21 Hats Podcast Dashboard: Are You Risking Everything You’ve Built?
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Jul 21, 2025 
Sheela Murthy, the founder and CEO of the Murthy Law Firm, shares her expertise on the intricate challenges faced by business owners during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. She dives into what employers should consider if they suspect an employee is undocumented and explores the potential legal and moral implications of retaining such employees. Additionally, Sheela discusses the reliability of E-Verify and highlights the balance between compliance and compassion in hiring practices, underscoring the complexities of navigating the immigration landscape.
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Sheela Murthy's Immigration Journey
- Sheela Murthy came to the U.S. on an F1 visa for Harvard Law after excelling in an international competition.
- She worked various jobs legally while studying and eventually obtained a green card and citizenship, giving her empathy for clients.
Early Law Firm Challenges
- Murthy struggled at first while starting her law firm, dedicating 8-12 hours daily to networking and client acquisition.
- Her firm’s website gained acclaim as the world’s best legal website early on, driving client growth.
I-9 Compliance Guidelines
- Employers should complete accurate I-9 verification for all employees and only hold liability if they have actual knowledge of unauthorized work.
- Doing due diligence on paperwork without investigating beyond documents protects employers from legal consequences.