Pezzano Mickey & Bornstein LLP November 2019

NOV 2019

(908) 293-7330 | www.pmblawfirm.com

Perspectives PMB

MEET ANTHONY MURGATROYD Our Newest ‘Of Counsel’ Attorney With a Mission We Can Learn From

Pezzano Mickey & Bornstein will soon add a new “of counsel” member to its team. Anthony Murgatroyd has been practicing law for over 30 years, and he has known Lisa Pezzano Mickey for more than 15 years. He’s a current member and former trustee of the New Jersey State Bar and a member of the American Association for Justice and the New Jersey Association for Justice. He’s a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, as well as a Nationally Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney with the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I’ve had a successful practice of my own for about 20 years now. But five years ago, two things happened: First, I noticed that no matter how much I prepared my clients, they would always say and do things that stunned me. The pressures of going through the litigation process overwhelmed them and impacted their performance in depositions and at trial. Second, I was feeling bogged down by the stress of my career and needed to find ways to relax. But I was nowhere near ready to quit, and clients still needed counsel. That’s when I begin to shift my outlook on how to be calm under pressure and how to be more effective for my clients. I decided to learn stress-reduction techniques for myself and to teach my clients. The pressures of being in a legal situation are taxing for both client and attorney because there are so many moving parts: Adversaries, claims adjusters, and courts all add pressure to an already stressful situation. So, I began actively practicing mindful health and wellness for myself and teaching what I have learned to my clients. I started by reading about psychology and performance to learn how the human brain reacts to stress. That led to taking classes on

the subject and pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I began writing tips and articles about approaching situations with calmness. For five years, I’ve been a licensed mindfulness-based stress- reduction instructor. I believe that when you are nervous, it’s because a voice inside you is talking about inadequacies you feel. There are many simple techniques you can practice to make yourself calmer. For example, getting in tune with different parts of your body and focusing on what you’re physically feeling shifts focus away from anything stewing in your brain. For me, I try to identify the “trigger areas” in my environment. These are areas where I am prone to experiencing adverse physical and mental reactions, such as my office phone, the mail bin, or my car. I put a sticker of an owl and a STOPP card in these areas. STOPP stands for S top, T ake a Breath, P ull back and bring in some perspective, and P roceed. When I see that call come in on the caller ID from a dreaded adversary or I sit in bumper-to- bumper traffic, the owl and STOPP card remind me to take a moment to pause, breathe in and out, and just notice where my mind is (past, present, and future), what sensations I am noticing in my body, and what feelings I am experiencing at that moment. All of these practices help to keep me calm and stay present. When you’re calm, your head is clear and able to make better decisions. Seeing the success of simple alterations to my practices over the last five years has changed my outlook on my work and my effectiveness in advocating for my clients. I continue to write articles and books, host seminars, and work with the New Jersey State Bar on ways to de- escalate and de-stress. They’ve embraced the

process and even host a “wellness lounge” once a year where lawyers learn effective techniques from experts like me. Attention to mental health is only just starting to become popular in the practice of law, and I hope to continue marrying the two worlds as effectively as I can. I still remain a forceful advocate, but I don’t get too angry anymore. Or, at least, I try not to let it show. It’s better to be kind. It’s more disarming than aggression, can lead to better outcomes, and puts less stress on your well-being. My goal is to advocate moving the law in a new direction, one that values mindfulness in practice, because while we may not ever be perfect, we can certainly be better. I’m excited to work with Pezzano Mickey & Bornstein because they’re enthusiastic about the benefits of mindful practice. They see its benefits for themselves and their clients, and I can’t wait to show them just how valuable it can truly be. –Anthony Murgatroyd

www.pmblawfirm.com | 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

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

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

2 | (908) 293-7330

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

2 slices Swiss cheese

• 1 tbsp butter, room temperature Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.

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.

www.pmblawfirm.com | 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

14 Commerce Street Flemington, NJ 08822

(908) 293-7330 www.pmblawfirm.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

Mindful Wellness in the Practice of Law

The 1995 Rugby World Cup History’s Most Successful Pirate

2

The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich How to Get More From Your Bank

3

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.

4 | (908) 293-7330

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.pmblawfirm.com

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online