Announcement

Attorney Spotlight: Boston Magazine Selects Shehla Syed to 2025 Top Lawyers List  

West Hill proudly announces that Shehla Syed has been named to the  Boston Magazine Top Lawyers™ 2025 list for her excellence in Intellectual Property Law.  

Launched in 2021, the Boston Magazine Top Lawyers list showcases the regions top legal talent. Peers nominate  attorneys in their practice areas, and an independent advisory board reviews the nomination to select the final honorees.

“I am honored to be named a Top Lawyer by Boston Magazine alongside so many exceptional peers.” said Shehla Syed.  

Shehla consistently receives recognition for her professional achievements, including honors from  Boston Magazine (since 2023), Best Lawyers (since 2022) and Super Lawyers (since 2019) in her areas of expertise.  

Click here to view Shehla Syed’s listing.  

About Shehla Syed 

Shehla Syed is a Shareholder and IP Strategist at West Hill, where she focuses on Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She  advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property – including trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets – to help them maximize the value, protection, and enforceability of their content, brands, and technology.  

About  Boston Magazine Top Lawyers 

The complete list of 2025 Top Lawyers is available online. The December issue of Boston Magazine, featuring the highly anticipated 2025 Top Lawyers list, is now available in both print and digital editions. 

About West Hill  

West Hill Technology Counsel  is a boutique business and technology law firm. The firm provides proactive, practical legal advice designed to solve problems before they arise. West Hill represents emerging and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core component of their business model.   

WBENC 2025: A Week of Connection, Celebration, and Community

The 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans was was a powerful and inspiring gathering of Women-Owned Businesses (WBEs), corporate partners and industry leaders. From the moment we arrived to the final farewell, the week was filled with energy, empowerment, and unforgettable moments—both joyful and deeply meaningful.

Celebrating and Honoring a Powerful Leader

While the week overflowed with excitement, an unmistakable reflection of the passion and momentum driving the WBENC community, it was followed by heartbreaking news: the sudden and tragic loss of WBENC President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason.

Pam’s presence throughout the week in New Orleans was felt deeply. She led, as she has for decades, with strength, grace, and a commitment that has defined her legacy. A visionary leader, tireless advocate, and unwavering supporter of women-owned businesses, Pam inspired throusands with her dedication to changing the narrative and creating space for women to thrive.

With more than 4,800 conference attendees—including over 2,500 certified women-owned businesses—the conference reflected years of innovation and intentional growth, much of it driven by Pam, her dedicated team, and her incredible network. The programming, connection, and impact of this year’s event were a testament to her leadership.

This unforgettable week served to elevate the voices, visibility, and networks of women entrepreneurs, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic growth. West Hill is honored to have participated in such a meaningful event, and we remain committed to supporting the vibrant WBENC community.

As we celebrate the success of the 2025 conference, we also remember and honor Pam Prince-Eason–her vision, her leadership, and her enduring legacy. Her impact will be felt for generation, and we are grateful to have been a part of the community she so powerfully built.

Monday, June 23rd, General Session Kick-off and RPO Meet up

The conference was kicked off with an energizing General Session to set the tone for an inspiring week of connection, innovation and empowerment. Louise Kennedy represented West Hill Technology Counsel and welcomed the Center for Women & Enterprise group as a member of the Host Committee. The group joined together to build the Northeast RPO float with the theme: “To Plant a Seed is to Believe in Tomorrow.” The meet-up was followed by the float parade where the group tossed New England themed candy, Boston Baked Beans and Mary Janes, to the crowd.

The West Hill Team Kicked of the WBENC Conference in Style!

The West Hill team laced up their favorite kicks and hit the Sneaker Jam to kick off the 2025 WBENC National Conference with style, sparkle, and serious energy!

This high-vibe evening was the perfect mix of fun and purpose–with dinner, music and a vibrant Women Owned Pop-up Shop featuring so many incredible brands to explore and support. From blingling out our sneakers to connecting with fellow WBEs and corporate partners, Sneaker Jam set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs and Women Owned Pop-Up Shop

Tuesday included a jam packed day of Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs, expo booth set-up and finished up with an evening event to celebrate the Community Resource Groups.

Wednesday Highlights from the WBENC Confernce

Wednesday kicked off with an energizing General Session, followed by the highly anticipated opening of the Expo floor–and the West Hill team was ready!

We had a blast meeting and connecting with fellow attendees throughout the day. Our booth turned into a hub of friendly competition with our paper airplane toss contest–a fun way to spark conversations and add a little extra excitement to the expo experience.

Many stopped by to chat and give it their best shot at hitting the target…but only a few skilled flyers walked away with the prizes!

It was a day full of meaningful connections, great energy, and of course, a bit of paper airplane fun. We’re so grateful to be a part of this incredible community of women entrepreneurs and supporters.

Thursday Recap: Momentum and Meaningful Conversations

On Thursday, the West Hill booth was buzzing with even more energy, connection, and inspiration. The paper airplane toss kept the fun going, sparking conversations and plenty of laughs, while meaningful business discussion continued to take flight.

We loved seeing familiar faces return and new ones stop by to share ideas, stories, and a little friendly competition. It’s been incredible to watch how a simple activity can open the door to impactful conversations.

Thursday Evening: Masquerade Magic to Close out an Incredible Week

On Thursday evening, the West Hill team donned some masks and joined fellow attendees for a spectacular Masquerade on the Bayou at the Grand Oaks Mansion. The evening was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable week–filled with dinner, music, fun and most importantly, meaningful conversations and lasting connections.

It was a celebration of the vibrant WBENC community and the powerful spirit of women in business. We’re grateful for every moment, and especially the incredible people we met along the way.

West Hill Named to 2025 Best Law Firms List by Best Lawyers

West Hill is pleased to announce that our firm has been ranked among the nation’s top law firms by Best Lawyers^®, achieving recognition in the Best Law Firms^® 2025 edition. Firms in the Best Law Firms rankings are recognized for excellence and have impressive ratings from clients and peers.

The 15th edition of Best Law Firms, independently produced by Best Lawyers, serves as a benchmark for excellence in the legal industry, providing a comprehensive and reliable guide to the top-performing law firms across 127 practice areas and 188 local jurisdictions. The rankings are meticulously compiled based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer reviews, industry leader interviews, and detailed analysis of law firm data. Best Law Firms received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in its survey for the 2025 edition. 

According to Best Lawyers, achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and regional scale. Firms that receive a tier designation reflect the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and clients from the same communities and practice areas. West Hill has been recognized in Boston as Tier 2 for Litigation–Intellectual Property. 

“We are both delighted and proud to be awarded this prestigious designation and recognized for our firm’s expertise in intellectual property law,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill.

About Best Lawyers Best Law Firms

For more information about Best Lawyers® and the Best Law Firms list, click here.

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing proactive, practical legal advice to solve problems before they arise. Our clients are new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core business model.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Better Together–The Power of Partnering and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty

On Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC), held its Third Annual Women in Technology Forum: Better Together–The Power of Partnerships and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty. Louise Kennedy, West Hill’s Founding Attorney, moderated the panel of inspiring women who discussed their entrepreneurial journeys while highlighting key mentoring and partnership stories from their careers.

The Speakers and Their Stories

The evening started with an inspiring keynote from Julie Chen, Ph.D., Chancellor at UMass Lowell, focused on partnerships with stories from her personal and professional journeys. She highlighted LINC, the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, which was the result of more than a decade of developing public and private partnerships. This project is an excellent example of multiple stakeholders sharing a vision of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of STEM students and bringing top innovators to the City of Lowell.

Louise Kennedy introduced the panel and told the story of West Hill and some key mentors, mentees, and partnerships from her professional journey. “The firm remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise. Louise concluded the panel discussion with a challenge to the room to write down and connect with a mentor or mentee today who impacted your career.

The room was buzzing as the panel answered questions and told their own stories of mentorship and partnership– both successes and failures. The panel included:  Elise Strobach, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder at AeroShield Materials, Elizabeth Graham, J.D., CEO at Ada IQ, Amanda Wagner, President &CEO at Immunitas Therapeutics and Martha Farmer, Ph.D., EVP & Board Member at VirTech Bio.

The NSTC and the Event Sponsors

The evening concluded with remarks from NSTC President, Gene Wong, the Dean of Science & Technology at Endicott College. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org for more info on joining their community and events.

West Hill Technology Counsel is a proud supporter of NSTC along with the following sponsors of this event: Endicott College, Cohn Reznick, Applied Materials, Cummings Properties, Integrative Leadership Strategies, Ci Software Staffing, Bond Building, Cross Insurance and Green Path Strategies.

Attorney Spotlight: Two West Hill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025

West Hill Technology Counsel is pleased to announce that Shehla Syed was named to the Best Lawyers in America^® list and Kim Prior – Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® list 2025.

West Hill’s approach to law is grounded in fueling the growth of our business clients and the success of our communities. The recognition of its attorneys by Best Lawyers reflects this mission and highlights the team’s collaborative effort to provide sophisticated legal services to protect technology businesses.

“For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognitions,” said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. “It is with great pleasure that we continue to provide potential clients with the pinnacle measurement of credibility through our Best Lawyers awards as they search for counsel.” 

Lawyers on the Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to ensure they are in current practice and good standing. 

About Shehla Syed

Shehla is a Shareholder and IP Strategist specializing in Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Ms. Syed counsels clients on all aspects of their intellectual property – trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets – to help them maximize the value and enforceability of their content, brands and technology.

About Kim Prior

Kim is a business law attorney with experience advising clients on corporate matters. Kim has specialized knowledge in private investment funds, domestic and international securities offerings, corporate formation, equity structuring, financings and contract negotiations representing both for-profit and non-for-profit businesses.

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing proactive, practical legal advice to help solve problems before they arise. Our clients are new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core business model.

About Best Lawyers

For more information on Best Lawyers, click here.

Louise Kennedy Honored as a 2024 WBE Star by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

The WBE Star Award is the nation’s premier award for women’s excellence in business leadership

Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney at West Hill Technology Counsel, has been recognized as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest certifier of women-owned businesses and leader in women’s business development. The WBE Star Award is the nation’s top recognition for excellence among women-owned businesses, honoring 14 women who are leaders in their local business communities and respective fields from across the country within each Regional Partner Organization. Louise was nominated by the Northeast regional partner, Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE). CWE serves the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The 2024 WBE Stars will be honored during the 2024 WBENC National Conference, the largest event of its kind for women-owned business entrepreneurs and business leaders taking place March 19-22, 2024, in Denver, Colorado.

Honoring Women in Business

“West Hill has been a long-time supporter of CWE, hosting and participating in events and encouraging other woman-owned businesses to apply for WBENC and SBA Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications. West Hill was founded in part to address inequality in the legal workplace as described in the West Hill Vision and Mission. Our work with CWE is an extension of this.” said Louise Kennedy. 

“We could not be prouder of our 2024 WBE Stars,” says Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC. “Each one of them exemplifies the vital role women-owned businesses play in our economy. They are outstanding leaders, mentors and innovators, and we look forward to honoring them in March and throughout the year.”

“This year we sought to recognize and celebrate WBEs who embody the spirit of “AMPLIFY” – having grown their business, strengthened a challenging area, expanded to new products and services or markets, heightened performance with development of talent, leadership, relationships, or accelerated business impact and results. Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney and CEO of West Hill Technology Counsel has certainly done that and is an inspiration for the entire WBENC network.”

Pamela Prince-Eason

Tap Into WBENC

“Being recognized as a 2024 Women’s Business Enterprise Star by WBENC and my Regional Partner Organization, Center for Women and Enterprise, is an incredible honor. Our WBENC Certification has unlocked countless opportunities that we take advantage of continuously. WBENC is truly the leading women’s business development organization and I encourage all current WBEs and other women-owned small businesses to tap into the limitless potential of the WBENC network.” said Louise Kennedy.

Top left to right: Cate Heaman, Prelude Solutions, Paula Edwards, Lexair Electronics Sales Corporation, Heather Cox, Certify My Company, Mary Fehlig, The Fehlig Group, Barb Smith, Journey Steel, Inc., Gwen Hale, Reagan Mechanical LLC, Louise Leduc Kennedy, West Hill Technology Counsel, Inc., Sue Bhatia, Rose International, Inc., Linda A. Hamilton, Grow Profit Sale LLC, Brenda Boral, Boral Agency.
Front Left to right: Ashwini Vasudeva, Astute, Patricia Thomasson, Thomasson Company, Kathleen Hunt, Personalized Payroll Services, and Michele Adams, Levy Recognition.

“We applaud Louise Kennedy’s accomplishments and congratulate her on the selection to receive our highest achievement award for WBEs.”

Gaby King Morse, President and CEO, Center for Women and Enterprise

About WBE Star Award

Learn more about the WBE Star Award at https://www.wbenc.org/about-wbenc/awards/wbe-star-award/

About the 2024 WBENC National Conference

Register or find out more about Amplify, the WBENC National conference at https://www.wbenc.org/conference/.

About WBENC

WBENC is the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, supported by more than 540 Corporate Members that value our world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. Throughout the year, WBENC provides professional development, business development, and outreach opportunities for more than 18,000 WBENC Certified women-owned businesses, Corporate and Government Members, and the national WBENC network. Partnering with 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs), WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. Learn more at www.wbenc.org.

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing pro-active, practical legal advice to help IP-focused businesses grow, assess risk, and plan for and execute a successful exit.

Meet the Team: Jennica Holoquist

In this series, we are introducing the West Hill Law team. We’re starting with Jennica Holoquist, a Business and Transactions Attorney who joined our team after graduating from Suffolk University Law School.

What areas of law are you most interested in?

In law school I was most interested in intellectual property, mainly trademarks and copyright, but since coming to West Hill, my interest and focus now includes business transactions and data privacy.

What drew you to West Hill?

A combination of the firm’s focus areas and company culture. I was excited that West Hill does IP work, which was my concentration at school. In addition, it handles other practice areas so I could expand my skills and knowledge base. I loved that the firm was a women owned business as I have always felt more comfortable and encouraged when being around women. As a young attorney, I was looking for the opportunity to be supported in my growth. I also really respected the mission of West Hill which is to provide effective and enthusiastic legal services to all our clients at competitive rates while respecting the needs of the legal staff.

How would you describe working at West Hill to a friend?

I often describe West Hill as a very collaborative work environment. The whole team is open to working together to put out the best work possible for all the clients. There is a good balance between having the space to bunker down and do the work on your own but also to run to a colleague and get their perspective on any issues. I would describe West Hill as open, dedicated, and encouraging.

What makes West Hill unique? 

The company culture makes West Hill unique. For example, I am someone who has struggled with asking for help which has the ability to hinder growth or efficiency.  At West Hill, that is not something I have to worry about. I can ask anyone here questions and they will be treated with understanding and responded to with care. In the short amount of time that I have been here, this has allowed me to grow as a lawyer and improve my client work. I will also add that the way West Hill cares about the clients is unique. Here you are not just another name on a file. West Hill does a great job of communicating with clients and really understanding both short and long term goals. The team helps clients plan for the best and most efficient way to reach those goals.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to dance, I did many different types of dance all the way through college. It’s something that brings me a lot of joy. I spend a lot of time with my dog Macfarlane mainly playing fetch (sometimes even in the house). I am also a big movie and television fan so I am always looking for something new to watch.

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

From a very young age, I wanted to be able to support others who did not have the ability or the knowledge to do something on their own. I would say that is another reason I really like working at West Hill, especially with start-ups. I get the chance to help people grow their businesses or protect their work in a way that they might not be able to without that guidance and support.

Contact Jennica Holoquist

Click here for more information and contact info for Jennica.

Best Lawyers Names West Hill to 2024 Best Law Firms® list

West Hill is pleased to announce our firm has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms®” as a Boston Tier 3 firm in Litigation and Intellectual Property. Firms included in the “Best Law Firms” rankings are recognized for excellence and have impressive ratings from clients and peers. 

“We are both delighted and proud to be awarded this designation and recognized for our firm’s expertise in handling intellectual property disputes. There has been a steady increase in the use of arbitration provisions in software development and other technology agreements. Our technical, contract, and IP expertise allows us to handle these matters effectively and efficiently,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill. 

According to Best Lawyers, achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and regional scale. Firms that receive a tier designation reflect the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and clients from the same communities and practice areas.  

For the West Hill Technology Counsel ranking click here.

About Best Law Firms List

For the official press release for the 14th edition of Best Lawyers® and the Best Law Firms click here. For more information about  Best Lawyers and the Best Law Firms list, click here.  

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing proactive practical legal advice to help solve problems before they arise. Our clients are new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model.  

Attorney Spotlight: Shehla Syed named to 2024 edition of Best Lawyers 

West Hill is pleased to announce Shehla Syed was recognized by Best Lawyers® in their 2024 edition for Litigation – Intellectual Property. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers follows a peer-reviewed process recognizing lawyers in the U.S. who are demonstrating professional excellence in private practice. Best Lawyers has earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as a reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. The selected lawyers are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process.

About Shehla Syed

Shehla is a Shareholder and IP Strategist specializing in Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Ms. Syed counsels clients on all aspects of their intellectual property – trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets – to help maximize the value and enforceability of their content, brands and technology.

Shehla is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts, Boston Patent Law Association and the New England Muslim Bar Association, for which she was one of the founding members. Shehla has also served on the Community Ethics Committee at the Division of Medical Ethics of the Harvard Medical School which provides ethics feedback to Harvard teaching hospitals.

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing pro-active, practical legal advice to help solve problems before they arise. Our clients are new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model.

About Best Lawyers

For the list and more information on Best Lawyers, click here.

West Hill Selected to Mass Lawyers Weekly Inaugural Empowering Women Awards List

West Hill is proud to be recognized in the inaugural Empowering Women Awards list by Mass Lawyers Weekly. We congratulate fellow recipients for their shared commitment to the support and advancement of women in the legal community.

The Empowering Women Award recognizes a law firm’s commitment to hiring and promoting women, providing mentoring and opportunities for professional advancement to women attorneys, and establishing programs and policies to help women attorneys thrive professionally.

“We are both delighted and proud to be awarded this designation and recognized for our firm’s continued commitment to supporting and elevating women in the legal community,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill. 

A Better Way to Practice Law

West Hill was founded on and remains committed to hiring and professional development for women attorneys and support staff.  Louise Kennedy established West Hill in 2008, after working in the Boston office of a regional law firm and as in-house counsel at IBM. When Louise attended her 10^th law school reunion, she was the mother of two daughters and was distressed to learn how many women in her class had abandoned the practice of law because the pressures of large firm practice were incompatible with the needs of a growing family. Louise was looking for a better way to practice law and allow attorneys to integrate their commitments to family. She created a cutting-edge law practice that is dynamic, challenging, and innovative.   

West Hill Values

Louise built a team of motivated and upbeat legal professionals looking for flexibility while still practicing law at a high level. West Hill values innovation, integrity, open and honest communication, and diversity. These values shape the positive and inclusive firm culture. West Hill believes – and clients have affirmed – that happy lawyers = happy clients.   

Certified Women-Owned Business

West Hill is a WBENC- and SBA-certified women-owned business actively redefining the concept of private law practice. Diverse hiring practices are important to West Hill and many of its clients.

Empowering Women Awards

For more information about Mass Lawyers Weekly and the Empowering Women Award list, click here.

The support and empowerment of women is a critical component of the West Hill vision and mission. 

Next Page »