Category: BNN

Naperville, Illinois – John J. Malm & Associates, a leading Illinois personal injury law firm, announced today that five of its attorneys, John J. Malm, Rachel Legorreta, Sara Bendoff, Alyssa Pullara, and Marilynn Frangella, have been named to the 2026 Super Lawyers list, a distinction awarded to a limited percentage of attorneys statewide who demonstrate professional excellence and peer recognition. The selection highlights the firm’s depth of experience and commitment to clients across Illinois.

The Super Lawyers designation is one of the legal profession’s most respected honors. Attorneys are evaluated through a comprehensive, multi-stage selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and review by legal professionals within the same practice areas. Only a small fraction of attorneys in Illinois earn recognition each year.

For John J. Malm & Associates, the selection of five attorneys in the same year underscores the firm’s strong reputation within the legal community and reflects the breadth of experience available to its clients.

“What makes this recognition meaningful is that it comes from other lawyers who understand the demands of this work,” said John J. Malm, founder of the firm. “It speaks not just to individual accomplishments, but to the culture we’ve built, one that prioritizes preparation, integrity, and relentless advocacy for our clients.”

A Recognition Built on Peer Evaluation and Professional Achievement

Super Lawyers is not a popularity contest or a marketing award. The selection process is designed to identify attorneys who have earned respect through their professional conduct, legal ability, and results. Candidates are assessed on numerous indicators, including verdicts and settlements, experience, honors, continuing legal education, and peer evaluations.

Attorneys may be nominated by colleagues or identified through independent research, but final selections are made only after extensive review. The result is a curated list intended to reflect attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their practice areas.

For clients seeking legal representation, Super Lawyers recognition serves as an independent indicator of professional standing, one that complements, rather than replaces, a lawyer’s track record and commitment to client service.

A Team-Based Achievement, Not an Individual One

While the Super Lawyers designation is awarded individually, John J. Malm & Associates views the honor as a collective achievement. The firm’s attorneys work collaboratively, sharing insight, strategy, and experience across cases. That team-based approach ensures that each client benefits from the firm’s combined knowledge rather than relying on a single perspective.

“No case is ever handled in isolation,” Malm explained. “Our lawyers challenge each other, support each other, and work together to make sure every client’s case is thoroughly prepared. This recognition reflects that collaborative effort.”

The five attorneys recognized this year represent a range of experience levels and professional backgrounds, reinforcing the firm’s depth and long-term stability.

Meet the Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers

John J. Malm

As founder of John J. Malm & Associates, John J. Malm has built a career centered on trial readiness, strategic litigation, and client advocacy. Known for his hands-on approach, Malm remains actively involved in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring that each matter is prepared as if it will proceed to trial.

His leadership has shaped the firm’s philosophy: cases are not settled simply for convenience, and clients are never pressured into decisions without a full understanding of their legal options.

“Our responsibility is to give clients clear, honest advice and to be fully prepared for every outcome,” Malm said. “That approach doesn’t change based on the size of the case or the identity of the defendant.”

Marilynn Frangella

Marilynn Frangella brings experience, sound judgment, and steady leadership to her practice. She is respected for her ability to assess cases realistically while still pursuing maximum accountability for negligent parties.

Clients value her clear communication style and her commitment to ensuring they understand both the legal process and the potential outcomes of their cases.

Rachel Legorreta

Rachel Legorreta is recognized for her meticulous preparation and ability to guide clients through the legal process with clarity and confidence. She is known for balancing compassion with firm advocacy, ensuring that clients feel informed and supported while their cases are aggressively pursued.

Her work often involves navigating complex liability issues and managing high-stakes negotiations, where attention to detail and strategic planning are critical.

Sara Bendoff

Sara Bendoff brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to litigation. Her work is characterized by careful case development, thorough legal research, and persistence in advancing her clients’ interests.

Colleagues and peers respect her ability to identify key issues early in a case and develop strategies that position clients for the strongest possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial.

Alyssa Pullara

Alyssa Pullara has earned recognition for her modern, methodical approach to litigation. Known for strong preparation and effective advocacy, she handles cases involving serious injuries and complex factual scenarios.

Her ability to integrate legal analysis with practical case strategy has made her a valued member of the firm’s litigation team and a trusted advocate for clients navigating difficult circumstances.

What This Recognition Means for Clients

For individuals and families facing serious injuries, choosing an attorney can feel overwhelming. Awards alone do not guarantee results, but peer-reviewed recognitions such as Super Lawyers provide insight into how attorneys are regarded within the legal community.

At John J. Malm & Associates, the Super Lawyers selections reaffirm the firm’s long-standing commitment to:

• Thorough investigation and case preparation
• Honest, straightforward communication with clients
• Strategic negotiation backed by trial readiness
• Ethical advocacy and professional accountability

These principles guide every case, regardless of size or complexity.

A Firm Culture Focused on Preparation and Accountability

John J. Malm & Associates has built its reputation by preparing cases as though they will be tried before a jury. This approach strengthens negotiating positions and ensures that clients are never left unprepared if litigation becomes necessary.

The firm invests significant time and resources into case development, expert analysis, and legal research. Attorneys collaborate regularly, sharing insights and strategies to strengthen outcomes for clients.

“Preparation is respect, for the client, for the court, and for the process,” Malm said. “When we prepare thoroughly, we honor the trust our clients place in us.”

Continued Commitment to Illinois Communities

Beyond individual cases, John J. Malm & Associates remains committed to serving Illinois communities through advocacy, education, and accountability. The firm represents clients across a wide range of personal injury matters, always with the goal of promoting safety and responsible conduct.

The Super Lawyers recognition reinforces the firm’s standing as a trusted advocate for individuals who have been harmed by negligence and are seeking justice under Illinois law.

While the firm is honored by the Super Lawyers selections, its focus remains firmly on the future and on the clients it serves every day. The attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates continue to refine their strategies, expand their knowledge, and uphold the professional standards that earned this recognition.

“Recognition is never the end goal,” Malm emphasized. “The goal is doing right by our clients, every single time. If we stay focused on that, everything else follows.”

John J. Malm & Associates is an Illinois personal injury firm that serves clients throughout the Chicagoland area and its western suburbs with offices in Naperville and St. Charles. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers represent injured victims of automobile accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, work injuries, nursing home abuse and neglect, dog attacks, slip & fall/premises liability, wrongful death, and other accident and injury claims.

John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers
1730 Park Street Suite 201
Naperville, Illinois 60563
630-527-4177
https://www.malmlegal.com
Press Contact : John Malm

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Joliet, Illinois – Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Joliet on behalf of a bicyclist who says he was injured after riding into a large hole in the roadway on the city’s near west side.

According to a complaint filed in Will County Circuit Court and reported by Patch, the plaintiff suffered serious injuries while riding his bicycle in the 1400 block of North Center Street. The lawsuit seeks a judgment of more than $50,000.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney Susan Fransen of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. The suit names the city of Joliet as the sole defendant and alleges negligence and willful and wanton conduct in connection with the condition of the roadway.

At all relevant times, the city “owned, maintained and or controlled the roadway … and had an obligation to repair said defect, especially as it caused it and had actual or constructive notice of the same,” according to the filing. The lawsuit contends the city failed to repair the alleged defect or warn road users of the hazard.

The complaint further alleges that Joliet failed to maintain the roadway “in a safe and reasonable manner” and did not conduct adequate inspections that would have identified and addressed the hole. It characterizes the city’s “failure to repair this road where it created the defective condition or had notice of the same” as “willful and wanton conduct.”

“Roadways that cities own and control must be kept reasonably safe for the people who use them, whether they are driving, walking, or riding a bicycle,” Fransen said in a statement. “The complaint filed on behalf of my client alleges that the city knew or should have known about this dangerous condition and failed to address it.”

The case centers on whether Joliet had notice of the alleged roadway defect and whether the city’s actions or inaction meet the legal standards for municipal liability under Illinois law. No trial date has been set, and the city has not yet filed its formal response to the complaint.

CASE INFORMATION

Will County Circuit Court
Jarell D. Doss v. City of Joliet
Case No. 2026LA000051

The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as a result of someone’s carelessness or a workplace accident. We have achieved success in thousands of cases, recovering millions of dollars in damages for our clients in a wide variety of cases, including personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, pharmacy errors, dog bite injuries, and work injuries.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
205 W Randolph St Suite 925
Chicago, IL 60606
1 (312) 313-2414
https://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/
Press Contact : Paul Greenberg

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North Charleston, South Carolina – The Steinberg Law Firm is pleased to announce that its 2026 College Scholarship Program is now open. This year’s program offers a total of three (3) $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors and current college students who are residents of Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties.

The scholarship program reflects two of the law firm’s core values: supporting education and giving back to the community.

This will be the ninth year the firm has offered the program. Entries will be selected based on GPA, a written essay, extracurricular activities, honors, awards, and community involvement.

This year, students can choose from one of two prompts:

• Tell us how you are making a difference in your community, school, or the world today.
• Tell us about an experience overcoming a personal challenge and how you did it.

Past scholarship recipients have attended Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, Methodist University, Anderson University, and Winthrop University, among many others.

“Education creates opportunities that can shape a student’s future,” said Managing Partner and Attorney Michael Jordan. “Through scholarships, we hope to help ease financial burdens so students can pursue their goals and turn their aspirations into achievement.”

Three students will be selected by the Steinberg Law Firm Scholarship Committee. The application deadline is March 16, 2026. To apply, visit the Scholarship Program page on the firm’s website. 

The Steinberg Law Firm was founded by Irving Steinberg in 1927, based on a commitment to serving injured people in the Lowcountry. Since then, the firm has expanded its reach throughout South Carolina. Attorney Steinberg advocated for all people, regardless of their background or where they came from, and believed in giving back to the community that so generously supported him and the firm in the beginning. The firm continues to uphold these original, founding values today and gives back to the community through this scholarship program and community involvement events throughout the local tri-county area.

The firm is best known for helping injury victims who have been injured either on the job or due to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Steinberg Law Firm’s personal injury or workers’ compensation attorneys today at (843) 720-2800. The firm has three offices located in North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Summerville, and offers free consultations. The firm does not collect a fee unless it wins your case.

The Steinberg Law Firm has been assisting victims of negligence in South Carolina since 1927 including personal injury, workers’ compensation, and car accidents. For more information, please contact the firm at 843-720-2800 or visit our website at https://www.steinberglawfirm.com/.

Steinberg Law Firm
3955 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300, North Charleston, SC 29405,
118 S Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek, SC 29445,
103 Grandview Drive, Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 871-6522
pbaron@steinberglawfirm.com
https://www.steinberglawfirm.com/
Press Contact : Patricia Baron

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

From Zero to Pilot in Just 40 Hours

CHICAGO, IL– A new safety report released today by The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers highlights a significant disparity in training standards between private pilots and commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders across the Midwest. The analysis suggests that the less rigorous training requirements for private pilots are a major contributing factor to the high accident rate in general aviation compared to the commercial trucking industry.

The report compares federal and state-level requirements in ten Midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The findings indicate that while CDL drivers must undergo extensive, structured training programs often exceeding 160 hours to operate semi-trucks, private pilots can legally carry passengers with a minimum of just 40 hours of flight time.

• Private Pilot: ~40 flight hours minimum total training time.
• CDL Driver: ~160+ hours typical training program.
• New Teen Driver Training: ~50+ hours in most Midwestern states.

This comprehensive analysis connects the high number of general aviation accidents to pilot inexperience. While commercial trucking regulations have evolved to demand rigorous classroom instruction and mandatory behind-the-wheel hours, private pilot certification remains accessible with significantly less preparation. The report argues that this gap in training standards leaves many private pilots ill-equipped to handle complex situations in the air, leading to preventable accidents.

“When you look at the numbers, it is clear that we demand more from the drivers next to us on the highway than we do from the pilots flying private planes overhead,” said Andrew Kryder, Esq., founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC. “Our goal with this report is to show that safety outcomes are directly linked to the quality and duration of training. Raising the bar for pilot certification could save lives and prevent devastating accidents for families across the Midwest.”

The full report is available for review, offering detailed state-by-state comparisons and insights into how improved training standards can enhance safety for everyone.

Publication: Safety Report: Private Pilot vs. CDL Training Standards

The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represents injury victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois and the Midwest. The firm handles a wide variety of personal injury cases including truck crashes and aviation accidents. The team is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process and securing the compensation they deserve.

The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
134 North LaSalle St. Suite 1515
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-223-1700
akryder@kryderlaw.com
https://www.kryderlaw.com/
Press Contact : Andrew Kryder, Esq.

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

Andover, Massachusetts – The Cummings Foundation, in collaboration with the Massachusetts School of Law (MSLAW), proudly announces the return of its free public seminar series designed to help local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals strengthen their operations through sound legal and management strategies.

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

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

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

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

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

The Massachusetts School of Law in Andover is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible legal education that emphasizes practical training, ethics, and public service.

The Cummings Foundation, founded by Bill and Joyce Cummings of Cummings Properties, supports hundreds of nonprofits throughout Massachusetts, funding initiatives that strengthen local communities and foster education and opportunity.

Massachusetts School of Law
500 Federal Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 681-0800
dianes@mslaw.edu
https://www.mslaw.edu/
Press Contact : Diane Sullivan

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

Franklin, Tennessee – GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers and its scholarship selection committee invite students to apply for the new The Road Ahead: New Driver Preparedness Scholarship. This scholarship, valued at $2,500, encourages undergraduate and graduate students at accredited United States trade schools, colleges, and universities to discuss how new drivers can improve their safety on the road. 

Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or a two to four-year post-secondary institution.
• Employees of GriffithLaw, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition. 
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
• Proof of Tennessee residence or a Tennessee College student account will be needed before the scholarship check is issued to the institution of the scholarship winner’s choice. 

Applicants should create a video between three and five minutes long discussing the best practices that can protect new drivers and the people on the road around them. Students can use media editing tools and copyright-free materials to increase the visual appeal of their videos.

However, students may not use AI to create their videos wholesale, create fake actors for their videos, supplement their voices, or write their scripts. The inappropriate use of AI to create a video for The Road Ahead: New Driver Preparedness Scholarship will result in a student’s application being removed from the applicant pool.

The scholarship selection committee looks forward to awarding The Road Ahead: New Driver Preparedness Scholarship’s $2,500 to a student who thoroughly and compassionately shares advice that can improve new drivers’ safety on the road. Students have until May 31, 2026, to complete their applications and submit them for consideration. Only a single recipient will be chosen for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Unfortunately, GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers cannot consider late applications or applications submitted without all of the required materials. Interested students should visit the scholarship’s terms and conditions page for more information about qualifying criteria and materials to include in their scholarship packet.

The scholarship selection committee with GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers reserves up to three months to choose a winner from the applicant pool. Please do not reach out to GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers during this time, as the team cannot answer questions, calls, or emails about the status of a student’s application.

Upon choosing its winner, the firm will announce its scholarship recipient online via a blog post and press release. Students can keep an eye on the GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers website for updates.

The personal injury lawyers with GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers wish applicants luck as they help new drivers prepare to tackle unexpected dangers on the road.

Disclaimer:
By applying for and accepting this scholarship, the selected recipient agrees that their name, likeness, photograph, school, and scholarship submission may be featured on GriffithLaw’s scholarship webpage and related marketing materials, including the firm’s website and social media, without additional compensation.

The recipient will be notified by email from Stephanie@griffithinjurylaw.com no later than June 15, 2026. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate contact information and monitoring their email. Failure to respond within the stated timeframe may result in forfeiture of the award.

GriffithLaw reserves the right to verify eligibility, disqualify applicants who provide false information, and modify or cancel the scholarship if necessary. The scholarship is void where prohibited by law, and the recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. By applying, applicants release GriffithLaw from any claims related to participation in or acceptance of the scholarship.

The legal team with GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers wants to offer every family who comes to the firm the legal support they need to overcome some of the hardest days of their lives. GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers understands that delays in the judicial process can prove frustrating and wants to educate clients about the wheels of justice while also representing their best interests.

Clients can trust GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers with their personal injury cases, no matter how complicated those cases seem. The team makes it easier for clients to avoid the “landmines” that might otherwise derail their cases. Support from the team’s experienced personal injury lawyers ensures that victims of devastating accidents can fight for the compensation they need to pay their bills and retake control of their lives.

Contact GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers today to set up a free case consultation with the team’s attorneys.

GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers
114 Cool Springs Blvd
Franklin, TN 37067
615-413-1566
marybeth@griffithinjurylaw.com
https://www.griffithinjurylaw.com/
Press Contact : Marybeth Mahne

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

Seattle, Washington – Erlich Law Firm has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Lighthouse Document Technologies, Inc., a Seattle-based legal technology company, fired a human resources director in retaliation for reporting race discrimination inside the company.

The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The complaint was brought on behalf of a former director of human resources and total rewards. Erlich Law Firm serves as co-counsel with AKW Law, P.C.

The plaintiff was hired in 2024 as a Senior Compensation Manager and, within weeks, promoted to a Director role. The Chief Financial Officer is alleged to have praised the promotion in writing. Additionally, the plaintiff’s year-end review in December 2024 as “Exceeds Expectations,” with no record of discipline or performance warnings.

Court filings allege that employees of color in the department were talked over in meetings, repeatedly misnamed, and subjected to unprofessional forms of address, while their accomplishments were minimized in comparison with white facing coworkers.

The lawsuit alleges the plaintiff was terminated for “conduct” concerns, which the plaintiff contends were pretextual. The company’s HR department is alleged to have contributed to derogatory remarks and poor management. The plaintiff argues that they were never notified of specific allegations, never interviewed, and were not given progressive discipline or prior counseling before being dismissed.

“These court filings allege that a company with written anti-discrimination policies failed to follow its own stated procedures when a senior leader raised concerns about race in the workplace,” said Jason Erlich of Erlich Law Firm. “The complaint contends that our client went from being promoted and rated as exceeding expectations to being fired within days of reporting discrimination. The legal question is whether that sequence, and the lack of a meaningful investigation, amounts to unlawful retaliation.”

This particular case is brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 for race discrimination and retaliation, as well as under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and California Labor Code § 1102.5. The lawsuit seeks back pay, front pay or reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief, including policy changes, training, and the creation of independent reporting channels for discrimination and retaliation complaints.

CASE INFORMATION

U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington at Seattle
Wanda Williams v. Lighthouse Document Technologies, Inc.
Case No. 2:25-cv-02686

Erlich Law Firm has more than 20 years of experience in holding employers accountable for their illegal actions against the people who work for them. If you believe your rights at work have been violated, you could potentially be entitled to damages from your employer.

Erlich Law Firm
180 Grand Ave. Suite 1380
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 788-2337
https://erlich.lawyer/
Press Contact : Jason Erlich

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Coral Springs, Florida – Attorney Scott Silver of Securities Fraud Attorneys (Silver Law Group) has filed a proposed class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah on behalf of investors nationwide who lost money in promissory notes issued by Lehi, Utah-based Hedgehog Investments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASE INFORMATION

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

Securities Fraud Attorneys (Silver Law Group) represents investors nationwide in securities arbitration, class actions and litigation, focusing on recovery from investment fraud and financial misconduct. Learn more at https://securitiesfraudattorneys.com/.

Securities Fraud Attorneys
11780 W Sample Rd # 103
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
(800) 975-4345
https://securitiesfraudattorneys.com/
Press Contact : Scott Silver

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

San Antonio, TX — February 26, 2026 — Physician Life Care Planning (PLCP), the nation’s leading provider of damages valuation services, today announced the acquisition of Medivest, a trusted provider of Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) compliance and lien resolution solutions. This acquisition brings together two highly respected organizations serving the legal, insurance, and claims communities, and it positions PLCP to deliver a comprehensive suite of damages valuation and post-resolution services.

By combining PLCP’s damages valuation expertise with Medivest’s Medicare compliance and administration services, PLCP will deliver highly integrated, end-to-end solutions nationwide.

“This acquisition is a natural fit,” said Chad Harris, CEO of PLCP. “We share a deep commitment to innovation and service.  By joining forces, we can now support our clients across a full continuum of solutions — from damages valuation to MSP compliance and administration.”

Medivest will continue to operate under the Medivest brand and will benefit by PLCP’s substantial investments in advanced technology as well as its advanced service offerings. Clients of both organizations can expect uninterrupted service while benefiting from expanded capabilities, deeper resources, and increased investment in innovation and service.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the legal, insurance, and claims professionals who rely on our expertise,” said Aaron Winnell, President of Medivest. “By joining forces with PLCP, we are expanding the scope of solutions available to our clients while preserving the service quality and expertise for which Medivest is known.”

About Physician Life Care Planning

Physician Life Care Planning is the industry leader in personal injury damages valuation services, and is trusted by attorneys and law firms nationwide. Through a unique combination of highly qualified experts and advanced technology, the company delivers life care plans and related products and services that are objective, accurate, reliable, and defensible.  All PLCP life care plans are authored by board-certified physicians whose work conforms to the tenets, methods, and best practices advocated by the American Academy of Physician Life Care Planners.  With a steadfast focus on innovation and service, PLCP continues to set the standard for Excellence in Damages Valuation.

About Medivest

Medivest is a leading provider of Medicare compliance and medical funds administration solutions, specializing in medical cost management, Medicare Secondary Payer compliance, and future care fund coordination for the legal, insurance, and claims communities. Medivest was advised in the transaction by Bailey & Company, a healthcare-focused investment banking firm with deep experience in middle-market mergers and acquisitions.

Physician Life Care Planning
12707 Silicon Drive, Suite 150
San Antonio, TX 78249
(630) 200-6915
rcarey@physicianlcp.com
https://www.physicianlcp.com/
Press Contact : Ron Carey

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

San Francisco, California – Four years ago, Custom Legal Marketing Co-Founder and CEO Jason Bland stood in front of his team at an all-hands meeting and laid out a vision that went beyond the typical agency roadmap. It was time for CLM to evolve from a law firm SEO agency to an integrated part of law firms and their marketing department operations.

While organizational and internal infrastructure upgrades came first, the software that makes that mission possible is, as of today, no longer a secret. At least the name isn’t.

Introducing CLM Sequoia, the AI-powered marketing platform built entirely by Custom Legal Marketing. CLM Sequoia isn’t finished, and it never will be. Like its namesake, the platform is built to never stop growing, for law firms that never want to stop growing.

CLM has been deploying components of Sequoia into law firm websites over the last year and, before that, reworking internal processes around the technology. The plugins, AI agents, research tools, and SEO and Answer Engine Optimization capabilities are already running. And law firms are already seeing Sequoia boost leads and cases, especially through its answer engine optimization features. Select clients already have some components running on their websites and woven into their account management processes.

Throughout 2026, every department, every account, and every internal operation at Custom Legal Marketing will be fully integrated into CLM Sequoia’s central platform. Some clients have already seen rapid deployment of purpose-built solutions through Sequoia, and every new tool that solves an individual problem gets absorbed into the main codebase, making the entire platform stronger.

From Legal Marketing Agency to Platform

In January, Custom Legal Marketing turned 21. The company was founded in 2005 by Jason Bland and Chris Kazor. For years, CLM did what good legal marketing firms do: building websites, writing content, earning links, and driving leads to law firms through Google Search, Google Maps, Google Ads, and all the usual channels.

But the world is changing. Law firms are changing. And here’s the thing nobody in the SEO industry likes to talk about: every marketing agency is buying the same data. When everyone has access to the same tools, nobody has a competitive advantage.

“I hate shopping and I love building,” said Bland. It’s a trait that shows up in every corner of his life.

The company has never been shy about building in-house. CLM has developed custom solutions and applications for years to solve problems, improve client experiences, analyze data, and streamline internal processes. But Bland found himself still wasting time shopping for the right tools from other vendors; tools that were available to every competitor at the same time.

The decision to stop shopping and start building a unified platform was inevitable.

CLM is not licensing someone else’s software and putting a logo on it. Not waiting for a vendor to ship a feature that might solve tomorrow’s problem for CLM and every other agency plugged into the same system. It’s building its own solutions, for every operation, from the ground up.

The result is Sequoia. The platform combines over two decades of legal marketing experience with AI processing power, research tools that analyze the results of in-house studies, and automation. It lets AI do what it does best while letting CLM’s team do what they do best. One single intelligence layer across every client engagement.

Law Firm Marketing Directors Don’t Need Vendor Migration Headaches

Law firms don’t want migration headaches. Marketing directors don’t want to rip out every vendor when they switch agencies. Sequoia was designed with that in mind. The platform works with the applications a law firm already uses and supercharges their marketing from there.

CLM now controls its own roadmap and offers tools and insights that are exclusive to the law firms that partner with it. When the industry shifts, CLM doesn’t wait; they build the solution and deploy it.

“You only get into search marketing if you love constant change,” said Bland. “That’s why CLM Sequoia is so exciting. It’s not finished and never will be. It’s always growing.”

For more information about CLM Sequoia, visit https://custom.legal/sequoia.

Custom Legal Marketing is a law firm marketing agency built for how clients actually find lawyers today. Founded in 2005, CLM combines award-winning creative with a purpose-built AI marketing platform, CLM Sequoia, to help law firms stand out, get new cases, and grow in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

Custom Legal Marketing
1111 Kearny Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
800-789-6451
https://custom.legal/
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Distributed by Law Firm Newswire