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Justice MONTHLY
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Why I’ll Take a Courtroom Over a Cocktail Party Any Day The Quiet Strength Behind the Case
Every Jan. 2, right after the champagne glasses are put away and the New Year’s half-hearted resolutions begin, there’s a day that doesn’t get much noise: World Introvert Day. Fitting, isn’t it? It sneaks in quietly, just the way we introverts like it. Now, if you know me as an attorney, “introverted” is probably not the first word that comes to mind. My job involves talking to clients, arguing cases, and presenting in court, none of which sound particularly low-key. But the truth is that being introverted doesn’t mean I’m shy, withdrawn, or afraid of a good argument. It means I think before I speak, listen before I respond, and recharge best when the room is finally empty. That wasn’t always easy to reconcile. When I first started law school, I worried that my quieter nature would be a disadvantage. I pictured the “ideal” lawyer as someone booming with confidence, shaking hands, commanding attention at every turn. And while there are plenty of attorneys like that (and they’re great at what they do), I’ve learned that there’s room in this profession for every personality type. Introverts just work differently. We observe, process, and prepare. We don’t always dominate the room, but we do understand it. If you put me at a cocktail party full of strangers, I’ll probably be hugging the appetizer table, internally debating when it’s polite to leave. But if you put me in a room with a client who’s just been through a traumatic accident, that’s where I come alive. That kind of connection, focused, purposeful, and real, is where introverts thrive. My clients don’t need a showman; they need someone who actually listens. And I’ve found that listening, really listening, can make all the difference. Many people who come to me aren’t just hurt physically; they’re scared and uncertain. Sometimes, the best thing I can do at first isn’t to discuss laws or claims; it’s to let them tell their story and know that someone’s on their side. Of course, introversion looks different in different settings. In the courtroom, I’m not nervous about speaking to a jury. That’s not “small talk,” that’s storytelling with a purpose. I know my case, my witnesses, my opening statement, and my closing argument inside out. I may be standing in front of strangers, but I’m focused on
one thing: the task at hand. It’s completely different from trying to make conversation at a loud party. Trust me, give me a courtroom over a cocktail party any day. There’s also a misconception that introverts can’t be assertive. I’d argue the opposite. I may not always want to rock the boat for myself, but if someone’s doing wrong by my client, I’ll happily grab an oar. There’s a quiet kind of fire that comes from advocating for others. When I’m standing up for someone who’s been hurt or ignored, my voice doesn’t need to be loud; it just needs to be steady. Over the years, I have come to realize that being introverted is a strength to be embraced. It helps me focus deeply, prepare thoroughly, and connect meaningfully. And it’s proof that you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. Sometimes, the most effective advocate is the one who listens first, speaks second, and always means what they say. So, this World Introvert Day, I’ll raise a quiet toast to all the introverts out there, especially the ones working in professions that seem built for extroverts. We may not crave the spotlight, but we shine just fine without it.
—William F. “Trey” Underwood III
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Ease Back Into Fitness Without the Stress
Get Back on Track and Feel Stronger Than Ever
three times a week. Every little win builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger achievements, like hitting 10,000 steps daily or finishing a full-length fitness class.
Restarting your workout routine after a long break can feel like climbing a mountain, but you don’t need to scale Everest on day one. You should start small and start smart. Even one or two weekly workouts can reignite your energy and rebuild your confidence. The key isn’t intensity at first, but creating a rhythm you can stick to. Crush short-term goals. Small victories spark momentum. Instead of staring at a massive goal and feeling defeated, focus on micro-challenges: Walk an extra 1,000 steps daily, or squeeze in 20-minute workouts
Schedule workouts around your life. Fitness should fit your life, not disrupt it. Figure out your prime energy hours. Maybe mornings fuel your focus, or evenings recharge your motivation. Even 15–20 minutes count when you’re easing back in. Start where you are, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, your stamina will grow alongside your consistency, not overnight. Reinforce motivation with retail therapy. A new pair of shoes, a matching workout outfit, or a fancy water bottle can make exercise feel like a reward rather than a chore. Then, try a 30-day challenge to keep things interesting: a mile walk every day, one new workout a week, or short movement breaks during work hours. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a new gym bag, or a small treat to reinforce your progress. Buddy up for accountability. Accountability is a game-changer. A workout buddy or group can push you to show up on lazy days, celebrate your wins, and keep the process fun. Studies show that having someone alongside you can boost your consistency, motivation, and happiness. Getting back into exercise isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and making fitness a part of your life again. Start small, plan smart, and enjoy every step of the journey.
When Fitness Resolutions Backfire The Most Frequent Gym Accidents and How to Avoid Them
January brings a wave of motivation for gym hopefuls, along with new memberships, shiny sneakers, and packed fitness classes. But while everyone’s busy chasing their goals, the risk of injury skyrockets. According to the National Safety Council, over 500,000 Americans end up in emergency rooms every year from fitness-related injuries, with a big spike right after New Year’s. Sure, a little soreness is a sign of progress. But when your “new year, new you” routine lands you on crutches, it’s worth asking who’s responsible when a workout goes wrong? The Most Common Gym Injury Culprits Not every ache and pain is accidental, but many serious gym injuries occur due to unsafe conditions or poor maintenance. Here are five common suspects that can turn a healthy habit into a hospital visit:
belts, mechanical failures can cause significant damage. • Slip-and-Fall Hazards: Spilled water, sweat, or poorly maintained flooring make for slippery surprises. • Dropped Weights: A careless lifter or a broken rack can leave you seriously injured. • Overcrowding: The January gym rush means packed spaces and an increased risk of accidents. • Group Class Injuries: A distracted instructor or worn-out equipment can turn high-energy workouts into high-risk ones. The Fine Print on Gym Waivers When you sign a gym membership, you’re likely signing a liability waiver as well. These waivers typically protect gyms, but only to a certain extent. Courts will only enforce what’s clearly written. So, if your waiver covers “equipment failure” but you slipped
on a puddle that wasn’t cleaned up, the gym could still be liable. Always read before you sign, and remember: Negligence is never something you agree to excuse. What to Do If You Get Hurt If you find yourself injured at the gym, take these quick steps: • Document the scene with photos. • Report the incident to the staff and request an incident report. • Seek medical attention immediately. • Save your records and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your rights. Pursuing your fitness goals shouldn’t come with unnecessary risks. Gyms have a responsibility to keep their equipment safe, their floors dry, and their members protected. And if they fail to do that, you don’t have to handle the fallout alone. Our team is here to help you turn your painful experience into a path toward recovery.
• Equipment Malfunctions: From snapped cables to faulty treadmill
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From Parades to Performances, the Party Isn’t Over Yet The Holidays May Be Over, But the Fun’s Just Beginning
While the holiday lights may be packed away, Georgia’s calendar is still glowing with excitement! The new year kicks off with a season full of community spirit, music, and celebration across the state. From honoring Dublin to Albany, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. So, don’t let the winter blues set in, bundle up, get out, and discover all the magic Georgia has to offer!
service, unity, and nonviolence. Fun fact: A young 15-year-old Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his very first public speech right in Dublin! Bring your family, catch the inspiring floats, and witness the Oratorical Speech Contest keeping his dream alive. The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, & The Rings of Power Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. FlintRiverEntertainmentComplex.com Embark on an epic musical adventure from the Shire to Mordor as the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Choir of the Shire bring the legendary soundscapes of Middle- earth to life! Experience “The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, & The Rings of Power — In Concert” on Jan. 27 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium in Albany. Relive the sweeping scores, heroic themes, and haunting melodies that defined Tolkien’s world in this unforgettable
symphonic journey fit for hobbits, elves, and adventurers alike.
Valdosta’s Mardi Gras Festival Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 HometownFestivals.org
30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Let the good times roll at the Inaugural Valdosta Mardi Gras Festival! Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras all day long in Downtown Valdosta and Unity Park this Feb. 14 with a parade, live entertainment, and family fun for everyone. Enjoy a dazzling car show, vendor market, food trucks, kids zone, and more to keep the festivities going. From beads to brass bands, Valdosta is turning up the joy this Mardi Gras season, so join the celebration and make history at the very first Valdosta Mardi Gras Parade!
Saturday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. VisitDublinGA.org/event
Experience history in the making at Dublin’s 30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Jan. 17 in Downtown Dublin! This lively celebration, the second-largest parade in Georgia with over 175 entries, honors Dr. King’s remarkable legacy. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible II: Uniting a Nation. Building a Future. The Nonviolent Way,” spotlights
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our November/December newsletter:
Rustic French Pistachio Cake
Ingredients • 2 cups heavy cream, cold • 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all- purpose flour
• 3 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups sugar • 1 tbsp vanilla paste • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping • Powdered sugar for dusting
Frederick Peoples Melissa Maxwell Tamika Maxwell Patricia Tolbert
• 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Your recommendations are treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.
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You’re Better Off With an Introverted Attorney PAGE 1
Find Your Flow and Fall Back in Love With Exercise Fitness Goals Don’t Have to Come With a Trip to the ER PAGE 2
Chase Away the Winter Blues With Georgia’s Can’t-Miss Festivities
Rustic French Pistachio Cake PAGE 3
The Legal Minds Behind Moon Missions PAGE 4
COSMIC COUNSEL Who Makes the Rules in Space? The phrase “space lawyer” may conjure images of an intergalactic courtroom setting in a “Star Trek” film, but the term and profession are rooted in reality here on Earth. Simply put, space lawyers are legal professionals specializing in international law and drafting agreements between countries regarding their activities throughout our galaxy. Instead of brokering peace treaties between humans and Klingons, these attorneys work to establish policies that outline rules and obligations nations must follow when conducting themselves beyond our clouds. For example, treaties negotiated by space lawyers were instrumental in getting the Soviet Union to spend millions to clean up radioactive debris deposited over northern Canada by its Cosmos 954 satellite in the late 1970s. Utilizing Article 7 of the Outer Space Treaty (via the 1972 Space Liability Convention), the Canadian government argued that the Soviet Union was on the hook to cover the majority of the cost of Operation Morning Light, an extensive cleanup operation by the U.S. and Canada to remove nearly 50,000 square miles of hazardous material dropped from space.
Thanks to space lawyers, no nation can claim ownership of Earth (or any other planet), the moon, or any other entity discovered in the galaxy. However, recent debates have raised an intriguing question: Who would own the resources derived from the moon or another planet? If Russia were to one day discover a life-saving nutrient on the moon’s surface, would it have the right to claim exclusive ownership of this medical marvel? Would this discovery need to be shared with other nations involved in space-related treaties? While it may take years (or the invention of a good time-traveling warp drive) for us to resolve these questions, it’s clear we need space lawyers to tackle these and other questions in a legal frontier that no Earth-bound lawyer has pondered before!
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