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.
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.
West Hill Attorneys Annie Morgan, Kim Prior and Louise Kennedy at the WBENC 2026 Opening Session
We’re proud to be on the WBENC 2026 National Conference Host Committee alongside an incredible group of women leaders creating real community impact.
Opening Session at WBENC National Conference 2026.
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.
WBENC Co-Chair Janice Bryant Howroyd
Susan Phillips Bari founded the Women Business Enterprise Network on March 14, 1997–connecting women entrepreneurs with the corporate supply chain opportunities on a national scale.
Pam Price Eason’s wise words–”I’m a lifelong leaner, I always want to learn.”
Pam Prince Eason and the legacy of a transformative leader. She was a force of change to carry forward through the WBENC network.
Announcement of WBENCs WBE Stars
Tammy Sue Cooper
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.
Lauren De Young, Workplace Futurist, Allstate spoke about The New Economy: Where Legacy Meets Resurgence
Lauren De Young, Workplace Futurist, Allstate spoke about The New Economy: Where Legacy Meets Resurgence
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.
Louise Kennedy, Ebony Smith and Eric Smith, Business Moderator: Sarah Noble, Executive Director, Mergers and Acquisitions–Wells Fargo and Panel: Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney at West Hill Technology Counsel, Ebony Smith, President & Founder at Ebenum and Eric Smith, Business Owner Advisory Strategist at Wells Fargo.
Industry Labs Panel on Finance: Using M&A to Shape Your Business Future
Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney at West Hill and Ebony Smith, President & Founder at Ebenum Equation on the Industry Labs Panel: Using M&A to Shape Your Business Future
Louise Kennedy, Ebony Smith and Eric Smith, Business Owner Advisory Strategist at Wells Fargo.
Louise Kennedy answering questions after the M&A Panel.
WBENC 2026 and the West Hill Team, Annie Morgan, Louise Kennedy, Shehla Syed and Kim Prior.
Annie Morgan, Intellectual Property Attorney
Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney and Shehla Syed Shareholder. IP Strategist & Litigator at WBENC 2026.
Kim Prior, Business & Finance Transactions Attorney.
Kim Patrick, Marketing Director and Kim Prior, Attorney at the Sneaker Jam WBENC 2026.
Kim Patrick, Annie Morgan, Shehla Syed and Kim Prior, rooftop at the Element.
Salt Lake City sunset at the Element.
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.
The West Hill Technology Counsel booth 2026.
Lawyers for the Business of Technology.
Shehla Syed, Shareholder, IP strategist & Litigator at West Hill engaging with attendees in the West Hill booth at the WBENC Expo 2026.
Attendees came by the West Hill booth and played cornhole. Targeted Legal. Big Impact. Aim for Growth. Avoid risk.
West Hill attorneys Annie Morgan and Kim Prior connecting with attendees in the West Hill booth 2026.
Founding Attorney, Louise Kennedy, connecting in the West Hill booth 2026.
Louise Kennedy in cornhole game mode.
Annie Morgan, Risk managed. IMPACT unlocked.
Annie Morgan, scoring IMPACT.
Kim Prior, Business & Finance Transactions Attorney, connecting in the West Hill Booth.
Annie Morgan, Shehla Syed, Kim Prior and Louise Kennedy in the WH booth at WBENC 2026.
Kim Patrick, Marketing Director at West Hill, trying to beat Shehla’s high score of 20 (all 4 bags in the hole).
Score your IMPACT. Leader Board.
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.
West Hill’s favorite literary character at the Salt Lake City Public Library WBENC 2026 Event
“Fight for the things you care about.” RBG and West Hill’s Kim Prior, Louise Kennedy, Shehla Syed and Annie Morgan.
West Hill Attorneys: Kim Prior, Shehla Syed, Louise Kennedy and Annie Morgan as RBG.
Louise Kennedy, Shehla Syed, Kim Prior and Annie Morgan at WBENC 2026.
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.
Annie Morgan, Louise Kennedy, Shehla Syed and Kim Prior are ready for IMPACT.
Targeted Legal. Big IMPACT. WBENC 2026 and the West Hill team, Kim Prior, Shehla Syed, Louise Kennedy and Annie Morgan.
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.
“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.
West Hill recently returned from the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, where we attended a notable panel: “Technology and Creativity for the Future.”
Moderated by WBENC President and CEOPamela Prince Eason, the panel featured insights from Brett Howroyd (ActOne), Diana Gonzalez (Amazon), and Kathy Golding (EY), each of whom shared how their organizations are using AI to fuel both business success and personal growth.
A central theme of the session? Responsible innovation and ethical leadership are key to harnessing the opportunities presented by an AI-driven world.
One panelist put it simply:
AI is like a car – you don’t need to know how the engine works in order to drive it.
We loved this analogy. But just like with driving, there’s a lot more to using AI in your business than simply knowing how to “turn it on.” You also need to understand the rules, responsibilities, and potential risks. Let’s break it down:
🚦What You Need to Know:
1. How the Car Works = AI Basics
How do I turn it on? Where is the gas cap located? What is the red warning light on the dashboard? Even if you don’t build cars, you still need to know the basics to drive one safely. The same goes for using AI.
For all AI tools — think ChatGPT, Otter.ai, Claude, and beyond–ask:
💡What data was used to train the AI?Is it biased, proprietary, or outdated?
💡What does the Acceptable Use Policy require? Are there limitations on how you can use the tool?
💡Are your inputs confidential? Does the AI provider store, reuse, or train on your data?
2. Rules of the Road = AI Terms and Conditions and Applicable Laws
You can’t drive without a license or ignore the speed limit. Who has the right of way at an intersection? Likewise, when deploying AI in business processes, are there legal and contractual rules to follow?
For AI technology used in your business – automation, customer chatbots, resume screening, etc:
💡Are your inputs or outputs being used to further train the AI models?
💡Will the vendor agree to keep your business data confidential?
💡Does this use of AI comply with applicable law (NYC, the EU Ai Act, state privacy regulations, etc.)?
⚠️ A Crash Waiting to Happen . . .
Just like driving, using AI comes with inherent risks. Here’s how to recognize and reduce them:
3. Dangerous Road Conditions
Sometimes AI models can hallucinate – or provide inaccurate outputs. Avoid deploying AI unmonitored in high-risk areas, including:
Recruitment and employment decisions
Safety-critical or regulatory compliance tasks
Monitoring or controlling critical infrastructure
❗Risk Mitigation: Use human oversight and verification. Don’t let AI operate autonomously in high-stakes environments.
4. Driver Error
Business teams can – and do – make mistakes when using AI. Common issues include:
Entering confidential information into public AI platforms
Failing to QA AI-generated outputs
Violating data privacy or employment laws when using AI tools (like meeting note transcription software)
❗Risk Mitigation: Create a comprehensive AI Use Policy for your business. Tailor additional policies for specialized teams like HR, Legal, or Software Development, as needed. r a winter trip.
5. Distracted Driving
AI can be a helpful tool, but overreliance can dull innovation and open you to IP risks:
AI-generated content may infringe third-party copyrights
Materials generated heavily (e.g. marketing content or code) may not be eligible for copyright protection
The USPTO and other agencies are issuing new guidance on AI and patentability
❗Risk Mitigation: Train employees on the intersection of AI and IP and maintain oversight when using AI in creative or strategic work.
To stretch the analogy a bit further . . . 6. 🚗 Going All-in on Cars = AI Development
Some businesses aren’t just driving the car – they’re building or customizing them. If your company is integrating or developing AI products (e.g. LLMs, chatbots, APIs), you’re playing a different game.
For AI product development:
💡Do AI vendors terms limit your ability to build AI offerings? (e.g. Geographic or age-based restrictions)
💡What AI-related disclaimers or notices must you provide to end users?
💡Are your AI vendors meeting data privacy and security standards?
❗Risk Mitigation: If your company is “manufacturing” with AI, you must understand the equivalent of emissions rules, safety standards and warranty obligations. Building AI into your offering requires a higher level of due diligence – and a robust compliance framework.
🧠Final Thoughts
AI holds tremendous promise – but businesses must navigate this landscape with legal insight and operational care. Whether you are a casual driver or full-blown automaker in the AI economy, staying informed and compliant is the only way to drive growth safely and stay in control.
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 Americalist 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.
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 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.
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.
West Hill Technology Counsel is honored to announce that Shehla Syed has been named to the Top 50: Women Lawyers in Massachusetts by Super Lawyers for 2024 for her accomplishments in the legal field.
Shehla Syed is a Shareholder, IP strategist and litigator at West Hill Technology Counsel, a boutique law firm for companies that create or leverage technology. She advises clients on all aspects of their intellectual property. Shehla has extensive experience helping companies maximize the value and enforceability of their technology, content, and brands, including protection through trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
Shehla started her career in large law firms in Baltimore and Chicago, primarily focusing on patent law and patent litigation. After moving from Chicago to Boston, and starting a family, she explored career options that allow her to practice within her field, care for her growing family, and continue to be active in the community. Shehla allowed herself time to explore opportunities that better align with her professional and personal goals.
In 2010, Shehla met Louise Kennedy, who had recently left IBM to form a boutique technology law firm. West Hill was unique: it was founded as a mission-driven law firm to redefine the culture of legal practice with two goals — to provide exceptional value to clients and to provide quality of life for attorneys who choose to step off the large law firm or in-house path. It was a perfect fit. Shehla joined West Hill and expanded her expertise beyond patents and litigation to trademarks, copyright law, and technology-focused alternative dispute resolution. Twelve years later, Shehla is a Shareholder and leads West Hill’s intellectual property and litigation teams.
“We are thrilled with the well-deserved recognition of Shehla Syed as an outstanding attorney and a Top 50 Woman Lawyer in Massachusetts,” said Louise Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill Technology Counsel.
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.
Shehla is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts, the 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 business model.
About Super Lawyers
For more information on Super Lawyers and their Top 50: Women Lawyers Massachusetts 2024 click here.
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.
This next post in our series introduces Annie Morgan, an attorney who recently joined the firm after working as in-house intellectual property counsel for a global company.
What is your practice area?
I am a patent attorney and have spent time working at big and small law firms and also working in-house with public and privately held global companies. My practice also includes data and privacy law, which is evolving and growing in importance as a consideration for technology companies.
What drew you to West Hill?
I was drawn to the expertise of West Hill Technology Counsel to serve growing technology- and IP-focused companies. In addition to practicing intellectual property law, West Hill provides the opportunity to grow and expand my legal skills.
What do you like about working at West Hill?
In addition to providing opportunities to work with interesting clients and access to resources for growth in the legal industry, West Hill provides an atmosphere of respect for all team members. West Hill is a firm founded, owned, managed, and staffed by women. That unique perspective helps the firm to provide opportunities to find a much-needed balance to enjoy time outside of work and opportunities to work with an array of clients.
What makes West Hill unique?
What separates West Hill Technology Counsel from other boutique firms is that it has the capability for one-stop shopping for both large or established companies and also for startup companies. West Hill’s unique advantage is its ability to serve all companies with a moderate fee structure while providing deep expertise in not only intellectual property but also commercial and technology contracts, corporate and finance issues, and dispute resolution. It is truly a one-stop shop for any growth-oriented technology company.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love exploring new destinations through traveling and enjoying restaurants in the Boston area with my husband. You can also find me reading, making time for art, and gardening.
You can learn more about Annie by visiting her attorney bio here.
UPDATE as of 12/13/24:In December 2024, a federal court in Texas issued an order granting a nationwide preliminary injunction against enforcement of the CTA. FinCEN’s is appealing the order, but until further notice, reporting companies are not required to file but may do so voluntarily if they wish. We will monitor the status of this matter and will provide an update if enforcement resumes.
As a business owner, you may already have heard that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) took effect on January 1, 2024. The CTA requires all entities formed or registered to do business in the United States to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) unless an exemption applies.
What’s the Purpose of the Corporate Transparency Act?
The Corporate Transparency Act was designed to increase transparency and combat tax fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities. While the government can easily look into information on business structure and ownership of large corporations, there has been little to no transparency when it comes to small businesses. With over 27,000,000 small businesses without employees in the United States, this act aims to target these small businesses.
Do You Need to File?
The CTA applies to most small businesses in the United States, including foreign companies that are registered to do business in the U.S. These types of businesses include limited liability companies, limited partnerships, business trusts, most general partnerships, and corporations created by filing a document with the secretary of state or similar office under their state law.
There are several exemptions to the filing requirements, but we expect that the majority of our clients will be non-exempt reporting entities and will be required to file. Additional information, including filing instructions and a complete list of exemptions, is available here: Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting | FinCEN.gov.
What Information Does the CTA Require?
The act refers to owners of companies as “beneficial owners.” These are defined as any individuals who, either directly or indirectly:
Exercise substantial control over a reporting company, or
Own or control at least 25% of the ownership interests of a reporting company
Each such beneficial owner is required to report his or her name, date of birth, address, and an identifying document (such as a passport or driver’s license) as well as a photo of that document.
Are There Any Privacy Concerns?
Although you are reporting personal information, this information will not be made publicly available. It is only going to be accessible by certain government agencies, financial institutions, and used for law enforcement, national security, and intelligence purposes.
What are the Deadlines to File?
The deadlines for filing vary depending on when you started your business. There are three primary deadlines that you should be aware of.
January 1, 2025:
All non-exempt entities formed before January 1, 2024, to comply with the reporting requirements need to file by January 1, 2025.
Within 90 Days of Business Formation or Registration:
Any new non-exempt entities formed or registered to do business in the United States between January 1 and December 31 of this year must file within ninety days of the date of formation or registration.
Within 30 Days of Business Formation or Registration:
Any new non-exempt entities formed after December 31, 2024, must file within 30 days of the date of formation or registration.
Do I Need to File Every Year?
No, this is a one-time filing, however, if there are any changes to the reported beneficial ownership, an amended report must be filed within thirty days of such change.
Are There Any Penalties for Noncompliance?
If you choose not to file or provide false information, you can be subject to fines and even criminal penalties. The CTA provides for civil fines of $500 per day and up to $10,000 per violation of the act. If you fail to comply or find yourself with multiple violations, you can face tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, the criminal penalty for violations of the act is up to two years of imprisonment.
What about the Recent Disputes about the Constitutionality of the CTA?
There have been some legal challenges to the CTA in recent months. On March 1, 2024, a federal judge in Alabama ruled that the CTA is unconstitutional. However, at this time, the ruling is limited to the plaintiffs in this particular case at issue (members of the National Small Business Association). Unless the Treasury Department announces that it will suspend CTA enforcement for all reporting entities (which it has not yet done), filings are still required. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update our clients in the event of any change in the reporting requirements.
Contact West Hill if You Have Questions
While this new requirement may seem overwhelming at first, the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the CTA and reach out to a trusted legal professional if you have questions. We anticipate that we will be helping a majority of our clients file, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or require any assistance to comply with these new filing requirements.
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