Category Archives: Business

Press Releases from the Business World. Announcements, Product releases, Appointments.

Poulton Associates LLC Named to Inc. 5000’s 2020 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America


Poulton Associates, LLC, administrator of the largest private flood insurance program in the United States, the Natural Catastrophe Insurance Program (NCIP), has been ranked on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000 list, a list of the fastest growing private companies in America. Poulton came in at number 3,278 on this year’s list, marking the fifth consecutive year the managing general agent has received this honor.

“We are dedicated to working with agents and brokers to assist consumers in securing a convenient, cost-effective flood insurance alternative to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as comprehensive earthquake and landslide coverage,” said Craig Poulton, chief executive officer of Poulton Associates. “We are proud and honored to have our efforts recognized by the Inc. 5000 once again.”

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. Poulton reported an impressive three-year growth rate of 116 percent.

NCIP is a leading private alternative to the NFIP, administered by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Poulton has worked tirelessly to make the government, consumers, and insurance industry aware that the private flood insurance market, particularly NCIP, is more than capable of providing comprehensive, quality flood insurance coverage at affordable rates without draining taxpayer dollars.

About Poulton Associates, LLC.

Poulton Associates, Inc. is a Utah-based managing general agent and insurance brokerage with expertise in property and casualty insurance. As administrator of the Natural Catastrophe Insurance Program, they make the program available to insurance professionals in all 50 states at http://www.CATcoverage.com. Follow Poulton on Twitter @NCIPtweets.

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A New Article Explains How Car Insurance Rates Are Affected By An Accident


News Image

“Before making the decision to file a claim to their insurers, drivers should carefully analyze if it’s worth it. Drivers who are not at fault and suffered minor damages should avoid filling claims to prevent their premiums to increase substantially”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents how car insurance premiums will change for a policyholder who files a claim after an accident.

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/car-insurance-after-an-accident-how-are-premiums-affected/

Before making a claim to the insurance provider, drivers should consider a few things before making this move. According to a recent study, drivers who make a single auto insurance claim saw their premiums increase on average by 44.1%. Also, the reported premium increases weren’t for individuals who have a history of unsafe driving. Even after a single claim, premium increases can be significant.

Drivers who want to file a claim after an accident should consider the following:

  • How much the premiums will rise. The increase drivers can expect to see on their insurance premiums after an at-fault accident varies by location, driving record, vehicle, and the insurance company. Drivers can expect anywhere from a 23% to 73% increase in premiums in year one after an at-fault accident.
  • Insurance premium increase by state. Some states report costlier increases than others. Drivers living in states such as North Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas, New Hampshire, and California can expect to see their rates increase after an accident from 57.3% to 63.1%. On the other hand, drivers from Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Maryland will see their rates go up anywhere from 21.5% to 30.6%. Increases in the premium paid can last as long three to five years after an at-fault accident if the damages to the vehicle exceed over $2,000.
  • How to lower the premiums. Be prepared and purchase accident forgiveness. Not all companies offer this, but those that do will give the policyholders a one at-fault accident forgiveness with no increase in premium if they fit certain criteria. Other methods involve raising the deductible and improving the credit score. Furthermore, policyholders should avoid filing claims for small things after they have filed a claim on an at-fault accident.
  • Which claims affect the premiums the most. Bodily injury claims can cause the premiums to spike the most. A single bodily injury claim will result in an average premium increase of 48.6%.
  • What if the policyholder isn’t at fault. Whether or not the rates will increase after an accident in which the policyholders were not at fault is insurance provider specific. Some companies will not increase the premium for drivers involved in their first accidents, but if they suffer several accidents, even if they are not at fault, it could result in an increased premium.


For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Janek Performance Group Wins Bronze at the 2020 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for Sales Performance


This award means a lot to all of us at Janek Performance Group, especially our team members who were involved in the successful rollout and execution of our training initiative with Blue Shield of California.

Janek Performance Group, an industry-leader in innovative sales training, coaching, and consulting solutions, won bronze at the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards in the Best Program for Sales Training and Performance category. Janek Performance Group’s win was announced on August 20, 2020. The winners are listed at http://www.brandonhall.com/excellenceawards/past-winners.php.

The award is a result of Janek’s work with healthcare insurer Blue Shield of California to provide an already successful and tenured sales force with enhanced sales and coaching skills and enable the implementation of a panorganization sales training curriculum and methodology.

“This award means a lot to all of us at Janek Performance Group, especially our team members who were involved in the successful rollout and execution of our training initiative with Blue Shield of California,” Janek Performance Group Managing Partner Justin Zappulla said. “The training was very well received by Blue Shield of California and required a considerable amount of resources, time, and talent. It’s terrific to have this training engagement recognized by the esteemed panel of judges at Brandon Hall.”

Being a recipient of the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence in Sales Performance Award comes on the heels of other recognitions received earlier in the year, including a Gold Stevie Award for Janek’s flagship sales training program, Critical Selling Skills®, as well as having been named a Top 20 Sales Training Company by Training Industry and a Top 20 Sales Training Company for the seventh consecutive year by Selling Power.

“Organizations around the world highly value Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards – so much so that we received a record number of applications in the middle of a global pandemic,” said Rachel Cooke, Brandon Hall Group COO and leader of the HCM Excellence Awards Program. “The awards provide valuable recognition and validation of best practices in all areas of HCM at a time when they have never been more important to both employers and employees.”

Award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts and executives based upon the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation and overall measurable benefits.

“2020 has certainly been a year with a unique set of challenges – not just for us, but for organizations and industries globally,” added Nick Kane, Managing Partner at Janek Performance Group. “But we continue to thrive and innovate as an organization, despite the current circumstances. Business and commerce must go on, and we have quickly adapted to the changing marketplace by offering virtual training delivery of all our training programs, as well as launching a brand-new curriculum, Selling Virtually™, which has been very well received by our clients over the last several months. This award is a great opportunity for our leadership team to thank our employees as well as our amazing clients like Blue Shield of California for the trust they put in us.”

About Brandon Hall Group

Brandon Hall Group is an HCM research and advisory services firm that provides insights around key performance areas, including Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition and HR/Workforce Management.

With more than 10,000 clients globally and 25 years of delivering world-class research and advisory services, Brandon Hall Group is focused on developing research that drives performance in emerging and large organizations, and provides strategic insights for executives and practitioners responsible for growth and business results.

Our mission: Empower excellence in organizations around the world through our research and tools each and every day.

At the core of our offerings is a Membership Program that combines research, benchmarking and unlimited access to data and analysts. The Membership Program offers insights and best practices to enable executives and practitioners to make the right decisions about people, processes, and systems, coalesced with analyst advisory services which aim to put the research into action in a way that is practical and efficient. (http://www.brandonhall.com)

About Janek Performance Group

Janek Performance Group is an award-winning sales performance solutions provider based in Las Vegas, NV. Our training and consulting services are field-tested with proven results in improving the sales skills and results of our clients, backed by ongoing research into the market’s needs and best practices. We possess the ability to work with companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 firms and have an established track record across countless industries and verticals. To learn more about Janek Performance Group, visit https://www.janek.com.

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Lowers Forensics International Promotes Megan Johnson to Vice President


Congratulations Megan Johnson

Please join me in congratulating Megan Johnson on her promotion to Vice President. She is a testament to dedication and consistent hard work.

Lowers Forensics International proudly announces the promotion of Megan Johnson to Vice President. Based out of the company’s Dallas office, Johnson previously served as a manager. She will now serve as a key member of the company’s leadership team.

Johnson is a forensic accountant with extensive experience in the measurement of financial damages related to business interruption/lost profit, lost rents, inventory loss and damage, extra expense, property damage, third party liability, product liability, vendor fraud, theft, and employee embezzlement. Clients include major property insurance companies, law firms, and corporations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

President of Lowers Forensics International, Marc Johnson, remarked: “Please join me in congratulating Megan Johnson on her promotion to Vice President. She is a testament to dedication and consistent hard work. Megan has put in over 20 years combined as part of our team; she had faith in the group and helped us with a seamless transition when we started Lowers Forensics International two years ago. We look forward to having Megan be a part of the leadership group that guides us through the next 20 years.”

Recognized for industry excellence and leadership, Lowers Forensics works with clients worldwide to provide insurance claims accounting, litigation support, forensic accounting, and expert testimony.

To reach Megan Johnson call 833-456-9377 or visit lowersforensics.com.

About Lowers Forensics International, LLC

Lowers Forensics International is a financial forensics firm offering expertise in insurance claims accounting, litigation support, investigative services, and expert testimony to support organizations worldwide. The company maintains offices across the globe to serve the needs of insurance companies, attorneys, and private and public entities in order to transform complex financial information into clear evidence. For more information about Lowers Forensics International, visit lowersforensics.com.

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HashCash’s Raj Chowdhury Surpasses Branson, Musk, & Bezos in Global Media Ranking


Raj Chowdhury surpasses Richard Branson

Raj Chowdhury surpasses Richard Branson

As of Friday, HashCash CEO Raj Chowdhury has surpassed Tesla CEO Elon Musk, by claiming 42nd position on Crunchbase’s global media ranking of the top 50 most influential personalities. He is followed by Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group at 43rd and Musk at 46th position.

The blockchain pioneer and entrepreneur has also left behind Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos (rank -59), Facebook Chief Mark Zuckerberg (rank -60), and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt (rank- 62). Previously Raj Chowdhury has surpassed Google Co-founder Larry Page and Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin in global influence on Crunchbase media ranking.

In an interactive session with the media Raj Chowdhury commented, “As an industry insider, I aim to influence and drive innovation by allying with global industry players to facilitate interoperability across sectors by leveraging emerging technologies to create the framework of a decentralized and secured future.”

As Chief Executive Officer of HashCash Consultants, Raj Chowdhury drives innovation and the strategic direction of the global enterprise. It is under his guidance and able command that HashCash has come to be recognized as one of the leading enterprises in the world to offer blockchain and crypto solutions, along with advanced software and infrastructure development services, accelerating the cause of mass adoption of new-age technologies.

His engagements with international regulatory bodies and industry leaders have helped Chowdhury create new standards of interoperability across verticals. Forging coalition with global banks, financial institutions, and major industries, he has masterminded sophisticated architectures for his network of clients and partners all around the world.


  • About HashCash Consultants:

HashCash is a global software company offering solutions in Blockchain, AI, Big Data and IoT through its platforms, products & services. HashCash Blockchain products enable enterprises to move assets across borders in real-time for Remittances, Trade Finance, Payment Processing and more. HashCash runs US-based digital asset exchange, PayBito & Digital asset payment processor, BillBitcoins. HashCash offers crypto exchange solutions, Payment processor software, ICO services and customized Blockchain use case development. It propels advancement in technology through Blockchain1o1 programs and its investment arm, Satoshi Angels. HashCash solves the toughest challenges by executing innovative digital transformation strategies for clients around the world.

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Payroc Appoints Kevin Hodges as Chief Financial Officer


“Payroc has demonstrated strong performance through organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” said Kevin Hodges, Payroc’s CFO, “I look forward to working with the entire Payroc team to build on the company’s momentum and positioning as a strong leader in the payments industry.”

Payroc, a leading merchant acquirer and global payment processing organization, today announced the appointment of Kevin Hodges as Chief Financial Officer. Based in Payroc’s Atlanta office, Mr. Hodges will serve as the leader for Payroc’s expanding financial team and brings to Payroc his significant public and private company experience in leading and integrating strategic acquisitions, raising debt and equity capital, and transforming financial organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the Payroc family,” said Payroc’s CEO & President, James Oberman. “His experience will add significant capability, sophistication and strength to our executive team. He’s proven his skills at the highest quality companies and is well respected within the industry.”

“Payroc has demonstrated strong performance through organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” said Kevin Hodges, Payroc’s CFO, “and I am excited to join its outstanding leadership team in the CFO role. I look forward to working with the entire Payroc team to build on the company’s momentum and positioning as a strong leader in the payments industry.”

Prior to joining Payroc, Hodges served as a member of the executive team at EVO Payments where he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining EVO, Hodges held various senior leadership positions at Global Payments Inc.

About Payroc

Payroc and its affiliates, with offices in Chicagoland, Atlanta, Toronto, Whitefish, Montana and Salt Lake City is a high-growth North American, Canadian and international merchant acquirer, processor and payment facilitator powerhouse operating in 46 countries, processing over $29 billion in annualized volume for more than 66,000 merchants. Payroc offers best-in-class sales enablement and merchant processing technology on a global basis, delivering proprietary, innovative and full-service merchant acquiring solutions together with key card brand network payment sponsorship registrations. Payroc LLC, together with its wholly-owned affiliate Payroc Processing Systems, LLC, is a registered Visa third party processor (TPP), Mastercard third party servicer (TPSV), payment facilitator and encryption support organization (ESO) for Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio-chartered bank, Cincinnati, Ohio (“Fifth Third”). Payroc LLC is a registered independent sales organization (ISO/MSP) for Fifth Third and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, California (“Wells”). NxGen, one of Payroc’s companies, is an Elavon payments partner and registered as an ISO/MSP of Elavon, Inc., Georgia, a wholly owned subsidiary of US Bank Minneapolis. The company’s Canadian business unit is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells and Peoples Trust Company, Vancouver, Canada. For more information, please visit payroc.com.

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This Week’s Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® LIVE Stream Show to Spotlight Solutions in Business, Science, & Health


Streaming LIVE Sun. 8/23 & Weds. 8/26 at 8pm ET/PT

Tune in for their full interviews on Sunday, August 23, 2020 and Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 8:00pm ET & 11:00pm ET during the LIVE stream of this week’s episode

Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® will be LIVE streaming this week’s episode of the successful business program on Sunday, August 23, 2020 and Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 8:00pm ET & 11:00pm ET for prime time viewings on both coasts and two chances to watch each night!

As leaders in their industries, the three companies featured this week demonstrate the unique branding opportunity that Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® offers by bringing strategic messages and unique solutions to the business community.

Our latest episode’s exclusive interviews will spotlight key executives and innovations from the following companies:

World Address / OPAS

Package Forwarding That Brings Global Shoppers & U.S. Retailers Together

Nourishing Biologicals

Science-Backed Skincare That Heals From Within

BetterManager

Innovations in Leadership Coaching & Professional Development

To learn more about the companies highlighted above, tune in for their full interviews on Sunday, August 23, 2020 and Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 8:00pm ET & 11:00pm ET during the LIVE stream of this week’s episode of Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®! You can also catch the previous week’s show on our LIVE stream page in case you missed it.

About Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®

Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® is a weekly half-hour show featuring global executives sharing their business insights and framing the opportunities shaping their industries. Hosted by a business mogul, Kathy Ireland interviews some of the brightest minds in business today. The show broadcasts on Fox Business Network as part of their sponsored content line up and globally on Bloomberg Television. Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® extends beyond the weekly on-air program with digital content delivered on various video platforms and across social media.

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C-Strategies Welcomes Kayla Kirshenbaum as Senior Director of Communications


Kayla Kirshenbaum Joins C-Strategies

C-Strategies, a leading strategic communications and public affairs firm (whose leadership has served on the front lines of major policy campaigns and advocacy in Chicago and Illinois for nearly two decades), announced today that Kayla Kirshenbaum has joined the firm as its senior director of communications.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to add such a talent like Kayla Kirshenbaum to our C-Strategies squad,” said Becky Carroll, President and CEO, C-Strategies. “Her gift for writing and developing and executing communication strategies will add tremendous value for our clients who expect that we bring our best game and best team to every project.”

Kayla is a communications specialist who brings years of creative leadership experience to this role. Prior to joining C-Strategies, Kayla spent a decade in New York City implementing educational strategies for crisis communication and overseeing school safety procedures in Manhattan. She also developed program initiatives for incarcerated populations with The New York Department of Corrections. She was the recipient of the Recognition Award by the Head Commissioner of The New York Department of Corrections where she founded literacy and writing programs that taught advocacy skills to incarcerated youth awaiting trial on Rikers Island.

“I am excited to join a team of brilliant women who bring so much talent to the table,” said Kayla Kirshenbaum. “I am grateful for the path that led me back to this great city, and I look forward to applying my passion for storytelling and developing communications management strategies to the work we do every day.”

Kayla is a born and raised Chicagoan who graduated with honors from Queens College and Sarah Lawrence College’s Master of Fine Arts creative writing program. She holds certification in management and leadership from the Business Fundamentals program at Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as certification in advanced business writing and communications from Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.

About C-Strategies

C-Strategies is a strategic communications and public affairs firm whose leadership has served on the front lines of major public policy and political campaigns in Chicago and Illinois for nearly two decades. Employing results-driven tactics and utilizing its networks to build strategic plans, guide public opinion and manage through crisis, C-Strategies brings passion and veteran experience to help clients meet their business goals, turn big ideas into action and simply get things done. Learn more at http://cstrategies.com/

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Agrellus, Inc. Selects Chris Johnson as New CEO


“I have followed the dynamic growth of Agrellus for the past two years and it is exciting to see the Agrellus platform being adopted by growers throughout the country.

Agrellus, Inc., an online marketplace that brings together buyers and sellers of agricultural inputs and commodities, today announced that Chris Johnson has been named as Chief Executive Officer. Rusty Andrews, who has been acting Chief Executive Officer and Board Member since 2017 will continue as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Johnson’s employment with Agrellus will commence immediately.

Johnson has more than 25 years of senior management experience, including a decade of strategic development and plan execution within high growth digital business, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer of Johnson Innovation Group, and prior to that, Johnson served as Chief Technology Officer of Diversified, Inc., one of the worlds largest technology integration firms.

“I have followed the dynamic growth of Agrellus for the past two years”, explained Johnson, “and it is exciting to see the Agrellus platform being adopted by growers throughout the country. Agrellus offers a unique “no-cost” and comprehensive eCommerce platform for the grower, and all within the industry’s distribution channels with no surprises, just precision pricing.” He continues, “We will always remain a friend to the farmer as we take many of the input cost challenges out of the way, resulting in positive outcomes for their families and their communities.”

“Chris is the right leader for Agrellus,” said Rusty Andrews, Agrellus’ Chairman of the Board. “Chris’ extensive digital transformation background and business development skills should help Agrellus strengthen channel partnerships, develop strategic alliances, and expand our digital presence. We believe his strong leadership experience will help focus Agrellus during this dynamic growth phase.

“I am very excited to be joining the Agrellus team,” said Johnson. “I believe Agrellus has a wonderful business model and very talented and passionate team members that uniquely positions it to capitalize on the digital advantages within agriculture. As the industry advances through digital transformation and increasing dynamics in distribution, I believe Agrellus is in a position to provide a cost effective and timely suite of products and services that help growers efficiently manage and maximize their budgets.”

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Frederick M. Heiser Named Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst Irvine


Frederick M. Heiser

Frederick M. Heiser, Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst PC, Irvine

Fred has grown his practice and leadership ability exponentially during his time at Klinedinst, and has been instrumental in the incredible growth in our team.

Klinedinst PC is pleased to announce Frederick M. Heiser has been named Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst’s Irvine office. Mr. Heiser takes over the role from Kevin J. Gramling, who will expand his trial practice throughout the western U.S.

Mr. Heiser focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation, commercial general liability, and employment. His clients include local entrepreneurs, small family businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.

Mr. Heiser is regularly called on by general counsel, business owners, and claims representatives to protect their interests and to provide hands-on, strategic, and efficient direction for complex civil cases. He has found success in retail defense, business litigation, employment law, and general liability matters.

“Fred has grown his practice and leadership ability exponentially during his time at Klinedinst, and has been instrumental in the incredible growth in our team,” added Mr. Gramling, who founded the Orange County office and served as its Managing Shareholder for 20 years. “His positive and extremely respectful attitude is appreciated and respected by both clients and team members alike. His dedication, personality, temperament, and leadership skills will serve the Irvine office well for years to come.”

Klinedinst’s presence in Orange County recently expanded into new offices in Irvine’s Park Plaza. Now leading a roster of 12 attorneys, Hesier has taken on the crucial role of continuing Klinedinst’s culture, relationship management, and commitment to individual growth, both personally and professionally, allowing attorneys to best serve clientele.

Heiser often speaks and presents on matters of retail and hospitality litigation, and partners with companies to strategically develop policies and procedures to minimize their liability risks. As a member of the USLAW Network, Defense Research Institute (DRI), and Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), Heiser advises industry leaders on a broad range of legal topics.

Heiser earned his JD from Washington and Lee (W&L) School of Law in 2004. He also earned his bachelor’s from W&L, graduating magma cum laude in 2001. He is a former President of Washington and Lee University’s Los Angeles Alumni Chapter and remains an active member of the Chapter in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Even though he joined the firm three years ago, Mr. Heiser is no stranger to the Klinedinst history and culture. He originally joined the firm back in 2004, becoming one of the newest associates in the Los Angeles office. He left to pursue other opportunities but ended up re-joining the firm ten years later in 2017 as Counsel.

“The Klinedinst leadership team, especially Kevin Gramling, has built this office into something incredibly special. Kevin has left some very big shoes to fill,” said Heiser. “I couldn’t be more excited about taking on this new role and am grateful for everybody’s confidence in me. We have such a talented team and I look forward to many great times ahead.”

Klinedinst PC congratulates Mr. Heiser in his new role as Managing Shareholder of the Irvine office. More information on Mr. Heiser can be viewed at: http://www.frederickheiser.com

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done.

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