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Attorney Spotlight: Shehla Syed Named to Best Lawyers® 2027 

West Hill Technology Counsel is proud to announce that Shehla Syed, Shareholder & IP Strategist, has been named to the Best Lawyers® 2027 list. 

This recognition reflects Shehla’s exceptional work in intellectual property law and her commitment to helping innovative businesses protect and maximize the value of their ideas, brands, and creative assets. Her inclusion in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers underscores West Hill’s ongoing mission to empower technology-driven companies through sophisticated, strategic legal counsel. 

“For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognition,” 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 recognized in Best Lawyers are selected through a comprehensive peer-review process that evaluates professional expertise, ethical standards, and overall standing within the legal community. Honorees are organized by geographic region and practice area and undergo an authentication process to verify they remain in current practice and good standing. 

About Shehla Syed 

Shehla specializes in Intellectual Property, Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She advises clients across the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. By combining legal acumen with strategic business insight, Shehla helps organizations protect, enforce, and maximize the value of their innovations, content, and brands. 

Her recognition in Best Lawyers 2027 reflects both her professional excellence and her dedication to delivering practical, business-focused solutions for clients operating in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

About West Hill 

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm that provides proactive, practical legal guidance designed to prevent legal problems before they arise. Our clients are innovative startups and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model. 

About Best Lawyers 

Best Lawyers® is one of the oldest and most respected peer-review legal publications in the profession. Lawyers included in The Best Lawyers in America list are recognized based on comprehensive peer evaluations, verified practice status, and professional standing. 

Learn more about Best Lawyers. 

Top 6 Lessons Learned at WBENC 2026 – And Why It Matters for Your Business

The West Hill Team spent an energizing week at WBENC 2026. It delivered exactly what great conferences should: fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and a few reminders that challenge the way we think about growth. From AI’s growing role in procurement to the enduring value of relationships and reputation, the conversations in Salt Lake City revealed where businesses need to focus to stay competitive. As a women-owned law firm that works alongside innovators, founders, and growing companies, we left with six takeaways that every business leader should be thinking about right now.

1. Shift from a Know-it-all to a Learn-it-all. 

Staying curious beats being the smartest person in the room. Day to day business issues are rapidly evolving and none of us have all the answers. Stay curious and open to change. Have a conversation that stretches your thinking.

2. Customer obsession still wins–full stop.  

Listen to your customers. Solve real problems–consistently. Corporates want to work with small businesses that are nimble, innovative, and prepared. . Small businesses should be prepared to articulate how they are different, the concrete value they deliver, and how they are positively impacting their communities. Overpromising is expensive. Contracts don’t flex just because your business is growing. Understand what you can deliver—and stand behind it. 

3. AI is already shaping procurement decisions.

Sourcing teams are using AI to find and filter vendors. Your digital presence is no longer marketing—it’s infrastructure. Be precise and consistent. Always test yourself: run sourcing tools against your own brand. If you don’t show up, you don’t exist. That said, AI can shortlist, but humans still choose. References, relationships, and outcomes matter.

4. Get your house in order for an exit – early.  

Sarah Noble from Wells Fargo moderated a panel about mergers and acquisitions and encouraged attendees to work with experts to get their business ready for exit.  Buyers reward readiness–and penalize gaps. M&A professionals are seeing meaningful valuation hits when companies aren’t prepared. Programs like WBENC Lift aren’t optional—they’re upside. 

5. Data drives everything—including your brand. 

Melissa Proctor (CMO, Atlanta Hawks) said it best: data is king. But the takeaway goes further—your brand must connect across every touchpoint and remain consistent. Protect your brand elements and take every opportunity to measure impact. If your story isn’t integrated, it’s forgettable. 

6. “I’m everyone’s wing woman.” People still win the room. 

Amy Acompara from Polaris Direct walked the walk at the WBENC conference by offering introductions, insights, and support to fellow WBEs. Business is—and always will be—about people helping people. Be the connector. Be generous with your time and your expertise. 

WBENC 2026: A week of Impact, Community and Action 

The 2026 WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City made one thing clear: this community doesn’t just connect–it moves. 

From the first session to the final celebration, women-owned businesses, corporate partners, and industry leaders showed up ready to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. Conversations turned into next steps. Introductions turned into action plans. 

As one attendee put it, the value of WBENC goes “far beyond business opportunities… it’s about the relationships we build, the ideas we exchange, and the community we continue to strengthen together.” 

There wasn’t just energy. There was action. 

A Community Built to Drive Impact 

WBENC continues to set the standard for what a meaningful business community looks like—connection, execution, and impact.

At West Hill, we were proud to be part of a community that prioritizes supporting and doing—not just discussing. 

WBENC’s 2026 theme—IMPACT—showed up everywhere. From programming to Expo conversations to the way attendees showed up for each other with intention. Not as a tagline, but as a standard. 

Leaders reinforced that this network isn’t just about access—it’s about outcomes. As WBENC Co-Chair Janice Bryant Howroyd put it: 

“WBENC is more than a certification; it’s a powerful network that amplifies the voices of women-owned businesses and drives meaningful progress… Together, we unlock opportunities, build partnerships, and inspire growth.” 

That ethos was visible across every room, every session, and every conversation. 

Monday, June 15: Start with Purpose, Build for Impact 

The week opened with a clear directive: act boldly, lead intentionally and build something that lasts. 

The General Session set the tone early–this isn’t about showing up to listen. It’s about showing up and taking action. As a Host Committee member, West Hill joined the Center for Women & Enterprise to bring this that mindset to life—grounded in long-term investment in women entrepreneurs and the ecosystems that support them.  

A few takeaways that stuck: 

• The future of work is already shifting–if we want to stay relevant, we need to prepare for roles that don’t exist yet. Stay curious. 

• We need to continuously update our operating system. The best leaders aren’t “know-it-alls”–they’re “learn-it’alls” 

• Progress requires clarity, but leadership requires comfort with nuance. 

We also got our hands dirty–collaborating on the Acadia-themed Northeast Region poster and “impact journey” bandanas for the National Parks evening event. A reminder that this community builds together, not just alongside each other. 

Bottom line: Impact is intentional. And it starts on day one. 

Tuesday, June 16: Access that Actually Moves the Needle 

Tuesday delivered what WBENC consistently does better than most: real access. 

Corporate Meet & Greets and Industry Labs weren’t just well-attended–they were productive. The difference is simple: this is access to decision-makers who can actually move your business forward. 

This isn’t networking for the sake of it. It’s business development in real time. 

The biggest takeaway: 
When access is paired with preparation and follow-through, it converts. 

This is where strategies get tested, refined and–if you do it right–advanced. 

Wednesday, June 17: Engagement that Creates Opportunity 

Once the Expo floor opened, the energy shifted into full gear. 

The West Hill booth became what we intended it to be: a point of entry. A way to start a conversation, create a connection, and open the door to more substantive conversations about building and protecting innovative businesses.  

And that distinction matters: 

Engagement isn’t the goal. Results are. 

From quick interactions to deeper conversations around growth, tech, and risk, the throughline was consistent–help businesses move faster, smarter, and with more confidence. 

Across the conference, that same pattern held: 

Relationships aren’t built in a single moment. But moments start them. 

Speaker Spotlight:  Leadership in Action 

Keynote Coach Dawn Staley’s message landed: leadership is discipline, accountability and belief–executed consistently at every level of success. Not theory. Practice.  

Other session themes reinforced that same idea: 

• Growth requires action–not just strategy 

• Procurement is evolving into a strategic driver 

• The businesses that move fastest are the ones willing to step into bigger opportunities, earlier  

Translation: execution wins. Keep taking the next step. 

Speaker Spotlight: Ayana Parsons

Rich and Rundown Is Expected. Wealthy and Free Is Not. – Ayana Parsons

What if the biggest thing standing between your business and your wealth is the story you’ve been telling yourself?

In one of our favorite sessions, Ayana Parsons challenged women business owners to rethink the relationship between entrepreneurship, success, and financial freedom. A venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Fearless Fund, Parsons brought a candid perspective shaped by her own experience building and selling a successful business.

In her session, she explored a provocative idea: many founders know how to build thriving companies, but far fewer know how to build lasting wealth. Parsons encouraged attendees to move beyond being “rich and rundown” and instead envision a future where they are truly “wealthy and free.”

It was an honest conversation about ownership, valuation, succession, and the difference between running a business and a business running you.

“I confused building my business over building wealth. They are not the same. Because growth is important—but freedom is the ultimate goal.”

Thursday, June 18: From Connection to Conversion 

By Thursday, you could feel the shift. 

Conversations went deeper. Follow-ups started happening in real time. “Nice to meet you: turned into “Let’s do this.” 

This is where WBENC stands apart–people come back, reconnect and move things forward quickly. Relationships strengthened. Opportunities became more tangible. 

And the conversations reflected what our clients are living every day: 

• Speed and agility aren’t optional–they’re expected 

• Compliance and risk management aren’t side considerations–you can’t afford to get them wrong 

• AI, data and operational efficiency are no longer future state–they are now 

The takeaway:  

The businesses that win will be the ones that balance growth with discipline–and move without creating unnecessary risk. 

Closing Moments: Momentum That Doesn’t Stop Here 

As the conference wrapped, the focus stayed grounded in what matters most: collective impact. 

Not a theoretical impact. Economic impact. Real businesses driving growth, innovation, and leadership across industries. 

The energy in Salt Lake City wasn’t just celebratory—it was directional. Momentum that continues well beyond the conference. 

The West Hill Takeaway: Impact isn’t passive. It’s Built. 

WBENC 2026 reinforced something we already believe: 

Impact doesn’t happen by showing up. 
It happens when you do something with the room you are in. 

That means: 

• Engaging with intention 

• Following through quickly 

• Turning conversations into action 

That is how we approach our work. And that is why the WBENC community fits.  

We don’t just show up. 
We help businesses move forward. 

Because impact isn’t what you talk about. 
It’s what you build.  

Attorney Spotlight: West Hill Attorneys Earn Super Lawyers Honors for 2026

West Hill Technology Counsel is pleased to announce that Shehla Syed and Annie Morgan have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2026, highlighting their accomplishments in the legal field.  

Shehla Syed, Shareholder and IP Strategist at West Hill, has been named a Super Lawyer 2026, a recognition she has received for over five years. Shehla focuses her practice on intellectual property strategy, trademark, copyright, and patent matters, technology transactions, and intellectual property litigation. She works closely with technology-driven companies to protect and enforce their innovations, brands, and creative assets. Shehla brings a strategic, business-aligned approach to complex intellectual property issues. Super Lawyers awards this distinction to no more than five percent of attorneys in each state through a rigorous peer-review and research process.  

Super Lawyers also selected Annie Morgan as a Rising Star 2026, recognizing her as a top emerging attorney. Annie practices in intellectual property, patent prosecution, data privacy and security, and commercial contracts and negotiations. As a registered patent attorney and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E), Annie advises clients on navigating evolving legal issues related to technology, data, and artificial intelligence while aligning legal strategy with business objectives. Rising Stars honorees represent no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. 

“Shehla and Annie exemplify the caliber of lawyers we strive to attract and support at West Hill—strategic thinkers who combine deep technical knowledge with practical, client-focused advice. Their Super Lawyers recognitions reflect their dedication to excellence, innovation, and our clients’ success.” said Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill Technology Counsel.  

West Hill congratulates Shehla and Annie on these well-earned honors and celebrates their continued leadership and impact across the firm’s intellectual property and technology-focused practices. 

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. The firm provides proactive, practical legal advice to help business owners and corporate decision makers solve problems before they arise. West Hill represents new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business models. 

About Super Lawyers

For more Information on Super Lawyers, click here. 

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.   

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Highlights from the NSTC’s Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC) held its Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum themed “Navigating Transitions: Resilience Fueled by Passion.” West Hill is proud to support this dynamic event, which brought together some inspiring voices in tech and innovation to share stories of perseverance, growth, and transformation.

An Evening of Inspiration and Insight

The night began with a powerful keynote from Helen Greiner, PH.D., Co-founder of iRobot. From being captivated by R2D2 in Star Wars as a child to developing the iconic Roomba and groundbreaking military robotics, Grenier shared the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey. Her story was a vivid reminder that innovation often emerges from persistence in the face of failure and the courage to reinvent.

Real Stories from Real Trailblazers

Moderated by Tracey Curley, CEO and CFO of iSpecimen and NSTC Board Member, the panel featured a powerhouse of women leaders:

• Cynthia Bamdad, PH.D., CEO of Minerva Biotechnologies
• Liz Reczek, PH.D., Co-Founder & CEO of Sempresto, Inc.
• Michelle Chao, Co-founder & former COO of Phoenix Tailings
• Christine Ortiz, PH.D., Director, MIT Technology & Policy Program

Each panelist shared raw and real accounts of navigating life’s curveballs–from health challenges and personal setbacks to business pivots and team struggles. Despite the varied paths, a common thread ran through their stories: grit and resilience driven by passion.

Whether facing breast cancer of a loved one, divorce, or start-up failures, these leaders leaned into challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. Their stories highlighted the importance of collaboration, calling on mentors, peers, and partners to forge new paths when traditional routes failed. From formative guidance in early career stages to reciprocal relationships with mentees, the discussion highlighted how meaningful connections can drive personal and professional transformation. The room buzzed with energy as the audience engaged with questions, sparking conversations of shared struggles and triumphs.

A Night for Connection

The Women in Technology Forum remains a platform for celebrating innovation, authenticity, and resilience within the tech community. As West Hill reflects on the evening, we remain inspired by the courage and wisdom shared on stage and are honored to support the NSTC in fostering a more inclusive and empowering future in technology.

“West Hill remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise Kennedy. 

About the NSTC

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.

About West Hill Technology Counsel

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. We offer proactive, practical legal guidance designed to prevent problems before they arise. Our clients are innovative start-ups and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model. The support and empowerment of women is a critical component of the West Hill vision and mission. 

West Hill Technology Counsel Recognized as a Best Women-Led Law Firm by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2025

West Hill Technology Counsel is proud to announce that the firm has once again been named to the Best Women-led Law Firms List 2025 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. We congratulate fellow recipients for their shared commitment to the support and advancement of women in the legal community.

The Best Women-Led Law Firms award celebrates firms across Massachusetts that demonstrate outstanding leadership by women and create pathways for women lawyers to thrive professionally.

“We are both delighted and proud to receive this designation,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, of West Hill. “It affirms our firms ongoing commitment to supporting and elevating women in the legal community.”

A Different Way to Practice Law

West Hill was founded in 2008 with a mission to create a more flexible, inclusive, and sustainable model for practicing law–particularly for women. After a decade of experience at a regional firm and in-house counsel at IBM, Louise Kennedy saw too many of her law school peers leave the profession due to rigid demands of traditional legal practice. Determined to change that, she launched West Hill to offer a dynamic, challenging and family-supportive environment where attorneys can build meaningful careers without compromising their personal lives. She created a cutting-edge law practice that is dynamic, challenging, and innovative.

West Hill Core Values and Culture

Louise built a team of motivated, forward-thinking legal professionals who value:

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Open and honest communication
• Diversity and inclusion

These values shape the firm’s inclusive culture and client-centered approach. West Hill believes – and clients have affirmed – that happy lawyers = happy clients.   

Best Women-Led Law Firms

For more information about Mass Lawyers Weekly and The Best Women-Led Law Firms List, click here. 

About West Hill

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

West Hill Hosts the 3rd Annual Fall Attorney Networking Tea

West Hill was pleased to welcome attorneys from the Cummings Center and the greater Beverly area to our offices for the 3rd Annual Fall Attorney Networking Tea on October 18, 2025.

This annual event continues to be a meaningful opportunity for legal professionals to connect, share stories, and strengthen relationships within the local legal community. It was a pleasure to catch up with longtime colleagues and forge new connections over tea, great conversation – and a spirited paper airplane toss contest that brought some fun and friendly competition to the afternoon!

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the event a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition and seeing everyone again next fall!

5 Lessons from WBENC

The West Hill team spent an energizing week at WBENC 2025 —a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women entrepreneurs and corporate partners come together. Here are 5 key lessons we learned:

1. Don’t be afraid to break the ice.

Whether at a session, a networking event, a meal, or greeting someone at our booth, the WBENC conference was a great reminder: connection starts with conversation. Over the week we got more comfortable introducing ourselves, asking open ended questions and even bonding over shared experiences in New Orleans. Even if you’re nervous, smile, make eye contact, and go for it. Everyone is there to grow and connect.

2. Not all growth is good growth.

A recurring theme throughout the week was the importance of intentional growth. “Grow at all costs” was replaced with scaling in alignment with your mission and values. That may mean saying no to certain clients, vendors or opportunities that don’t align. Protect what matters: people, your purpose, and your margins.  

3. Use size to your advantage.

Big isn’t always mighty. As small businesses, we have all been underestimated more times than we can count. With fewer resources than industry giants, we’ve held our own  – and then some–in very competitive marketplaces.  See “small and growing” as your superpower.  You can pivot, be creative, and outshine competitors regardless of size. 

4. Don’t sell yourself short.

We heard countless stories of small businesses being undervalued–whether through one-sided contracts or predatory partnerships. The corporates that told them that they were lucky to get a contract and discouraged negotiation of dozens of pages of legal terms. The acquirer or partner that they thought wanted to commercialize their revolutionary technology, but instead planned to kill it. This is where your BAIL team (Banker, Accountant, Insurance broker, Lawyer) comes in. With the right support, small business owners can confidently negotiate, protect their innovations and push back when needed to protect their business and achieve their goals. 

5. People matter more than anything.

The entrepreneurial journey, regardless of industry, has one common factor – people. Our teams, our clients, and our communities define us. It’s easy to overlook team culture, requests for help or connection, or opportunities to serve when you are in the weeds. When you build a team that creates space for meaningful relationships, entrepreneurship becomes less lonely, and far more rewarding.

Attorney Spotlight: Two West Hill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch 2026

West Hill Technology Counsel is proud to announce that Shehla Syed was named to the Best Lawyers in America^® list and Kim Prior – Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® list for 2026. 

This recognition reflects West Hill’s mission to empower the growth of technology-driven businesses through sophisticated and forward-thinking legal counsel. The honors awarded to Shehla and Kim by Best Lawyers highlight the collaborative effort of the West Hill team and its dedication to client success and community impact.  

“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 the Honorees 

Shehla Syed 

Shareholder & IP Strategist 

Shehla specializes in Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She advises clients on the full spectrum of intellectual property matters–trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets–to help them maximize the value, protection and enforceability of their innovations, content and brands. 

Kim Prior 

Business & Finance, Transactional Attorney 

Kim counsels clients on corporate legal matters with a focus on private investment funds, domestic and international securities offerings, corporate formation, financings, and contract negotiations. She represents both for-profit and non-for-profit organizations, delivering insightful strategic advice to support growth and compliance. 

About West Hill 

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. We offer proactive, practical legal guidance designed to prevent problems before they arise. Our clients are innovative start-ups and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model. 

About Best Lawyers 

Best Lawyers^® is one of the oldest and most respected peer-review legal publications in the profession. Lawyers included in the Best Lawyers in America list are recognized based on comprehensive peer evaluations, verified practice status, and professional standing.  

Learn more about Best Lawyers. 

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