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THE BRASHER
BULLETIN
February/March 2025
Beaumont Office (Main Office) 1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 832-3737 New Orleans Office 1555 Poydras Street Suite 1600 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 527-8291 Lake Charles Office 2201 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 284-9998 Houston Office 3555 Timmons Lane Suite 1130 Houston, TX 77027 (713) 714-5014 Dallas Office 6160 Warren Parkway Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 928-0517
PREPARED FOR ANYTHING How a New Year’s Eve Email Launched a High-Stakes Trial Prep New Year’s Eve is usually reserved for celebrations,
were fully prepared. Some attorneys might have requested a continuance due to the holiday, but that was never an option for me. Our clients deserved resolution, and the calendar wouldn’t stand in the way of their justice. By Jan. 1, we were ready to proceed. However, our rapid and thorough preparation didn’t go unnoticed. Late that evening, just hours before we appeared in court, the opposing counsel reached out with a settlement offer. It was fair, comprehensive, and precisely what we had been fighting for over the past two years. The following morning, instead of presenting arguments in front of a judge, we finalized the settlement in court, bringing long- awaited closure to our clients. This experience reaffirmed something fundamental to our practice: Preparation is the cornerstone of success. Whether a case ultimately goes to trial or settles outside the courtroom, our proactive approach ensures we are always in the strongest position possible. The defense’s sudden decision to settle wasn’t a coincidence — it was a direct response to our readiness to litigate aggressively and effectively.
champagne toasts, and quality time with family. For me, it turned into something entirely different — a race against the clock to prepare for trial. My family and I had just arrived in Palm Springs, ready to unwind and welcome the new year, when an unexpected email from the court popped up on my phone: “Trial scheduled in person, Jan. 2, at 8 a.m.” Just like that, vacation plans were put on hold. The countdown to midnight became a countdown to court. Fortunately, our team was more than ready. The case involved our clients, Myrna Barnes and Cyril Tebo, who had been in a severe car accident in downtown Houston back in April 2022. Myrna and her husband were driving on US 59 with an 18-wheeler following behind her. Suddenly, a Metro Houston van, whose driver was distracted by his GPS, cut recklessly between Myrna’s car and the truck. The van’s abrupt maneuver left no time for the 18-wheeler to react,
resulting in a collision that pushed the van directly into Myrna and Cyril’s vehicle. Both clients suffered lasting injuries, which have affected them to this day. We filed suit promptly, but for nearly two years, the defense showed no interest in settling. Even after deposing the Metro van driver — who openly admitted fault — the other side remained silent on any reasonable offers. I had a strong sense this case was heading for trial, so I spent the Christmas season planning for trial and preparing as best I could. Little did I know that trial was coming sooner than I imagined! When I received that New Year’s Eve email, I knew there was no time to spare. I immediately contacted Myrna and Cyril, organized our witnesses, filed motions, and coordinated every detail to ensure we
At our firm, we’re never afraid to take cases to trial. In fact, we embrace the challenge. We already have several trials scheduled this year, and while not every case will require us to stand before a jury, we approach each one as if it will. This level of preparation strengthens our negotiating power and often leads to favorable settlements before a trial even begins. If there’s one takeaway from this story, it’s this: Choose an attorney who’s ready for anything. Whether preparing for trial over the holidays or standing firm against tough opposition, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. –Nishi Kothari
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How to Make Gardening a Family Adventure There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. LET YOUR KIDS CHOOSE THE PLANTS. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. MAKE SPACE AND PLANT TOGETHER. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them. they aren’t over or under-watering. MAKE IT FUN AND INFORMATIVE! GREEN THUMBS IN TRAINING
What Every Homeowner Should Do Before Storm Season Starts DON’T WAIT FOR DISASTER Spring marks the beginning of storm season in states like Texas and Louisiana, where severe weather can strike with little warning. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can control how prepared we are before disaster hits. REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY BEFORE THE STORM. First, get all the facts straight with your insurance agent. Do you know exactly what’s covered? Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance companies often update policies without obvious notification. For example, after the hurricanes in 2020, some companies quietly changed policies to exclude wind damage — a major issue in storm-prone areas. Also, make sure your premiums are paid and up to date because the last thing you need during a crisis is to find out your policy lapsed. UNDERSTAND THE LIMITS OF YOUR COVERAGE. Insurance policies have limits of liability, which is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a claim. It’s important to insure your home based on the cost to rebuild, not the current market value. Ensuring your policy matches these rebuilding costs can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses down the road. Also, keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you’re in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing separate flood insurance. Double-check your auto insurance, too — flood damage isn’t always covered unless you have comprehensive coverage. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES. One of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take is to document your home and belongings. Our attorney, Nishi, makes it a habit to take photos of her home — inside and out — before every storm season. This helps create a visual record of your property’s condition, making it easier to prove any storm-related damage. Another tip from Nishi is to keep a record of the receipt, the purchase date, and even a link to the product, if possible, when purchasing high- value items like appliances or furniture. Store these details digitally, so they’re easily accessible if you need to file a claim. After disasters, trying to recall every damaged item from memory can be overwhelming. TAKE SMALL STEPS NOW FOR BIG SAVINGS LATER. While it might seem early to worry about storm season, taking proactive steps now can prevent major headaches later. Reviewing your insurance policy, ensuring you’re fully covered, and documenting your belongings are simple actions that can make a huge difference when disaster strikes. Don’t wait until it’s too late — prepare today so you’re protected tomorrow.
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AT BRASHER LAW The Women Who Inspire Me Every Day at Brasher Law
has a kind of institutional knowledge you simply can’t teach. She’s our walking archive — if you need details from a case that happened a decade ago, Caryl knows the story, the strategy, and probably even what color pen was used on the original documents. On a personal note, I’m honored to serve as the president-elect of the South Asian Bar Association of North America, with 31 chapters and over 15,000 members. It’s a role that demands time, energy, and a lot of heart, but it’s a privilege to help lead an organization dedicated to uplifting voices within our legal community. So, this Women’s History Month, I want to celebrate the women who inspire me — not just the historical icons we read about in textbooks, but the women I have the privilege to work with every day. They remind me that progress is something we live, breathe, and create with every case we take, every challenge we face, and every victory we earn together. –Nishi Kothari
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made throughout American history. It’s a month dedicated to honoring the trailblazers who paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today. I’m both humbled and proud to be part of a generation where women not only have a seat at the table — we’re building the table, setting it, and leading the conversations around it. At Brasher Law, I’m fortunate to work alongside women who embody that spirit every single day. Our firm wouldn’t be what it is without the powerhouse women who drive its success — not quietly behind the scenes but boldly at the forefront.
First, there’s Christina Correia, our head of intake and office manager. Christina is nothing short of a force of nature. She keeps our firm running like a well-oiled machine, juggling countless tasks with grace and precision. She’s the kind of person who anticipates a problem before it even exists, and solves it with a smile. Her leadership is the backbone of our day-to-day operations. Then there’s Wendy Brasher, our CFO. Wendy didn’t come from a traditional finance background, but you’d never know it. She’s wholly redefined how we manage our financial systems, streamlining processes and ensuring our firm operates efficiently and clearly. She’s why we can confidently support our clients — and even pay experts — without skipping a beat. Of course, I have to mention Caryl McBroom, our brilliant paralegal who has been with us for over 15 years. Caryl
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mashup Inspired by Delish.com
BREAK TAKE A
Ingredients • 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup whole milk • 1 prepared graham cracker crust • 3 bananas, sliced • 20 Nilla Wafers • Whipped topping and crushed Nilla Wafers, for garnish
Directions 1. In a large bowl of a standing mixer, add softened cream cheese and beat until fluffy and free of clumps. 2. Add sugar and beat until combined, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix and refrigerate for 3 minutes until thickened. Pour pudding mixture into cream cheese mixture and fold until combined. 4. Into the graham cracker crust, pour half the filling and spread evenly. Add a single layer of sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers, then pour remaining filling over and smooth the top. 5. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours, or overnight. Top slices with whipped cream, crushed Nilla Wafers, and any additional banana slices as desired.
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1122 Orleans St. Beaumont, TX, 77701 (409) 832-3737 brasherattorney.com
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The Case That Didn’t Wait for the Holidays Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects The Vital Insurance Checklist Before Storm Season The Powerhouse Women Behind Brasher Law’s Success Banana Pudding Cheesecake Mashup Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss
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ALL ABOARD THE ALASKA RAILROAD!
Why Traveling Alaska by Train Beats the Cruise Ship
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty. The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any traveler’s
a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world- class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience. And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s
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