H alloween C ostumes to T hink T wice A bout How to Steer Clear of Looks That Might Offend photo that appeared under his name and showed two costumed figures, one wearing a KKK uniform and the other in blackface. Northam’s role in the photo was never clarified, but it caused permanent damage to his reputation and friendships. Make sure your family avoids similar strife this Halloween by steering clear of costumes associated with racist, sexist, or politically divisive groups. Teach your kids that it’s best to rule out costumes imitating another race or culture, particularly if they promote stereotypes, to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings — famous sports teams facing criticism for their Native American mascots are canaries in the coal mine on that point. Finally, encourage your kids to avoid hamming up symptoms of mental illness or addiction in their costumes. Dressing like a “mental patient” can hit too close to home for real-life sufferers, some of whom you likely know and love. Dierdre was excited to join our team. “When I first met with Mr. Manely, I was completely blown away with his expertise and experience.” It wasn’t long afterward that we welcomed her as part of our team. Since joining the firm, Dierdre has found her place. “Working here has been amazing. This firm has really felt like home to me. Mr. Manely genuinely cares about his clients and every person on his team. He likes to encourage people to think outside the box and likes to hear about everyone’s opinion on the team and how we can contribute to helping our clients. It’s really mind-blowing how he can rally everyone together.” When she has some time to spare, Dierdre enjoys traveling to the mountains with her husband and spending time with her schnauzer, Shotzie. “I also try and spend as much time with my family as possible,” she says. “Family is very important to me.”
If you’ve ever taken your kids trick-or- treating for Halloween, then there’s a good chance you’ve seen a costume that made you feel a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps it was something too sexual or gory for your 4-year-old’s eyes or a satirization of a political figure you admire. Odds are you didn’t say anything, but such encounters can be unsettling, even for the most laid-back among us. This Halloween, help others avoid that discomfort by thinking twice about the costumes you and your family choose.
audience. A skimpy Jessica Rabbit or Poison Ivy costume might be fun for an adults-only party, but it’s inappropriate for a family gathering. Similarly, you might not want to go the political route for an office party, where putting your opinions front and center could cause friction with your coworkers or boss. Instead, opt for a fictional character or a classic Halloween monster. No one is going to argue with you about your support or disdain for werewolves. While some costumes have their time and place, others are off-putting in any setting, and it’s never too early to explain that to your kids. Consider the case of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who came under fire earlier this year for a 1981 yearbook This month, we want to highlight our persevering senior paralegal, Dierdre Reagan, who is celebrating her fifth year with our team! Dierdre is a diligent individual who takes leaps and bounds to ensure our clients are always taken care of. Initially, Dierdre’s goal was to go to law school and become an attorney. However, she changed her mind and decided to pursue a career as a paralegal. “Paralegal school fit me far better,” Dierdre states. “Doing what I do now, I can help people, and I don’t regret that choice I made so many years ago.” By following her passion, Dierdre puts all her efforts into helping people. “It’s so rewarding when you can help a mom or dad secure custody for whatever reason. Just knowing you helped put the child in a better situation helps you realize that all your hard work pays off. It’s incredible.” Before Dierdre started at Manely Law Firm, she had heard a little bit about what we do here. “I knew they focused on family law, and that was an area I’d always felt like I belonged in. When I saw they were looking for a paralegal, I decided to give it a shot.” Upon her first meeting with Michael Manely,
When dressing for Halloween, remember that it’s important to consider your
M eet D ierdre R eagan An Unwaver ing Senior Paralegal
From all of us here at the Manely Firm, we wish you a happy fifth-year workiversary, Dierdre!
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