Brauns Law's online newsletter for November 2018
404-418-8244 NOV 2018 WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330, DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096
Duty, Responsibility, and Obligation Let Us Thank You
Have you ever shopped on Zappos.com? This online retailer offers a huge selection of shoes and clothing, but they are best known for their outstanding customer service. From upgrading to free overnight shipping to spending 10 hours on a call with a customer who just needed someone to talk to, Zappos wows their customers at every opportunity. So, why don’t most law firms provide the same level of customer service as this shoe store? For whatever reason, people don’t hold their law firm to the same standard as other customer services. Most people settle for an attorney who handles their case correctly from a legal standpoint and maybe even gets them a settlement, but who offers no advice or emotional support during such a stressful time. These kinds of uncaring law firms are stuck in the past, following the playbook from a time when prideful attorneys expected clients to be grateful that they were handling their case at all. This mindset is both arrogant and totally backward. It doesn’t matter how smart or talented a lawyer is; without clients, firms don’t survive. We owe everything to our clients. Brauns Law wouldn’t be here today without all the people who walk through the door and trust us. The very least we can do is make sure our clients are cared for during one of the most stressful times in their lives. Around the firm, we have a saying: “Success is our duty, responsibility, and obligation.” By success, I don’t just mean winning cases — though that is part of it. For a client to have
a truly successful experience with our firm, they should walk out feeling like we were there for them every step of the way. Last month, I talked about the heart of the firm and how it’s our job to help people overcome their fears. That is part of taking care of our clients. We’ve done things like arrange for Lyft services to drive clients to their doctor’s appointment or write
letters to landlords asking them to forgo rent if our client can’t work for a while. It doesn’t inconvenience us to help our clients navigate an emotionally and financially stressful time. We have an ethical duty to help as many people as possible, because we know no other firm handles cases the way we do. The biggest thank-you we get from our clients is when they refer us to their friends and family members. We know we’re doing something right when we’ve made someone’s experience so wonderful that they trust us to do right by their loved ones, too. Our best cases have come from client referrals, and I want to thank these clients in a big way. Starting in November, every client who refers someone to us will be entered into a raffle to win an iPhone X, an Apple Watch, or an Xbox One. Every two months, we’ll draw one winner who can pick their prize. This is a fun way for us to thank our clients who trust us and continue to support our firm even after we’ve won their case.
Thank you to every client who has let us handle their case in the past or sent someone our way. We can’t fully express our gratitude, but we will continue to provide the best possible service to every client who walks through the door. Have a happy Thanksgiving! -David Brauns “We owe everything to our clients. Brauns Law wouldn’t be here today without all the people who walk through the door and trust us.”
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Dodging Thanksgiving Awkwardness Conversations Appropriate for the Dinner Table
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life, so why do so many people leave their
bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. 4. Stupid human tricks, anyone? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. How about we get coffee? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’ questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love
2. What Thanksgiving dish can you not live without? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question. 3. Dad did what as a kid? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those
annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins steering in an awkward direction, try these conversation starters for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. What’s your pet been up to? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets.
life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Testimonial
“I just can’t say enough about David Brauns. David did an amazing job with my husband’s case. I knew from the start he was the right attorney for us because the day we called him, he
communicated with us himself. There was no paralegal calling or emailing us. It was David. David was fully engaged in every step. David showed empathy for our family. He went above and beyond to make sure my husband was
took the time to meet with us. Wait, did I mention it was a Saturday? There was no long, drawn-out appointment to be made. We asked if we could see him as soon as possible, and he said, “How about today?” From that day on, he hit the ground running. He took the time to listen and answered any questions. He explained the process. David
receiving the best treatment for his injuries. He was awesome to work with, and if ever the opportunity arises, I will certainly work with him again and again. I am happy to have met him, and I thank him for restoring what someone took from us: peace of mind.” –Lisa C.
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SAFETY FIRST! A deep-fried turkey is delectable. The meat is tender and juicy, and the flavor is off the charts. While many people consider deep-frying to be the perfect way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s also the most dangerous way. Deep-frying accidents have caused serious injury, loss of homes, and even death. In nearly every case, the accidents occurred due to negligence. Here are some of the most important things you need to know to deep-fry a turkey safely. That way, you can have the most delicious Thanksgiving yet. 1. Place the deep-fryer away from your house and any other nearby structures, trees, and shrubs. Give it at least 10 feet of clearance, and make sure kids and animals stay a safe distance away, too. 2. Make sure the fryer is on level ground. If you can place it on concrete or bricks, that’s even better. Once it’s level, you can accurately gauge how much oil is in the fryer and keep accidental spillage at bay. 3. Only fry a completely thawed and dried turkey. Pat away all excess moisture with paper towels before placing it in the fryer. 4. If you bought a frozen turkey, you may need to thaw it for several days before you fry it. It takes about 24 hours to thaw every 4 pounds of turkey meat. 9 Tips for Deep-Frying a Turkey
5. When you don’t thaw the meat, or if moisture gets into the oil, injury is all but guaranteed. When hot oil comes in contact with moisture, it becomes explosive. Hot oil causes moisture to instantly boil, and the steam goes straight up, burning anything within range. 6. Turn off the flame before lowering the turkey into the oil. You can resume heating once the turkey is completely submerged. 7. Make sure you have the right amount of oil for the size of your turkey. If the turkey is submerged too quickly, or if there is too much oil in the fryer,
oil may spill over. When oil comes in contact with the flame or heating element underneath, it creates a massive fireball. 8. Should the fryer catch fire, never attempt to put out an oil fire with water. This makes the fire worse, and the scalding oil/water mixture will splash everywhere. 9. Always wear safety goggles and gloves or oven mitts while frying. Keep a fire extinguisher very close by, and make sure it’s rated for grease fires. Lastly, never leave a hot fryer unattended.
WORD SEARCH November
A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey
No matter how you cook your bird for Thanksgiving, it will taste better if you brine it beforehand. Break out your biggest cooler and some ice to ensure that your guests rave about your turkey.
Ingredients • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 1 large onion, peeled and diced • 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 2 large sprigs thyme • 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
Directions 1. In a large stock pot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. Add 6 quarts cold water to brine. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.
AUTUMN HARVEST RAKE CHANGE
MIGRATION RED CHILLY NOVEMBER
SQUASH DUCKS ORANGE YELLOW
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
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404-418-8244 | WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330 DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096
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A Big Thank-You From Us
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What to Talk About This Thanksgiving
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What Some of Our Clients Are Saying
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Don’t Get Burned by Your Turkey
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A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey
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A Historic Veterans Day
A Historic Veterans Day
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future.
that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits.
The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to
honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I.
died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history.
Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
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