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JULY 2024
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Beyond Legal Jargon Putting Clients First Through Active Listening
When clients come to us, it’s because they are dealing with personal problems, not legal ones; those challenges just happen to involve the legal system. As a lawyer, it’s crucial to really hear a person’s pain points and what they hope to accomplish with a case to get the best outcome. Active listening is the only way to get to the heart of a client’s story and guide them through the situation. July 18 is World Listening Day, and I wanted to highlight how valuable listening skills are at the firm. From gathering details
from clients to hearing what your opponent in court has to say, you must be an excellent listener to be a successful attorney. Let’s face it: Many lawyers like to hear themselves talk. They will throw out a bunch of legal jargon and make it about themselves. They act like the story’s heroes when, in reality, our clients are the heroes. We aren’t the focal point; we’re there to serve the clients and hear their situations. It’s a sad and telling truth that our firm’s commitment to listening to our clients’ voices is one of our unique selling points. Not all firms make people feel heard. Listening to and understanding a client or potential new client develops trust, an essential ingredient of a strong working relationship. Along with giving a person your total focus, being a great listener also has a technical aspect. When someone is speaking, we must be able to take notes, interpret the information, and develop our own questions all at once. You could easily miss a critical detail or overlook essential information in a meeting or court. Even worse, you may miss the opportunity to ask a strong follow- up question. You have to think fast on your feet, and gathering as much context as possible while listening is vital. Communication is just as important among coworkers. The only way to know what is happening in your office is to make time for your employees to tell you. I always strive to give our team a
platform for feedback. I set time aside for this and ensure the environment for these talks is distraction-free. So often, in today’s digital world, people speak through texts and Slack messages, where communication can easily get misinterpreted. I prefer more face-to-face interactions and lock in time on my calendar to do that. As lawyers, it’s imperative that we use active listening skills to understand our clients. There are only certain things we control through a process like divorce. We can’t control your spouse’s lawyer, judge, or in- laws. But we can get laser-focused on what you want to achieve out of representation and the best-case scenario for you. We will listen to you right up front so you get the best result as quickly as possible. As we celebrate World Listening Day this month, let’s remember the profound impact that authentic listening can have in the legal profession. By honing our skills, we better serve our clients, strengthen our relationships with colleagues, and foster a collaborative work environment. In a world where genuine listening is increasingly rare, we pride ourselves on being the exception, championing the voices of those we represent.
We hear you.
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Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light-colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. Grill and Chill Host a Summer Barbecue for Everyone
If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills. Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully
stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco-friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
Paperwork Powerhouse Must-Have Documents for Every Small-Business Owner
WEBSITE TERMS AND CONDITIONS In today’s digital world, almost every business has an online component. Whether you are entirely virtual or use your website to drive traffic to your physical store, you need to have a formal set of rules for users on your site. The terms and conditions of your page will spell out who is allowed to access your website, what they can and can’t do there, the conditions for selling your products, and the copyright laws protecting your intellectual property. This document will help protect your rights online. LICENSES AND PERMITS You will need to apply for specific permits and licenses based on what type of business you own. Most companies need a business license from their city or county to operate. Specialized niches like salons, restaurants, and accountants also require specific service licenses. Businesses selling products and services with sales taxes need a sales tax license from the state tax authority office in all the states where they conduct sales. While paperwork might not be the most glamorous or exciting part of your entrepreneurial journey, it will protect you and allow you to grow with more focus. If you are in need of direction or core documents for your start-up or existing business, please contact our office at 901-388-5805 to set up a strategy session with one of our business lawyers.
In a small business, paperwork reigns supreme, and having the proper documentation for your company can make all the difference. From a business plan to operating agreements, businesses of any size must have their legal ducks in a row and all the correct legal documents. So, let’s delve into the essential paperwork every savvy small-business owner needs in their arsenal. BUSINESS PLAN A business plan is a guiding document that gives you and your teammates or business partners a road map to success. While it is not technically a legally required document, it is a critical part of your planning. With this, you can create forecasts to guide decision-making and keep track of your goals. It is an excellent tool for entrepreneurs and should always be part of your documents. OPERATING AGREEMENT AND BYLAWS Operating agreements and bylaws are crucial documents a business needs to run its daily operations. Operating agreements include essential details like an outline of the distribution of profits and losses and a formal list of roles and titles. This document establishes legal boundaries between the business (LLC) and the owner. Bylaws are for corporations and explain key details like shareholder rights, the corporation’s purpose, and the naming of board members.
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Compliance Made Easy Key Employment Laws Every Business Owner Should Know
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Summer Pizza
Teamwork drives small businesses, but as you expand your staff, knowing the employment laws that dictate everything from wages to required lunch breaks is essential. Employment law covers a wide range of topics and by understanding the basics, you can ensure your employees get the treatment they deserve and you remain in full compliance with all applicable laws. Whether you’re the owner of a mom-and-pop store or the CEO of a large corporation, here are the basics you need to know regarding your employees. WAGES AND HOURS The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) spells out federal employee wage and hour protections. Employers must pay workers at least the federal minimum wage and adhere to the overtime rules for employees who work more than 40 hours a week. However, the Act provides exemptions for certain employees from its overtime pay and minimum wage requirements, and also exempts specific employees from overtime pay alone. These exemptions are carefully defined, so employers should verify the precise terms and conditions of any applicable exemption by contacting their local Wage and Hour Division office. Employers must also pay employees all their earned wages by their next payday. In addition to following the standards set by the FLSA, business owners need to keep accurate pay and hour records for their employees. EQUAL TREATMENT Employment laws protect employees from being discriminated against or treated differently. The Equal Pay Act mandates that men and women working in the same place receive equal compensation for performing substantially similar work, even if the jobs are not identical. Title VII also prohibits discrimination based on sex in terms of compensation and benefits. Therefore, someone who asserts an
Equal Pay Act grievance may also have grounds for a claim under Title VII. Further, Title VII, the ADEA, and the ADA all forbid compensation discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Unlike the EPA, these laws do not mandate that the jobs must be substantially equal. Employees have the right to work without facing discrimination. This ensures that an employer cannot base job decisions on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, or genetic information. Additionally, an employer cannot discriminate against workers aged 40 and older due to their age. This right covers all aspects of employment decisions, including hiring, termination, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. Employers are prohibited from making any employment decisions based on bias, including hiring, firing, and benefits.
Fire up the flavor with a grilled summer pizza loaded with veggies and light on the cheese.
Ingredients • 1 lb pizza dough • 1/4 cup pesto • 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese • 10 thin slices of zucchini • 10 thin slices of summer squash • 2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 thin slice of red onion, diced • 1 strip cooked bacon, chopped Butter Glaze (optional) • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tsp steak seasoning
Directions 1. Preheat grill to high heat on one side.
2. Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to low. 3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle. Place dough on the grill over high heat. 4. Close the cover and let dough grill for 1–3 minutes until bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks. 5. Use tongs to flip crust over and move it to the low- heat side. 6. Brush dough with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and evenly distribute veggies and bacon. 7. Grill for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted; then carefully remove. 8. Optional: Combine butter and seasoning. Brush crust edges with butter glaze and place pizza in broiler until golden. INSPIRATION “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” —Michael Altshuler
SAFE ENVIRONMENT As a business owner, you must
provide a safe environment for your staff. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) applies to almost every business and describes what is required to ensure workplace safety. Under OSHA, there is specific training you may need to provide your staff or equipment you may be required to use in your industry. OSHA isn’t just about ensuring there are no dangerous hazards to your staff; it also covers how to keep records of work-related injuries properly, post details about safety standards, and communicate safety information. Understanding and following employment laws is vital to running a successful small business. By complying with wage and hour laws, keeping proper records, and maintaining a safe environment, you protect yourself from legal woes and create an atmosphere where employees can thrive.
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 DouglassRunger.com
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1 Celebrating the Art of Listening in Law 2 Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue Legal Docs Your Company Can’t Afford to Ignore 3 Understanding Wage, Hour, and Safety Regulations INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Summer Pizza 4 Colorful Bubble Fun
Savoring the Sweet Moments of Childhood Rainbow Bubble Foam Fun for the Family
Nothing beats building lasting bonds and creating colorful memories while having fun with your kids. And one of the best ways to do that is with activities that ignite their imagination and spark their curiosity. One activity you can do together is making and experimenting with rainbow bubble foam. This sensory-driven craft combines vibrant colors with fluffy bubbles, stimulating creativity and fine motor skills while providing multisensory exploration. Children will be transported to a world of wonder, from the mesmerizing swirls of bright colors to the sensation of squishy foam between their fingers! Here’s a simple recipe to get the foamy fun started. 1. Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of child-safe bubbling body wash to a large mixing bowl. 2. Add food coloring of your desired color (the amount can vary, but more dye means more vibrant colors). 3. Mix with an electric mixer until stiff, foamy peaks form. 4. Repeat the previous steps for each color of foam you want to add to playtime.
child’s imagination run wild. You can direct them to paint their best picture using the different foam colors, or if you don’t mind a little bit of mess, you can start a mini foam fight in your backyard or bathtub. (Food coloring stains can be removed from clothing with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda added to laundry detergent.) These fun playtime memories will stick with your child for the rest of their lives. The beauty of parenthood is helping kids embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and an adventurous spirit.
It’s that easy! To make the experience even more fun, provide scoops, cups, utensils, and other play items to mix in the foam and let your
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