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NOVEMBER 2019
From Raising Kids to Writing Bench Briefs: My Journey to Serving Those in Need
I love the work we do at Pendleton Law and how we help those in need, but my law journey began many years earlier while raising my three amazing children and struggling to finish my undergraduate degree. I started college at the University of Austin, but, before I could finish, I became the mother of three beautiful children and turned my attention to parenting and put my education on hold. However, I knew I needed to finish my degree to provide my kids with the lives they deserved, so I doubled down. Amid the joys and challenges of parenting, I waited tables and helped run my family’s sandwich shop while working on my degree in psychology. While it was hectic working, raising three kids, and studying, I discovered my passion for law through my schooling. During a seminar taught by an attorney from the state department, she described how she helped prosecute war criminals in Rwanda. I marveled at the incredible change she could make by putting those criminals in prison, and I realized the powerful impact a person could make as a lawyer, so I set my sights on studying law.
School in Virginia Beach and continued to study and work with people who had starkly different values than myself. That experience alone was invaluable because lawyers work with and help people every day who may have drastically different viewpoints and values. Initially, I thought about pursuing international law, but that wasn’t conducive to having three kids, so I’m grateful for the things I learned through my two internships and how they shaped the direction I would take. One internship was with the Federal Public Defender’s office in Richmond, and I gained invaluable research experience through a particular espionage case we worked on. The lawyers were inspiring as they defended and advocated for some of the neediest and most vulnerable people with passion and commitment. Then, when I interned for the Supreme Court of Virginia, I discovered a new perspective on a lawyer’s role in the law as I drafted bench briefs and even presented a few of them to the Virginia state justices! A bench brief is a summary of appeal cases that assists judges in determining which suits go to the court of appeals. I learned more about the structure of a situation and what
judges look for in appeal cases. I even had the opportunity to sit in on sessions where people argued their cases for an appeal. During the entire internship experience, I saw the inner workings of the law and put into perspective why it’s an honor to be a lawyer. Now, I use those experiences at Pendleton Law to serve my clients, especially those who are powerless against the system. It’s a good feeling to know I’m helping those who can’t help themselves in a tough situation. Insurance companies so easily take advantage of those who are vulnerable, so, when I help those individuals get what they need, that’s my reward. When I’m not helping our clients, my husband and I enjoy spending time on our new property in Providence Forge. It’s a friendly, slower- paced, quiet environment; we’re learning how to take care of chickens, and we’re getting ready to plant trees and a big vegetable garden. So, next time you’re in the office, let me know if you have any tips or tricks for gardening or raising chickens! We love relaxing on the property, but, as far as gardening goes, we’re going to need all the help we can get!
Before I knew it, I finished my bachelor’s degree at Mary Baldwin College. I went to Regent Law
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The Sport That United a Country THE 1995 RUGBY WORLD CUP
In early November, the 2019 Rugby World Cup will wrap up in Japan. The international competition brings out world-class athletes and entertainment. While matches are certainly intense, respect for the competition and for referees is a core tenet of rugby culture. After going head-to-head with an opponent, you’ll still shake hands, and maybe have a beer together, at the end of a match. This principle was on full display nearly 25 years ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in South Africa. The South African Springboks were up against the New Zealand All Blacks, and a number of factors made this an exceptional match. Just a few years earlier in 1991, apartheid legislation had been repealed in South Africa. The policy had left a deep cut, and the country still had a long journey toward healing and reparation. Nelson Mandela, who had been elected in 1994, was set on championing a “rainbow nation” in this new post-apartheid era.
game. It was controversial because of its connection to the architects of apartheid, but Mandela saw rugby’s potential as a symbol of hope and unity for a country that desperately needed it. Springboks captain Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon in “Invictus,” the film adaptation of this event) thought the president’s support of the team was a brilliant act. “During those six weeks, what happened in this country was incredible,” Pienaar said. Just before the final game that would decide the 1995 World Cup winners, Mandela sported a Springboks jersey and stood behind the team. Through a hard-fought match, South Africa came out on top, and, after receiving the trophy from President Mandela, Pienaar explained the atmosphere of the event: “When the final whistle blew, this country changed forever.” If the 1995 World Cup was any indication, the camaraderie inherent to rugby can transcend all kinds of barriers. Meet a fellow rugby player or fan in any part of the world, and you’ll likely forge an instant kinship. In 2021, you can look forward to cheering on the women’s teams during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Rugby started in England in the late 1800s, and colonizers took it to South Africa, where South Africans of every color embraced the
Legend of the Pirate Queen CHING SHIH: HISTORY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PIRATE
From Blackbeard to Jack Sparrow, pop culture teems with pirates who frequented the ports of the Caribbean. And while these pirates are well-known for their (sometimes fictional) accomplishments, the most successful pirate in history terrorized the seas of China instead. Her name was Ching Shih. Ching Shih, who was born Shih Yang, was working in a Cantonese brothel when she met the pirate Zheng Yi. He came from a long family of notorious pirates and was impressed by Ching Shih’s cunning. They married in 1801 and built a pirate empire known as the Red Flag Fleet. When Zheng Yi passed away suddenly in 1807, Ching Shih strategically maneuvered her way into leadership, taking control of over 60,000 pirates. Historians describe Ching Shih as a brilliant military strategist, a skilled businesswoman, and a harsh disciplinarian. After taking control of the fleet, Ching Shih implemented a strict code of conduct. The code included rules for distributing booty, protecting female captives, and beheading anyone who disobeyed Ching Shih. Under her rule, the bloody crimes of piracy became a profitable business. The Red Flag Fleet would eventually clash with the British Empire, the Portuguese Empire, and the Qing dynasty of China, but no one could topple the pirate queen.
office of a local governor-general, completely unarmed, and requested full pardons and government jobs for her entire crew— along with permission to keep all their stolen goods. In exchange, she promised to give up piracy for good. Thankful to be free of the Red Flag Fleet, the Chinese government agreed to her terms. Ching Shih’s second husband was even made an officer in the Chinese navy. Ching Shih returned to Canton with her vast wealth and spent the next 34 years living a life of comfort with her family and running a gambling den. In 1844, the legendary pirate queen passed away of old age at 69, a rare feat for pirates of her era.
After almost a decade of pillaging the high seas, Ching Shih decided piracy wasn’t the best retirement plan. In 1810, she walked into the
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TAKE A BREAK
GET MORE BANK FOR YOUR BUCK Take Full Advantage of Your Financial Institution
Whether you’re banking with a credit union or a national giant, your financial institution likely offers more resources, account options, and saving plans than you’re using — or even aware of. As one NerdWallet article puts it, “Banks and credit unions continue to find new ways to both delight and confound customers.” If you focus on the delights, you can get more bang for your buck out of the financial institution you’re already using. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up new ways to stretch your retirement fund, grow your investments, and pass nest eggs to your grandkids along the way. Take these two easy steps to get started. 1. Get Clicking Even for someone with plenty of internet savvy, bank websites can be intimidating. Most are filled with tabs and portals that overwhelm customers, causing them to limit their interactions to plugging in a username and password to check their balance. Don’t fall into that trap! If you want to get a complete picture of what your bank has to offer, its website is the place to start. Next time you log in, set aside an hour or two to explore the site tab by tab. Take note of products and services you might not be using, like mobile banking apps, 24-hour hotlines, continuing education, and additional account options and their interest rates. Schwab, for example, offers a free online learning center complete with seminars, one-on-one financial advice, and more than 300 informative articles and videos. 2. Schedule a Sit-Down If your bank has a brick-and-mortar location near you, make a point to visit it. While there, take the time to learn about the latest updates from the reading materials on offer, make an appointment with a financial analyst, or speak with a bank teller. It’s in your bank’s interest to see your accounts grow, so representatives are happy to help. If you’ve already explored your bank’s website, this is the time to ask follow-up questions on what you found or make a financial move in a new direction. Whether you’ve decided on a 529 plan or a high-interest checking account, your banking representative can make it happen.
THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
•
2 slices sourdough bread
•
1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing
•
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
•
2 tbsp leftover gravy
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2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp butter, room temperature Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
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1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey
•
3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce
Directions
1. Coat inside of each bread slice withmustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
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804-250-5050 www.virginiasinjurylawyers.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
T H E H E AV Y H I T T E RS
L A W T E A M Christina Pendleton & Associates, P.C.
1506 Staples Mill Rd., Ste. 101 Richmond, VA 23230
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
My Journey to Serving Our Community
The 1995 Rugby World Cup History’s Most Successful Pirate
2
The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich How to Get More From Your Bank
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4
The Legend of Sergeant Reckless
THE GREATEST AMERICAN WAR HORSE THE LEGEND OF SERGEANT RECKLESS
Animals have acted as companions to humankind for thousands of years. They’re a near-constant source of companionship, comfort, and aid. Unfortunately, military animals don’t often get the recognition they deserve. One horse, in particular, was essential to the success of her regiment during the KoreanWar. Meet Sergeant Reckless. Bought for $250 in 1952 by a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant at a Seoul racetrack, Sergeant Reckless was trained to carry ammunition for the 5th Marine Regiment. Her name was a play on the“recoilless”rifle ammunition she carried and a nod to the daredevil attitude of the soldiers who used them. Reckless was pivotal for her regiment inmore ways than one. As Robin Hutton notes in her book“Sgt. Reckless: America’sWar Horse,” “Because horses are‘herd’animals, the Marines became her herd. She bonded so deeply with them that Reckless would go anywhere and do anything to help her adopted family.”
Sergeant Reckless’ greatest achievement occurred during the final stages of the Battle of Outpost Vegas. During the bloody five-day campaign, Reckless made 51 trips to resupply guns over the course of a single day. By the end of the battle, she had carried 386 rounds of ammunition by walking 35 miles through rice paddies and mountain trails. After dropping off the ammunition, Reckless would then bring wounded soldiers back to safety. Reckless was trained to lie down when under fire and avoid barbed wire, and her ability to do so without needing human command saved many lives during the battle. Reckless would close out her war career with two Purple Hearts and the rank of staff sergeant. She spent the rest of her years at Camp Pendleton in California. To learn more about this legendary mare, be sure to check out “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse” by Robin Hutton.
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