, and consider filing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime  Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

The complaint, Batman Investments LLC v. Hostetter, et al., was filed Aug. 27, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The action seeks at least $700 million in compensatory damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest.

Defendants are identified as Jerry Hostetter, Mir Jafer Ali “Buck” Joffrey, Randall Leaman and David Zook. The proposed class alleges the companies and their executives raised roughly $700 million from about 2,700 investors by claiming to own and operate about 38,000 ATMs nationwide. According to the complaint, Prestige and Paramount owned fewer than 10,000 ATMs, with fewer than 1,000 in operation, and used new investor funds to pay prior investors.

The suit alleges that executives diverted investor money for their personal benefit and concealed mounting losses through deceptive accounting practices. The filing cites missed investor payments beginning in April 2024 and references subsequent events involving non-party Daryl Heller, including an FBI search in December 2024 and a February 2025 bankruptcy.

“We are seeing a rise in cases involving unregistered securities raising millions of dollars using unlicensed promoters to help raise capital,” said Scott Silver, managing partner of Securities Fraud Attorneys. “Unfortunately, while privately held companies need access to capital, investors need to be careful about false representations, securities fraud, and the proliferation of Ponzi schemes in the private marketplace.”

The case seeks to certify a class of investors who purchased interests in the Prestige Funds and related entities tied to Paramount’s ATM operations. The complaint alleges violations of federal securities laws and state-law claims and requests a jury trial.

Investors who purchased interests associated with Prestige Funds, Paramount Management Group or related entities and who suffered losses are encouraged to contact Securities Fraud Attorneys for a confidential consultation.

CASE INFORMATION

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Batman Investments LLC v. Hostetter, et al.
Case No. 5:25-cv-04911

The write-up, which includes an interview with Innovators’ Journey representative, Nick Franck, allows Werning to go into detail about the motivation that drives her to stand for investors as well as her work establishing Meyer Wilson Werning’s cryptocurrency litigation team.

Werning began working with Meyer Wilson Werning in 2011. She worked as a law clerk alongside the founding Principal, David Meyer. 

In Jones’ breakdown, he highlights the motivation that brought Werning to the firm – a desire to help victims overcome some of the most heartbreaking times of their lives.

Werning notes that financial setbacks, including those brought about by scams, affect more than a person’s financial portfolio. These losses can also devastate a person’s plans for the future, as well as their ability to care for themselves or the people who rely on them.

When it comes to cryptocurrency, Werning’s interview with Franck allows her to discuss the duality between her enthusiasm for the new financial medium and her concerns about the industry’s commitment to user safety. 

She notes that any institution that wants to move cryptocurrency into the mainstream must be “safe, secure, and dependable,” and that Meyer Wilson Werning is fighting to ensure that cryptocurrency and its mediators are held to the same standards of security and accountability as other financial giants.

Werning’s efforts have put $4 million back into the hands of victims of a “pig butchering” scam. She’s also in the process of advocating for victims of the recent Coinbase scams. Coinbase, she notes, admitted that internal personnel sold its users’ data to scammers and promised paybacks to parties impacted by the data breach, but it has yet to follow through with that promise.

Werning’s work has also seen her push back against another global cryptocurrency exchange’s improper margin liquidations, a process that saw her represent 18 international investors as the case settled. 

When asked about the ways users can interact more safely with cryptocurrency platforms and what victims of scams can do, Werning notes that users are rarely the agents of their own financial losses. She invites anyone impacted by recent cryptocurrency fraud to reach out to Meyer Wilson Werning and its cryptocurrency litigation team for help holding investment giants accountable for their security breaches.

Meyer Wilson Werning and its team are proud of Werning’s achievements and look forward to watching her star rise as she continues to shape the future of cryptocurrency oversight.

Jessica L. Villar focuses her practice on nonprofit law, estate planning, and business and corporate transactional matters. She began her legal career in 2017 as an entertainment attorney specializing in music law, later expanding her expertise into broader areas of business and corporate law. Jessica holds a degree in International Business and Marketing from Cal Poly Pomona and earned her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Her background in both entertainment and corporate law offers clients a unique and valuable perspective.

Nicole M. Threlkel brings over a decade of experience in business and real estate law, with a strong background in both litigation and transactional matters. She began her legal career in 2010, representing financial institutions and has since built a diverse practice advising individuals, businesses, both for-profit and nonprofit, and homeowners’ associations on a wide range of legal needs.  Nicole received her B.A. from UCLA in Political Science and her J.D. from Chapman University School of Law. Her work in appellate law has garnered national recognition, underscoring her commitment to her practice.

Jessica and Nicole’s diverse backgrounds allow them to offer clients practical, forward-thinking legal solutions tailored to their unique needs.

The firm proudly welcomes Jessica and Nicole to the partnership and celebrates their continued leadership, legal excellence, and dedication to client success.

The Massachusetts School of Law at Andover recently received the distinction of seeing 73 percent of its students pass the state bar exam on their first attempt. This pass rate is significantly higher than the state average of 65 percent. These passing rates reflect not only individual students’ commitment to the study and practice of law but also MSLAW’s commitment to upholding high standards of academic excellence and exceptional legal education. 

On May 7, 2025, the open house will provide an inside look at how MSLAW cultivates a culture of academic and professional excellence. The event begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. with a tour of the campus. Attendees will see and experience the spaces in which MSLAW students learn both the theoretical underpinnings of law and the practical nature of applying and experiencing what they study. The Dean of the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover will conclude the tour with an address highlighting the institution’s history of academic achievement, its core values, and its innovative legal programs. 

Open house attendees will also have an opportunity to meet the school’s Directors of Admission and Financial Aid. These staff members will offer detailed information on the MSLAW admissions process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Faculty members of the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover will also be present to answer questions and share their insights.

Finally, attendees can connect with MSLAW alumni at the open house. Alumni will share their experiences during a closing event at the campus cafe, where prospective students can network and experience the school’s unique culture. Students can make an informed decision about their legal education with firsthand experience of the MSLAW experience.

Spots are limited, so prospective students are encouraged to register online at https://www.mslaw.edu/open-house/.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a nationwide initiative designed to inspire, educate, and empower the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance directives. In moments of crisis, having clear, written instructions in place can spare loved ones from confusion and ensure that medical care aligns with your values and priorities. 

“Advance care planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your dignity and ease the burden on your family,” said Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., managing partner of Suprenant, Beneski & Nunes. “National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect reminder to have those conversations and make your wishes legally known.” 

To mark National Healthcare Decisions Day, we encourage you to:

• Talk to your family about your wishes
• Choose a trusted healthcare agent
• Complete or review your advance directives
• Store your documents where they can be easily accessed
• Consult an attorney to ensure your plan complies with the law. 

For more information on National Healthcare Decisions Day, please visit our website or reach out to the team at Suprenant, Beneski & Nunes.

Event Details:

• Date: March 26th
• Time: 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM
• Location: Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St., Andover, MA
• RSVP: https://www.mslaw.edu/small-business-seminar/
• Complimentary food provided.

Join esteemed MSLAW Professors of Business & Law as they present on key issues including:

• The role of project management in boosting small business efficiency.
• Managing allegations of workplace violations.
• Understanding and preventing workplace discrimination.
• Identifying and tackling fraud.
• Avoiding the pitfalls of employee misclassification.
• Understanding liability associated with employee and company signatures.

This seminar provides invaluable insights aimed at improving business operations and protecting against legal risks. Attendees will gain practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to their business practice.

Spaces are limited. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.mslaw.edu/small-business-seminar/.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and network with other local business
owners. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and network with other local business
owners.

Goemann’s transition from defending multinational corporations to championing the cause of employees marks a pivotal shift in his career. At his previous position with a prominent management-side employment law firm, Goemann successfully defended corporations in intricate employment disputes and secured numerous jury trial verdicts. Now, with Sommers Schwartz, he aims to leverage his insider knowledge to level the playing field for employees navigating workplace challenges.

Based in Atlanta, Goemann’s knowledge extends beyond the courtroom. He is a chapter author for the American Bar Association’s “Wage and Hour Laws: A State-By-State Survey” treatise, reflecting his deep understanding of the evolving landscape of employment law. His legal acumen was further honed during his clerkship with Judge Graham C. Mullen at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, where he gained invaluable insights into judicial processes.

Sommers Schwartz, recognized for its robust employee rights practice, views Goemann’s arrival as a strategic enhancement to its capabilities in representing individuals facing workplace injustices. The firm, known for its commitment to advocating for fair employment practices, anticipates that Goemann’s background in defending large employers will provide a unique perspective in cases involving wage theft, pay inequity, and discrimination.

In a statement, the firm expressed enthusiasm about Goemann’s decision to join its ranks, highlighting his passion and dedication to employee advocacy as key assets in their mission to uphold justice in the workplace.

Ethan Goemann’s transition signifies a broader trend within the legal community, where attorneys with deep experience on the corporate side are increasingly choosing to represent individuals, seeking to bring balance and fairness to employment relations.

Passage to Profit is recorded in New York City and features Gearhart alongside co-host Elizabeth Gearhart, an entrepreneur herself. Each episode brings listeners the stories of industry-leading guests, accomplished entrepreneurs, and successful innovators across various industries. The show covers entrepreneurial journeys and diverse paths to success, offering real-life experiences and valuable guidance on what it truly takes to grow a business from the ground up. The show’s reach spans 39 radio stations across the United States, making it a nationally recognized resource for anyone with a stake in the startup world.

“The goal of Passage to Profit has always been to provide real, actionable insights for anyone interested in or currently navigating the entrepreneurial landscape,” said Richard Gearhart. “I want entrepreneurs to feel inspired, learn from those who’ve paved the way, and know they’re not alone in their journey. From early-stage startups to seasoned entrepreneurs, our guests’ stories and advice are universal, meaningful, and hopefully empowering.”

Gearhart, an intellectual property law expert with nearly three decades of experience, founded Gearhart Law with a vision of supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth through innovation. His firm offers international IP services, assisting clients with patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and has become a trusted name for entrepreneurs, inventors, and startups worldwide. Gearhart’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship led him to establish Passage to Profit, a platform where his expertise could directly reach and benefit a broader entrepreneurial community.

As Passage to Profit continues its successful run, Richard Gearhart’s role as both an attorney and media host redefines what it means to support and champion the entrepreneurial spirit. The show’s impact resonates across industries and exemplifies how innovation, guidance, and shared experiences can empower future business leaders.

For more information on Passage to Profit, visit passagetoprofitshow.com.

With over 30 years of experience working in veterinary clinics, Ms. Deshotel is uniquely qualified to support her team and clients in her new role. Driven by a passion for financial management and a desire to support veterinary practices in achieving sustainable growth, she brings a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to her work.

“We’re very fortunate to have someone with Amy’s qualifications become a part of Granite Peak,” says CEO, Jharid Pratt. “She knows what it takes to help our veterinary clients achieve their financial goals while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and staff well-being,” he continued.

Ms. Deshotel has been a speaker at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference and has served as Datalink Chairperson for her Veterinary Management Group.

“I’ve gained a lot of insight throughout my years in the veterinary industry, and I’m eager to share what I know to benefit our clients,” commented Ms. Deshotel.

A graduate of Bentley University with his bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s in taxation, Mr. Cunningham also spent nine years active duty in the Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Since joining Granite Peak in 2019, he has been instrumental in growing the firm’s veterinary niche and implementing a dental specialty within the company.

“Chris’s passion for researching and studying complex tax issues, makes him an invaluable resource and team member,” said CEO, Jharid Pratt. “I have no doubt he’ll continue to excel in his new role,” Pratt concluded.

As Vice President of Tax, Cunningham will focus on strengthening internal processes, team growth and development, and staying on top of technology, tax updates, and tax saving strategies to benefit clients.

“I love being in a position to build up a team that believes in continuous development and never accepts mediocracy,” Cunningham commented. “I’m excited for what’s ahead,” he added.

The designation is a testament to Wilensky’s experience with labor law and his commitment to defending the rights and interests of railroad employees. With the new role, Wilensky’s name will be included in the list of Designated Legal Counsel in the BRS’s quarterly publication, The Signalman’s Journal, as well as on the union’s website, offering BRS members direct access to his legal services.

President Baldwin, representing the BRS Grand Executive Council, expressed confidence in Wilensky’s abilities to serve the union’s members effectively. “On behalf of the BRS Grand Executive Council, I would like to take this opportunity to extend designation to you,” Baldwin said. “Going forward, you will appear on the list of Designated Legal Counsel in our quarterly publication, The Signalman’s Journal, and also on our website, in the area for the Designated Counsel directory.”

The BRS, which has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1901, represents non-management employees in the railroad signal and communications industry. The​ union plays a crucial role in negotiating fair wages, safe working conditions, and protecting the rights of its members. The selection of designated legal counsel is an essential service provided by the BRS, ensuring that its members have access to high-quality legal representation when needed.

Wilensky’s appointment comes at a time when the railroad industry faces numerous challenges, including labor disputes, regulatory changes, and safety concerns. His expertise in labor and employment law will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape that railroad workers encounter.

Sommers Schwartz takes pride in its reputation for providing exceptional legal services and in having its attorneys recognized for their excellence and commitment to their clients. Wilensky’s designation further solidifies the firm’s standing within the legal community and its ongoing mission to advocate for workers’ rights.

As designated legal counsel for the BRS, Wilensky will play​ a pivotal role in upholding the legal interests of the BRS’s members, fostering a just and equitable working environment within the railroad industry. This collaboration between Sommers Schwartz and the BRS is poised to reinforce the union’s staunch commitment to its members and the pursuit of justice on their behalf.

Since joining Granite Peak in 2016, Ms. Piazza has been instrumental in the significant growth of the firm’s veterinary-specific client niche, team building and development, and enhancing the company’s software to better focus on tax saving strategies.

“Heather’s contributions over the last eight years have been vital to our growth and success,” says Granite Peak CEO, Jharid Pratt. “She embodies our core values and commitment to excellence,” Pratt concluded.

As Vice President of Operations, Ms. Piazza’s responsibilities will expand to include strengthening internal processes, increasing efficiencies, and enhancing the client experience.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing every day and look forward to being part of even greater accomplishments for both our team and our clients,” Ms. Piazza commented.

A graduate of Bentley University, Ms. Piazza majored in Corporate Finance and Accounting, with a minor in Law. She also received her master’s in taxation from Bentley in 2020.