Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
September 2023
One for All
TEAMWORK UNDERPINS PROMISE LAW
If all of Promise Law’s work landed at my feet, nothing would ever get done. I couldn’t do any of this alone, certainly not while giving our clients the service they deserve. The small but incredible team here keeps our firm running, and in honor of Labor Day, I want to give them their due. Tammy is one of our ambassadors of first impression. She works with new and prospective clients, getting them in touch with the right person and helping them enroll in our workshops or scheduling a consultation for administration. She sets the tone for all client interactions. Our paralegal, Jeanine, supports our probate and administration matters. She works closely with our clients throughout the entire process. Jeanine has a real passion for helping people get organized for this challenging journey following the death of a loved one, but she brings tremendous heart and compassion to this work too. In her spare time (wink), Jeanine is also our tech guru around the office, which has been no small undertaking as we update computer systems, move the office, etc. London helps spin the myriad plates of estate planning drafting and assists the attorneys with their work, double- checking to ensure everything we have promised to deliver we indeed do. They are essential in helping us translate our WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and the factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning-Workshop or call (757) 690-2470.
client’s aspirations into tangible legal documents that will meet their goals and offer protection. After estate planning documents are drafted, Tammy ensures clients receive and have time to review their files and handles the estate planning final signing. She takes great pleasure and pride in delivering and explaining these documents to clients. Her work guarantees our clients end the process as satisfied as they began. Most businesses refer to their employees as “teams,” but it’s a name only. New people who come on board at Promise Law are often surprised at how we do things. We try to uphold a flat structure where everyone is expected to act like an owner. Before joining the firm, prospects must agree they’ll interact respectfully, be candid with their colleagues, and never utter the words, “That’s not my job.” Of course, every team needs a leader. That’s my role, but I try to do it differently by insisting the team holds me accountable. For example, all team members are sworn Process Cops. If anyone in the office tries to cut corners, everyone is empowered to “flash their badge” and remind the person our processes are in place for a reason. I’ve been pulled over and reprimanded on many occasions, and our work is better for it. We must feel comfortable with one another to keep this structure functioning. So, we have several ways to stay connected. We have team meetings every Monday, even when I’m out of the office, to check in with each other personally and professionally. We also hold less-formal huddles in the common area several times weekly to give each other morning updates and reminders. We also try to have a bit of fun. Our team retreats get us out of the office environment and give us time to dedicate ourselves to self-reflection about our work. This year, we also started doing “play dates.” They have no agenda or structure; they’re just hangout time. We went to breakfast and a museum together for quality relaxation time this
Continued on Page 3 ...
www.PromiseLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
AI Scams: Voice Cloning Could Drain Your Bank Account!
With AI capabilities growing daily, you need to be even more vigilant against potential scammers. We’ve already heard about AI’s power to create written content and,
to the face and chest, which, when injured, can be severe or even fatal. Finally, for those who are shorter and frustrated by the increased distance, you can contact a professional to adjust your pedals. You can have your pedals modified or new ones installed to ensure your feet reach them while still maintaining a safe distance from the wheel. Just these few easy steps can change the outcome of a potentially fatal car crash. Change the way you sit in the driver’s seat today! Never send money without first verifying whether it is or isn’t your relative. Some online users advise creating secret code words to exchange over the phone to confirm their family member is requesting the money. Always contact your relative and ask if they actually made the call. Remember, anyone who has posted a short clip of their voice can find it cloned with AI and used to scam their families. Stay safe! Scammers looking to steal thousands of dollars will use AI to replicate the voices of people who’ve posted their voices online via videos like TikTok. They’ll clone a person’s voice and then use it to call their relatives and pretend to be their children or grandchildren who need money as soon as possible. The person on the phone is a scammer, not your family member, even though they sound just like them.
more recently, use musicians’ voices to sing different songs. So, how does this relate to scammers? Well, TikTok users and other online users have shared a new scam that utilizes AI to drain the bank accounts of their family members called voice cloning.
... continued from Page 4
collide with their steering wheel, leading to severe injuries to their upper body. Airbags and steering wheel aside, when a driver is sitting too close to the wheel, they run the risk of windshield glass severely cutting them during a crash. These drivers can also find themselves trapped between the seat and steering wheel after a collision crushes their vehicle. Clearly, there are numerous reasons why sitting too close to the steering wheel is dangerous. Conversely, what is a safe distance between the driver and the wheel? Simple changes can save your life! Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have confirmed that there should be 10 or more inches between the driver and the steering wheel. To be even safer, you should recline the upper part of your seat to add maximum distance while still being able to reach the pedals. Scoot the entire seat back as far as you reasonably can! Another simple step that can save your life is lowering the placement of your steering wheel so that it’s tilted below your face and chest. This will also minimize the impact
2 | (757) 690-2470
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
THE GREATEST HEIST IN HISTORY How Pirate King Henry Every Vanished
... continued from Cover
summer. The team deserved it, and it’s one of the ways I try to thank them. I’m also excited to announce that our team is growing with Michael, our new attorney starting this month. We’re eager to help him launch his legal career and will share more details about him soon. Stay tuned!
Having an incredible team means our clients need not rely solely on me. Because of them, each person we serve receives faster answers, quality assurance, and multiple advocates looking after their interests. I’m grateful every day to have a team I can count on and that always puts our clients first.
The history of pirates is rich with countless stories of lawless thieves and fearless captains. Yet the accounts of what exactly happened to the “King of Pirates” after he led the largest pirate heist in history are still muddled. Henry Every isn’t a household name compared to other famous pirates. However, what makes Every exceptional is that, unlike his counterparts, he was never captured. The first reports of Every were of his service in the British Navy before boarding the warship Charles II as a first mate to battle French ships for their freight. However, after the captain delayed the mission and payment was stalled, Every conspired with the angry crew to mutiny. Renaming the ship the Fancy, Every and his team sailed the coastline of Africa to steal riches. Their final heist against a Mughal Empire fleet returning to India led to the treasure of a lifetime. After accruing more and more crewmates, Every and his gang overtook the various ships and all the gold and jewels they carried. The loot is estimated to be tens of millions of modern-day dollars.
–Geneva Perry
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com COZY FRENCH ONION SOUP
Ingredients
• 5 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp butter • 8 cups sliced onions • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup port wine • 2 32-oz cartons beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste • 24 slices baguette (1/2- inch thick) • 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Every and his crew dispersed with their share and were never to be seen again. Some pirates were
Directions 1. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, then reduce heat. Occasionally stir until brown (around 30 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. 2. Stir in wine and bring to a boil. When liquid has reduced by half, add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 400 F. On a baking sheet, brush baguette slices with remaining oil. Bake until golden (3–5 minutes each side). 4. In 12 broiler-safe 8-oz bowls, place 2 toast slices and pour soup into each. Top with cheese and broil until melted.
believed to have found refuge in the U.S., but Every was never located despite Britain’s fierce manhunt. His title as the King of Pirates was rightfully earned.
www.PromiseLaw.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PromiseLaw Life happens. Plan on it. ™ (757) 690-2470 12610 Patrick Henry Dr., Ste. D Newport News, VA 23602
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Why We Do Our Best Work Together
1 2
AI Scams: Voice Cloning Could Drain Your Bank Account!
Cozy French Onion Soup
3
Vanished With Millions: The Intriguing Story of Pirate King Henry Every
Could Your Steering Wheel Position Be Putting You at Risk?
4
When you get into the driver’s seat, you may check all your mirrors or settings, but are you adjusting your steering wheel? This one factor can prevent a car accident from becoming fatal. The proximity and placement of your steering wheel are significant factors in an accident because of the sheer force of the vehicle’s airbags. Unfortunately, shorter individuals will naturally bring their seats incredibly close to the steering wheel due to the distance between their feet and the pedals. Specifically, women and older people under 5 feet, 5 inches tall will scoot their seats dangerously close. However, there are ways to keep yourself safe while driving. How is sitting too close to the wheel dangerous? When airbags activate during a collision, they can create nearly 2,000 pounds of force and expand at almost 200 mph! COULD YOUR STEERING WHEEL POSITION BE PUTTING YOU AT RISK?
That’s a lot of pressure and speed aimed directly at your chest. This impact can lead to severe injury or even death for smaller individuals. Whiplash, neck injuries, fractures, and spinal damage are all possibilities when an airbag impacts your chest or neck. Airbags save countless lives, but if a driver is sitting too close to the wheel, it can do the opposite. Even faulty airbags that don’t deploy can cause an up-close driver to dangerously
Continued on Page 2 ...
4 | (757) 690-2470
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator