Check out our October/November/December newsletter!
Oct/Nov/Dec 2025 Advisor
CellinoLaw.com
Making Room at the Table A THANKSGIVING WORTH REMEMBERING
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. The food is great, of course, but what I really love is having everyone together at the table. That sense of tradition means a lot to me, and I think it means a lot to my family, too. Years ago, when my kids were still young (some of them just starting to drive), we had a Thanksgiving that none of us will ever forget. I had a former client named Ron. He didn’t have any family and didn’t have anywhere to go for the holiday. I stayed in touch with him after his case was resolved, and I thought it would be nice to invite him over. We already had a large group around the table, so what was one more plate? Ron had a story to share, and I wanted my kids to hear it. He had been hit by a drunk driver while crossing the street and suffered a serious brain injury. He could still speak clearly and hold a conversation, but his personality was significantly altered. His relationship with his girlfriend ended, and he wasn’t able to hold down a job anymore. He was living alone in a small apartment,
supported by disability benefits. It wasn’t the life he had before the accident, and it wasn’t the life he had planned.
That day, over turkey and sweet potatoes, he told my kids about what a drunk driver did to him. And they listened. They asked him questions, and he answered every one of them honestly, respectfully, and with patience. I could see it had an impact. In fact, my kids still talk about it today. Ron was grateful just to be there. I remember picking him up, and we talked all the way to the house. Later that evening, I drove him back home, and he was overjoyed. He kept saying how thankful he was and that no other lawyer had done something like that for him. He’d been through a lot, and I think that one dinner gave him a sense of belonging that he’d been missing since his accident. That night reminded all of us what Thanksgiving is all about. It’s not just the meal, although my wife made sure it was a good one. She always goes all out with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and everything else you expect. I don’t turn down the pie, either. What makes it special is simply having the family together, sitting around the table to share a moment. Maybe that dinner had more of an effect than I realized at the time. Five of my six children became lawyers, and while I can’t say for sure that night played a part, I have to believe it helped shape the way they saw the world. It showed them that helping someone doesn’t always mean winning a case or giving advice. Sometimes, it just means being there. We still do our best to get everyone together each year. Four of the kids live nearby in Buffalo, and the others come in from New York. With 12 grandkids now, the table is even more crowded, but that just makes it better. Life has always been busy, but moments like that dinner with Ron remind me why I do what I do. Sometimes, helping someone starts with something as simple as making room at the table.
-Ross Cellino 888-888-8888 1
$2 Billion
Cellino and the lawyers who have worked for him have recovered over $2 billion in settlements for their clients.
CellinoLaw.com
If you wake up on Monday feeling like you got hit by a truck, you're not alone and certainly not imagining it. The “Monday scaries” are more than a funny meme; they’re rooted in biology. Two days of relaxed routines, late wake-ups, and maybe a little indulgence throw off your internal body clock. That weekend shift in your sleep schedule can feel like jet lag come Monday morning, making it harder to wake up, focus, or function at full capacity. STRESS HORMONES SPIKE ON MONDAYS. Adding fuel to the fire, your body naturally produces more cortisol, the primary stress hormone, early in the day to help you wake up and move. However, research shows cortisol levels are often higher on Monday mornings. You’re not just waking up; you’re mentally bracing for everything the week is about to throw at you: meetings, deadlines, commutes, and inboxes stacked like Jenga towers. Your brain senses a threat, even if it’s just a packed calendar. WEEKEND WHIPLASH WRECKS YOUR MOMENTUM. The weekend is a break from responsibility. You can lounge, laugh, socialize, and embrace your most authentic self. Then Monday shows up and demands a complete 180. That stark contrast of freedom from structure creates mental whiplash. You have to shift gears without a warm-up lap, and your brain rebels. It’s not that Mondays are objectively worse; they just highlight how much better weekends feel. MISERABLE MONDAYS IS A MYTH. Surprisingly, research suggests people don’t report being significantly unhappier on Mondays than on other weekdays. The problem isn’t Monday itself. It’s our perception of it. We idealize the weekend and villainize Monday, giving it a bad rap it might not fully deserve. The dread is often psychological, built on expectations rather than experience. MAKE MONDAYS BETTER! There’s no magic wand, but there are strategies. Try keeping your weekend wake-up time close to your weekday time to minimize sleep disruption. Wrap up your workweek with a to-do list for Monday so you’re not walking in blind, and schedule something you enjoy for Monday: a fancy coffee, a midday walk, or a catch-up call with a friend. A small pleasure can take the sting out of a stressful start. The Monday Slump Is Real … AND IT’S BIOLOGICAL
Niko Ames never imagined he’d become a lawyer. “I didn’t have any attorneys in my family,” he says. “It wasn’t something I even considered until college.” But what he did have was a lifelong love of sports. He played lacrosse and soccer through school and carried that mindset into everything he’s done since. “You give 100%, do your part, and put the team first.” That perspective affects how he approaches his work today at Cellino Law. PLAYING FOR THE RIGHT SIDE Niko Ames Brings His A-Game to Personal Injury Law
Niko didn’t discover his interest in law until his junior year at Albertus Magnus College. His business law professor, attorney Bill Aniskovich, presented real-world contract cases and asked students to think through what
happened. That’s when it clicked that practicing law was something he could do for a living, and he never looked back. He went on to the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he met professors like Mary Beattie and Lou Kurlantzick, whom he credits with giving him a solid foundation to build his career. After law school, Niko gained experience at smaller firms in Connecticut, first handling civil litigation and later working in insurance defense. “I learned how insurance companies think and handle cases,” he says. “Now I get to use that knowledge to fight for my clients instead of against them.” That shift led him to Cellino Law, where he joined the Connecticut office earlier this year. Niko quickly learned that the firm was the right fit. He’s found a team of attorneys that shares his passion for helping clients. He also appreciates the mentorship he receives from more experienced attorneys like Mark Kochanowicz and Greg Pajak. What motivates him most, though, is connecting with clients. “The appreciation they show when you resolve a case means a lot,” he says. “You can hear the relief in their voices.” Outside the office, Niko spends most of his time with his wife and their 16-month-old son. He plays slow-pitch softball, follows fantasy football, and cheers for his New York Giants. His goal is to keep growing as an attorney and be ready when it’s time to step into the courtroom. “Every case is someone’s one case,” he says. “I take pride in knowing I’m doing everything I can to get the best result for them.”
2 Legal disclaimer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney advertising.
The Cost of Drinking and Driving During the Holidays Don’t Let One Choice Ruin Lives
The holidays are a time for celebration and connection, but they also bring a rise in drunk driving crashes. At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a night out can turn into tragedy when alcohol and driving mix. The aftermath is often devastating for victims, their families, and those who made the mistake of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, alcohol-related crashes increase across New York. The night before Thanksgiving, often called “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Holiday parties, family gatherings, and New Year’s celebrations all add to the risk. The reality is that every impaired driving crash can be avoided. Whether it’s by calling a rideshare, choosing a designated driver, or staying overnight, there are always safer options. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time, and the consequences can be severe and life-changing.
Over the years, we’ve worked with clients who suffered severe injuries, lost loved ones, or faced long-term challenges because someone decided to drive drunk. The physical recovery can be difficult, and the emotional impact often lasts much longer. These stories stay with us and serve as a constant reminder of what’s at stake when people make unsafe choices. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage everyone to plan ahead before celebrating. Think about how you’ll get home safely and check in with friends and family who might need a ride. Small steps like these can prevent tragedy and keep everyone on the road safe. At our firm, we’ve seen the lasting effects of impaired driving, and we never want to see another family go through that pain. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, we’re here to help you navigate what comes next. Call us at 888-888-8888 for a free consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.
CANDY GOURD HAUNTING LEAVES LIBRA MARIGOLD MOON OPAL PUMPKIN SOUP TEACHERS TOUCHDOWN Brain Break Solution on Page 4
888-888-8888 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
420 Lexington Ave, Suite 830 New York, NY 10170
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 My Most Memorable Thanksgiving 2 Blame Science: Your Brain Isn’t Built for Mondays A Spotlight on Niko Ames 3 The Most Dangerous Holiday Tradition Brain Break 4 Want to Know Your Grandkids Better?
The Interview That Builds a Grand Relationship SMALL QUESTIONS, BIG CONNECTIONS
Most grandparents want nothing more than to spend time with their grandchildren, get to know them, and foster a close and positive relationship. But it’s not always easy to carve out time, especially if the grandchild is shy or lives on the other side of the country. So, how can grandparents better connect with their grandchildren while learning more about them and their interests? Have an interview! The first thing to do is determine the best interview method. It depends on the children’s ages, preferred methods of communication, and the distance between them and their grandparents. Some can sit together in the same room, while others will need to use video calls, phone calls, or letters sent by mail or email. Once you determine the best mode of communication, it’s time to put the questions together.
The questions should reflect the kids’ ages. You don’t want to ask anything too complicated of a 5-year-old or dig too deeply with a teenager, as they will get uncomfortable. The goal is to learn more about them and their interests, not their deepest, darkest secrets. Younger kids will enjoy answering questions about their favorite colors, games, animals, movies, school subjects, and more. Older kids can handle more detailed questions, relating to their passions, ideal careers, favorite family stories, and values. Keep in mind that you are not there to judge or even comment on their responses or views. You just want to gather information to establish a stronger relationship. Once you’ve made it through your list, or they’ve grown tired of answering questions, it’s time to flip roles. Encourage your
grandchildren to ask questions about your career, your childhood, their parents as kids, family history, your favorite vacations, and life experiences. They might already have questions in mind that they want to ask you! Focusing on stories and things they can relate to will capture their attention best. Learning more about each other will lead to a stronger, more loving grandparent- grandchild relationship!
4 888-888-8888
Buffalo ● Manhattan ● Melville ● Rochester ● Connecticut
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator