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A ugust 2021
G rit and G et T hrough I t
WHAT I LEARNED AFTER ARGUING BEFORE U.S. SUPREME COURT When I saw that Aug. 7 is Professional Speakers Day, I couldn’t help but chuckle. As a trial attorney, I’m a professional speaker all the time. It’s a talent I acquired before I became an attorney, when I would travel to small, rural Universalist churches in Georgia, using my theology background to preach to the congregation.
While I’m not “preaching” in court, that background has served me well — including at the U.S. Supreme Court. It’s the most significant speech of my career and has provided me with what is perhaps some unique insight. I didn’t have time to panic or think about how momentous this moment, this opportunity was after we were given notice that our case was accepted by the Supreme Court. In fact, I totally ignored the stress inherent in the event. I couldn’t grapple with it during my preparation if I expected to do my job well; I had to focus on my case and my client. I only had a little over three months to prepare from the time of acceptance in September to our argument in December. I locked everything down at that moment. My entire focus was on this case and ensuring I gave the best presentation of my life for those nine Justices. There were moments of shaking anxiety, but I shoved that down further and further, understanding that I had to focus on my client and case first. I did a pretty good job of avoiding my nerves. The week we flew to Washington, D.C., for the presentation felt like any other trip. We even visited several Smithsonians and sat in on some other Supreme Court arguments. On the morning of our argument, I was as cool as could be. Given how high we had set our bar, I knew we had a tough road ahead of us. We had to unify the judges on a severely split court, but I felt confident. During my argument, there are a few key moments that stand out. Former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and I argued back and forth at one point, which was ironic, since I tended to agree with most of her arguments and decisions. A close friend and foe of Ginsburg, former Justice Antonin Scalia, was also hung up on a particular point that didn’t really matter to my case, and as I was about to argue with him, I had to pause, grant him his assertion and steer the conversation back to what we thought was important. All told, I felt confident leaving our nation’s most powerful courtroom that day, and, as it would turn out, I was right to feel that way. The Justices came back with a unanimous decision in our favor, and our case set a precedent.
Still, I had yet to grapple with what I had experienced. Arguing before the Supreme Court is an action many lawyers dream about but never get to achieve. I had just reached a pinnacle in my career at that time. What did that mean? What was next? That realization didn’t hit me until about one week later. We were on vacation in Kentucky, visiting my wife’s family, and I started to break down on a road in the middle of nowhere. My wife had to stop the vehicle, and I got out as the panic started to wash over me in waves. I ended up walking the remaining miles to our destination to calm down and start to finally process what I had experienced — something I had been ignoring for so long. To this day, I don’t know why I broke down at that moment, but I do know that I needed to. It helped me process what I was experiencing and fully understand what I had faced. And if I had to go back and argue a case again, I would do it the same way: ignore the stress and break down later. When you’re facing a difficult or daunting task — like our clients face when their whole world changes — sometimes all you can do in that moment is grit your teeth and get through it. It can help to process your emotions later, but you have to know that a tidal wave is coming. It will hit you regardless, whether you are in rural Kentucky or at home with your family. You just have to process it when it comes so you can move on. –Michael Manely 1
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T he B est I nternational D ishes T hat R equire N o E lectricity
Mexican Barbacoa Earth ovens are one of humanity’s oldest ways of preparing food. They’re created by digging at least a 3-by-3-foot hole in the ground, adding hot coals, tightly wrapping food (with burlap or foil in modern day), and replacing the dirt to conceal the fire and food. The pressure of the heat essentially bakes and steams your food over 12 hours, and it’s best when preparing enormous batches of food, like Mexican barbacoa! Use boneless beef chuck — beef cheeks and tongue also work! — and add crushed garlic cloves, white onion, black peppercorns, salt, and fresh Mexican oregano to achieve the classic barbacoa flavor. Spanish Gazpacho This is a great, refreshing soup for summer! Get 2 cups of tomato juice, 4 medium peeled and finely chopped tomatoes (feel free to use canned), 1/2 cup peeled and chopped cucumber, 1/3 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix it together in a bowl, and you’ve got a classic, easy gazpacho.
Around the world, electricity can be difficult to come by. But that hasn’t stopped people from creating beautiful, innovative dishes. Here’s how you can explore world cuisine in your home without electricity — and for this article, we’ll skip things you can make with a wood- burning stove or oven, too. Indian Instant Mango Pickles Want to add an interesting, sweet-and-sour condiment to your toast or family barbecue? Prepare these fast, pickled mangoes by using either jarred or fresh mangoes. Cover mango strips with salt, then add an equally small amount of asafoetida (can substitute with onion powder, garlic powder, or fresh fried garlic), turmeric powder, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, chili powder, and mustard oil. Mix well and enjoy this incredible flavor bomb immediately! Mediterranean Hummus No need for tahini — just smash canned garbanzo beans until smooth! Add olive oil, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. You can even mix in fresh crushed garlic. It is delicious with crunchy vegetables or flatbread!
Thanks for reading, and we hope you pick up a new family-favorite recipe from these ideas!
M eet O ur A dministrative A ssistant K imberly J ackson TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
said. In her two years working for the firm, Kimberly says she’s seen so many positive outcomes for clients that she knows they are in good hands when they call. Before joining our team, Kimberly worked for 12 years as a general manager for a car rental company. She brings some of that previous management experience to her current role, which has expanded in the last year to include work with HR. “I love assisting with staffing. It brings me back to my management experience,” she said, “I help go through resumes and post job positions, set up scheduling for employee reviews, and help with other staff and personnel issues.”
looks forward to coming to work each day. “It’s such a great environment. We do family law, but behind the scenes, family is valued, as well. I really appreciate it.” And that family includes her and her coworker’s pets! Kimberly is as passionate about her work as she is about helping out stray cats in the community. She feeds up to 20 stray cats each day, as well as the nine she keeps as pets at home. “My friends and my fiancé say I’m a certified cat lady,” she joked. “If I had it my way, everyone at the firm would have a cat.” With Kimberly’s passion for animals, it’s just possible that one day we all will!
Kimberly Jackson is one of the first faces you see when you walk into our office; she’s usually the first voice you hear on the phone when you call in. Kimberly says being that first point of contact for clients is one of her favorite aspects of her job. While clients can be distraught, upset, or uncertain of how to proceed when they call in, she knows that The Manely Firm will be able to help. “I can feel what they’re going through. Our clients are having life-changing experiences, and my goal is to make them feel comfortable enough to give us a chance,” she
Thanks so much for the care and attention you bring to your work, Kimberly.
The combination of these two roles plus the work environment at The Manely Firm are why Kimberly
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Thinking About Changing Your Custody Agreement? You Might Want to Think Again Every year, as summer ends and children go back to school and routines, family law attorneys often hear from clients who are considering changing the custody agreement. After a summer spent with their child, they believe the current arrangement isn’t fair. It’s like clockwork, but as professionals who have seen this scenario play out again and again, we often caution our clients who are considering changes.
T he great thing in this world is not so much where you stand , but in which direction you are moving . — O liver W endell H olmes
There are many factors that play into custody, and if you’re not careful, rocking the boat could have unintended consequences.
When You Shouldn’t Change Your Custody Agreement It’s understandable and laudable that parents want to spend more time with their children, but it’s vital that you ask yourself if you are doing this because it is in the best interest of your child, or if you just miss your child and enjoyed your summer time together. If it’s the latter, that’s an understandable emotion, but it’s not worth potentially losing more time with your child. When you open the door for the courts to examine your current agreement, you run the risk of losing rights. Furthermore, consider your child’s age and experiences. Does your teenager really want to spend more time with you, or do they enjoy the freedom of not being told to do their homework or study, like they have to be told to do with their other parent? They may change their tune after a few weeks of you also putting your foot down when the time comes. When You Should Change Your Custody Agreement What was once a viable arrangement years ago may be outdated and in need of updating. Speak to your attorney first and consider ways in which you and your ex might be able to come to new terms without a hearing. In other scenarios when your child’s situation with the custodial parent is dangerous, it may be best for your child’s safety and well-being to change the custody agreement. Consider how these changes could impact your child, and once again, speak with your attorney before you take any action. All told, if you still believe you need to change your custody agreement, consult with a family law attorney. If they agree with you wholeheartedly without any assessment of the risks, get a second opinion. Think of this like major surgery: You want to be sure it’s the right move before getting cut open.
S ummer V egetable G reek S alad
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
I ngredients
For the vinaigrette: •
For the salad: •
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp dried oregano
1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
If you would like to learn more about custody changes, our team can help. Please visit AllFamilyLaw.com.
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami
D irections 1.
In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired). 3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.
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Michael Learns a Lesson After Arguing Before U.S. Supreme Court
The Best International Dishes That Require No Electricity Team Member Spotlight
Why Changing Custody Can Have Unintended Consequences Summer Vegetable Greek Salad
The Strange Battle of Castle Itter
T he S trange B attle of C astle I tter
The battlefields of World War II were often fought by complex sets of alliances between countries and factions, the likes of which few wars before or since have ever seen. Few battles proved that more than the Battle of Castle Itter. In the grand scheme of WWII, Castle Itter was no Omaha Beach. During the Nazi occupation, the Third Reich converted this medieval Austrian castle into a prison for important French prisoners who could possibly be used as bargaining chips, and they ran this as a subunit of the Dachau Concentration Camp which sat about 90 miles away. All of that said, if allied forces captured this, it would not represent any sort of decisive victory. Instead, what made the happenings of May 5, 1945, so remarkable is that the Battle of Castle Itter is the only WWII battle where German and American soldiers fought on the same side. In the waning days of the war, the German guards of Castle Itter abandoned their posts, leaving control of the prison to the prisoners. However, they were still prevented from escaping by units of Waffen SS and Gestapo troops roaming the woods that surrounded the castle. So, the castle handyman and cook asked for help. The cook encountered Major Josef Gangl, a Wehrmacht officer, who, after becoming disillusioned with Nazism, had decided to help the Austrian resistance instead. Gangl only had about 20 other Wehrmacht troops that were still loyal to him. So, in order to free Castle Itter from the SS, he hoisted a white flag when he made contact with Captain Jack C. Lee Jr., a U.S. tank commander. Together, they made their way to Castle Itter and prepared to withstand a siege and free the prisoners.
The battle was short and resulted in only one casualty — Josef Gangl was killed by a sniper. It ended when a small rescue group dispatched by Major John T. Kramers, with whom the castle handyman had made contact, arrived with a column of tanks, and scattered the SS troops. The prisoners were freed, Lee was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and Josef Gangl, for his service to the Austrian resistance, has a street named after him in a nearby town that still remains to this day.
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