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For The Ambitious Advocate BRIEF RECESS
JUNE/JULY 2025
FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF J. PRICE MCNAMARA
Freedom, Fulfillment, and the Law Gratitude for the Life You Built That’s not the case for everyone. Many hardworking people wake up every day to do physically demanding, sometimes dangerous jobs, often outdoors, in the elements, and with little recognition and far fewer choices or flexibility. Their work is important, no doubt. But we’re fortunate to have the freedom to do what we do — to help people, support our families, and do it in a way that challenges and fulfills us intellectually. That kind of freedom — to build something meaningful using your mind, not just your hands — is an incredible privilege we should never take for granted. This Fourth of July, take a moment to appreciate the freedom you’ve used to build your life as a lawyer. Appreciate the clients you get to serve, the team you’ve built around you, and the flexibility and opportunity this country affords us to pursue meaningful work. Let’s celebrate not just our national freedom, but the personal freedom we’ve exercised to live a purpose-driven life in a career that truly matters. What a gift it is to wake up each morning and go to work knowing that what you do makes a real difference in someone’s life.
As we celebrate Independence Day this Fourth of July, we often think about the principles our country was built upon: liberty, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. These values are not just abstract ideals. For attorneys, they’re a lived reality — one that shapes our professional lives every single day. We need to remind ourselves, our kids, and our kids’ kids how AWESOME it is that in the United States, we are free to pursue careers that align with our interests, our talents, and, most importantly, our passions. We’re not assigned jobs or forced into trades by circumstance. We choose our path, and we can always change it! That’s powerful. And for many of us, we chose the path of law not because it’s easy, but because we care deeply about helping others navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. As attorneys, we’ve carved out niches where our skills and passions intersect. Some of us fight for the injured. Others advocate for families, for businesses, for justice. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people whose long-term disability insurance claims have been denied — people who are physically or mentally unable to work, but who’ve been told “no” by insurance companies. I get to help those people find hope and recover what they’re rightfully owed. And I love doing it. But beyond the satisfaction of making a difference, think about what this profession lets us do. We get to support our families and build meaningful lives by using our minds, training, education, analysis, and advocacy. We do it in climate-controlled buildings, with comfortable offices, surrounded by team members we’ve chosen — people who share our values, our work ethic, and our mission to serve.
Happy Independence Day — and thank you for the work you do, the lives you touch, and the passion you bring to our profession.
Celebrate your freedom. Think about it. And as you do, remember that you chose this work and the life that comes with it. That’s worth celebrating.
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From Rebellion to Ba Most of us know what to expect on the Fourth of July — fireworks after sundown, something delicious on the grill, and maybe a small-town parade if you’re lucky. But the road to today’s celebrations started long before paper plates and picnic tables were part of the picture.
Whenever you hear a friend or family member say they’re going to take a road trip to visit some of America’s most beautiful national parks, they usually plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yosemite. These national parks consistently attract millions of visitors every year, but they’re far from the only must-see national parks in the country. There are 429 protected national sites within the U.S., and 63 of those have obtained the official “national park” designation in their names. (The other labels are battlefields, historic sites, monuments, recreation areas, etc.) 3 NATIONAL PARKS THAT ARE WORTH THE DETOUR Ditch the Tourist Traps
In 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Although the actual vote for separation from Britain happened two days earlier, on July 2, the final wording was adopted on the 4th. That date ended up stamped on the document and into the country’s collective memory. John Adams, one of the Declaration’s key architects, predicted future generations would mark the day with “bells, bonfires, and illuminations.” He wasn’t far off.
By the following year, Philadelphia was already celebrating. The first official anniversary featured cannon fire, music, and fireworks — all the more meaningful since the country was still in the thick of its war for survival.
If you want to experience the beauty of America without the crowds, consider visiting these destinations during your next vacation!
After the War of 1812, the Fourth took on new weight as a moment of national pride. Communities organized public readings of the
Channel Islands National Park, California Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands are a unique area off the coast of Southern California. While visiting, you can expect to see seals, island foxes, and over 2,000 other plant and animal species, with 145 found nowhere else on Earth. You can reach the mainland visitor center in Ventura by car, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats. Make reservations in advance.
Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS!
Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio If you want a unique experience, visit Cuyahoga National Park. Like many other national parks, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and photography while exploring the park’s 33,000 acres. You can admire many of the 1,000 species of plants and animals throughout your exploration, but if you want to get the full experience, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota Exploring a cave might not be your first thought when considering national parks, but Wind Cave is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and has many unique features, such as frostwork, cave popcorn, and boxwork, creating unique sights with every step. Once you head back outside, a beautiful mixed-grass prairie, home to bison, prairie dogs, and more, will greet you.
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Declaration, held military displays, and gathered for outdoor meals. Some towns even staged symbolic funerals for King George III. HOW JULY 4TH BECAME A NATIONAL TRADITION
I just returned from a trip to Portugal with the whole family, and it was exactly what we needed. I spent 10 days unplugged with zero contact with the office team. I did tell them they could text me with any emergencies, but there were none, which is a testament to the value of a great team and good systems! We started our journey with four days on São Miguel, the largest of the beautiful Azores Islands. This Portuguese archipelago sits in the Atlantic Ocean about 900 miles west of Portugal. We hiked around volcanoes, relaxed in hot springs, and enjoyed some amazing seafood. It was peaceful, quiet, and full of natural beauty. After that, we spent four days in Lisbon, which the Celts settled around 800–600 B.C. It’s an amazing city full of history and charm. We explored ancient neighborhoods, visited a cork factory, toured an olive oil production facility and olive tree groves, and stopped by a couple of grape vineyards and wineries. A FAMILY ESCAPE TO PORTUGAL NATURE, CULTURE, AND A BREAK FROM THE GRIND
Congress made it official in 1870 by declaring July 4 a federal holiday. By the 20th century, it had become as much about neighborhood as nation. Fireworks grew louder and more elaborate. Cookouts became the centerpiece of the day in many parts of the country, especially as Americans moved to the suburbs and backyard culture took hold.
Today, the Fourth looks different depending on where you are. Big cities put on elaborate
fireworks shows, while small towns keep it low-key with sparklers and a parade. Either way, it’s still a chance
to step back, breathe, and appreciate the fact that this celebration didn’t come easily. History gave us the date, but the meaning is something we shape every year.
Hiking the hilltops to take in views of the Atlantic Ocean was really cool, and we also toured the coastal volcanic caves in a small Zodiac boat. Seeing the same coast from different angles made it even more special. Dinner restaurants featured live Fado music, a friendly atmosphere, and great food. Lisbon has a calm, easy pace that helped us slow down and enjoy the moment.
But the best part of the trip was spending real time with my family — no emails, no phone calls, just being together. Our jobs can make it difficult to take time away and recharge with family, but trips like this remind me that family is the real reason we do what we do.
Hey Clients! Don’t Do This! A 36-year-old mother of two filed suit claiming she was owed over $800,000 in insurance benefits after injuries disabled her from working. But — during a court hearing, a photo from a national newspaper showed her throwing a Christmas tree in a competition — and winning! Sure hope her prize was greater than $800,000!
Now that I’m back, I feel rested and ready to dive back into the work I love. I hope you find time to step away and recharge too!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Freedom to Build a Career
The Parks You’ve Never Heard Of (But Need to Visit)
The Evolution of Independence Day
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Disability Case Tossed Out — Literally
Family Time on the Portuguese Coast
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The Path to a Happier You
3 HABITS THAT LEAD TO A MORE FULFILLING LIFE Small Changes, Big Impact
We all want to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives, but doing so can be challenging. We must intentionally reduce stress and bring more balance to our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean we must overhaul our lives and find new jobs and friends while removing anything that doesn’t bring us joy. Instead, we can make simple changes to our day-to-day routine that can significantly impact our perspective, happiness, and overall well-being. Want to improve your outlook and get more enjoyment from life? Try incorporating the following behaviors into your routine! Spend more time in nature. You’ve probably heard countless times how beneficial spending time in the great outdoors can be for your mental health and overall well-being, but that just shows how valuable it is. You don’t have to take up hiking or visit a national park to get your fill of nature.
Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood or enjoying some time in the backyard will help you boost your health and connect with the world around you. Practice gratitude. Stress and difficult situations can overshadow so much good in our lives. Take some time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and show your appreciation for those who matter most to you. If you have a hard time finding things to focus on, consider picking up journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to boost your mental well-being and gain more appreciation for life. Don’t be afraid to say no. One of the most difficult things in life is telling others “No,” especially to your friends and family. However, failing to say no can negatively affect your mood and perspective. Make time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn down invites or requests if they impede your personal time or ask you to do something overwhelming or stressful.
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