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CLEVELAND’S LEGAL BUZZ
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DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026
Transforming Tragedy Into Closure
MEET MEGHAN CONNOLLY, OUR NEWEST PARTNER IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE
Becoming a lawyer was a shot in the dark for me. I didn’t have a personal experience with the law or anyone in my family or network who inspired me on this path. The 2008 economic crisis created a bad job market when I was finishing college, so I knew more school seemed like a safe bet. I had zero connections and very little idea of what I was getting into, but once I dug into law school, I realized helping people in their most challenging moments was a perfect fit for what I’m made of. Joining Tittle & Perlmuter as their newest partner feels meant to be. It’s an opportunity to work with people who share my values, drive, and belief in going above and beyond for the people we represent. Coming in after the firm just celebrated its 10th anniversary is even more exciting, and there’s no ceiling to what we can achieve together as we pursue justice in Ohio. Law school isn’t always what people expect it to be, but as soon as I immersed myself in the opportunities at the school, I had an intrinsic feeling that this was what I was supposed to do. I was fortunate to clerk for a top plaintiff’s law firm in Cleveland during my first summer at law school, and it was an eye-opening experience into the world of personal injury law. I could help people in their worst times.
We have a tight-knit plaintiff’s bar in Ohio, and Allen Tittle and Scott Perlmuter are contemporaries of mine. When the timing aligned, our longstanding relationship and shared vision made joining forces feel like the right step. The firm’s drive goes far beyond what is standard in the industry, an unmatched commitment from everyone here. At this stage, the firm has transitioned from a startup to a pillar in the community, with a reputation for success and an unrelenting pursuit of justice. Along with teamwork, empathy is an underrated trait in a quality lawyer. The more we can lean into empathy, the better listeners we become, and it can bring us a bit closer to our client’s story, which is ultimately what we are trying to tell. Tittle & Perlmuter is always looking at how we can utilize new technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), in our practice to help more people. We’re in a cutting- edge time for technology, and the right tools can help us have a greater impact. You have to stay driven to keep digging. There are so many cases I’ve worked on where we would have missed something huge if we had just accepted the first answer and walked away from investigating further. Law is ever-changing, and our firm participates in the Ohio Association of Justice to learn about upcoming changes and get involved early on.
We have a culture of volunteerism and continued education here, so we’re continuously updated on new developments and are involved in shaping the law in the state. Outside of work, my life revolves around my four boys and their sports. We stay busy attending all the baseball, flag football, and soccer games, but it’s a lot of fun. I never thought I’d enjoy this part of adulthood, but cheering on my kids and watching them practice has become one of my favorite things. Though we achieve monetary compensation for our clients, it’s about so much more than dollar figures. Far and away, the biggest reward of this work is when a case ends and I can sit with my client while they reflect on what we took off their plate. We can transform a negative experience into something positive, provide closure, and give them the last word. I’m so grateful to be a part of a team where empathy, innovation, and relentless advocacy come together to make a difference in people’s lives. —Meghan Connolly
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SIMPLE WAYS TO SPARK HOLIDAY CHEER WITH YOUR FAMILY Sleigh Every Day This Season
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a calendar packed with family fun and zero pressure to find a pear tree! Why save all the holiday excitement for one day? This year, make every day in December merry and bright with simple, joyful activities the whole family can enjoy together. From crafting homemade ornaments to creating the ultimate yuletide playlist, every idea is a chance to connect, create memories, and experience why the best gifts don’t come wrapped under the tree! They’re the moments we spend with our loved ones. Get ready for your daily dose of holiday cheer!
Festive Nights In Celebrate Christmas cheer the cozy way with activities that keep everyone nice and toasty inside. Create a letter-writing station and pick a night for everyone to write to Santa before bed. You could also host a home movie marathon of your family’s favorite holiday films with a big bowl of popcorn to pass around. Collect holiday songs from every family member over a week, and then choose a day to have a holiday dance party.
Snow Much Fun Out Go out and explore your community this month, from touring Christmas lights and displays in your neighborhood to visiting Santa Claus for a family photo. Part of what makes this season so special is how the holiday spirit lights up every corner of your city. Bundle up and grab some hot cocoa for a round of caroling, or give back to a charity by donating toys and essentials for those less fortunate. Whether you’re gathering around to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or getting into the holiday spirit with arts and crafts, there’s holiday cheer to be found every day this month!
Deck the Halls DIY Transform your home into a winter wonderland with a personal touch by having everyone in your family pitch in. Kick off December by decorating the tree together. Throughout the month, sprinkle in Christmas crafts like homemade ornaments, painted Christmas cards, paper snowflakes, or a DIY wreath. These activities get everyone’s creativity sledding along and are a fantastic way to adorn your home with unique decorations that spark happy memories.
Mary Kraus Named Ohio’s Most Valuable Paralegal HONORING DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP
The Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ) Paralegal Convention was one to remember this year, and Tittle & Perlmuter was right in the middle of all the excitement. The convention, which took place from Sept. 25–26, highlighted what makes paralegals so crucial in law firms and included valuable workshops for our team and others around the state. We’re especially proud to share that one of our own won a prestigious state award, another took the stage to educate and inspire our peers, and our leadership continues to shape the future of justice here in Ohio.
Our “go-to problem solver,” Mary Kraus, won the Most Valuable Paralegal Award, a testament to her legal skills, dedication,
Attorney Katie Harris presented a workshop on Vicarious Trauma resources to attendees. As a featured speaker, Katie shared her legal expertise and empowered professionals across Ohio to better serve their clients as they recover from traumatic injuries. Thank you to Katie for inspiring us and countless others in the Ohio justice community. Tittle & Perlmuter is honored to be part of the OAJ and its mission to protect Ohioans’ right to a fair justice system. Our founding attorney, Allen Tittle, is currently the president-elect of the Board of Trustees and is excited to step into the role of president next year. Congrats again to our team, and thank you to the OAJ for another valuable convention.
and compassion. Mary is our rock at the office, proactively stopping issues from becoming bigger problems and always using meticulous attention to detail. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our team’s success and for the support of my colleagues and attorneys,” Mary said. “What I love most about being a paralegal at Tittle & Perlmuter is knowing that my work helps make a real difference for our clients. Even behind the scenes, every document, call, and detail contributes to achieving justice and supporting people during difficult times.” Mary celebrates three years with us this February, and we are incredibly proud of her recognition.
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TAKE A BREAK
The Sweet Rise of Foodie Perfumes Why Everyone Wants to Smell Like Coffee Shops and Candy Stores Apparently, the hottest trend in beauty right now doesn’t come in a lipstick tube or eyeshadow palette. Instead, it comes in a perfume bottle that smells like your favorite café, candy shop, or Sunday bake sale. Welcome to the era of foodie fragrances, where your signature scent could make someone crave tiramisu. Dessert-inspired perfumes, which fragrance professionals and connoisseurs call “gourmands,” are taking center stage. Savor rich espresso notes swirling with caramel drizzle, soft vanilla clouds, or the syrupy sweet nectar of peaches with whipped cream. TikTok can’t get enough, with searches for these mouthwatering scents skyrocketing as perfume lovers show off their “scent layering” routines: body oils, lotions, and sprays stacked like a five-course meal, all to smell irresistible for hours. Celebrities are fanning the flames (or the frosting?) of the trend, too. Sabrina Carpenter’s Me Espresso literally bottles the joy of a sugary iced latte, while her Caramel Dream and Sweet Tooth fragrances lean fully into candy shop fantasy. It turns out, a whiff of whipped cream on your wrist is the ultimate mood boost. But foodie scents aren’t all sugar rush and cupcake chaos. Some go savory and chic, like Maison Margiela’s From The Garden, which captures sun-warmed tomatoes, herbs, and citrus for those who prefer “farmers market fresh” over “triple fudge brownie.” Others, like Malin + Goetz’s Strawberry, dial down the sweetness with a minimal, peppery twist for those searching for a more mature scent that steers clear of strawberry shortcake. However, we wouldn’t blame you for grabbing bottles of Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato, which smells of pistachio and hazelnut swirled in warm rum, topped with a playful mix of whipped cream, marshmallow, and cotton candy. It’s nutty, creamy, and a little boozy, aka the olfactory equivalent of the perfect dessert you don’t have to share. Whether you’re after the cozy comfort of vanilla or the zest of a ripe orchard, these perfumes turn everyday moments, like coffee breaks, picnics, and date night desserts, into something wearable. And honestly? Smelling like gelato sounds like self-care at its most delicious.
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD
GIFTS MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT
PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE
Slow Cooker Brisket
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (1-oz) envelope onion soup mix • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 3-lb piece of beef brisket (flat cut) • 8 fresh thyme sprigs • 8 whole garlic cloves • 2 bay leaves • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into
2-inch pieces • 1 lb baby golden potatoes • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges • 2 1/2 cups beef stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp cornstarch
1. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over brisket. 2. Place meat, fat cap side down, into an 8-qt slow cooker. 3. Top brisket with thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. 4. Whisk stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Add to slow cooker. 5. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours until tender. 6. Remove to a cutting board, fat side up. Remove thyme and bay leaves. 7. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. 8. Serve with vegetables, drizzled with gravy from the slow cooker. DIRECTIONS
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INSIDE
1. The Reward of Making a Difference in Clients’ Lives
2. Your DIY December Calendar
Tittle & Perlmuter Shines at OAJ Paralegal Convention
3. Spritz or Snack? The Perfume Trend That Smells Good Enough to Eat
Slow Cooker Brisket
4. The Hidden Price Tag on Clutter
THE COST OF CLUTTER How Minimalism Can Save You Thousands
We’ve all been there: staring at a closet full of clothes and thinking, “I have nothing to wear.” Or paying rent for a bigger apartment just to store things we barely use. Clutter isn’t just a space problem; it’s a money problem. Every unused subscription silently chips away at your finances. The good news is that minimalism offers a way out. Far from being about deprivation, it’s about reclaiming control of your space, spending, and savings. The Hidden Price of ‘Stuff’ Every purchase comes with two price tags: the sticker price and the hidden costs. That $50 gadget isn’t just $50; it might also mean higher credit card interest if you’re carrying debt, or another box in the attic eating up storage space. The more we accumulate, the more we pay to maintain, store, clean, and eventually replace those items. That’s where minimalism comes in. It forces us to ask: “Do I really need this, or is it just clutter in disguise? Quality Over Quantity Minimalism doesn’t mean buying nothing. Instead, it’s about buying better. One high-quality pair of shoes can last for years, while three cheap pairs wear out quickly and cost more in the long run. Choosing durability and timeless designs over impulse buys protects your wallet and reduces waste. Simplifying Finances Clutter can even creep into your bank account. Old subscriptions, overlapping accounts, and unused memberships all nibble away at your
budget. By canceling what you don’t use and streamlining your finances, you save money and reduce the mental load of tracking your bills. Downsizing Expenses One of the biggest financial wins of minimalism comes from downsizing. A smaller home or apartment doesn’t just mean lower rent or mortgage; it also slashes utilities, maintenance, insurance, and even property taxes. More Space for What Matters A clutter-free environment frees up mental bandwidth. With fewer distractions, you can focus on what truly matters: building a side hustle, nurturing relationships, or enjoying a calmer, more intentional life.
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