A 5-Star Focus How Matthew Konecky Went From Criminal Law to Personal Injury
Fresh out of law school, Matthew’s first job was with a high-volume criminal defense firm. Within two years, the firm split up, and Matthew went to work with one of the partners. At first, Matthew was on track to practice more criminal law, but that quickly changed. On his first day at the new firm, fresh from the split, Matthew’s boss had a change of heart. The firm had completely shifted focus from criminal law to personal injury. It was a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. Those first days were trial-by-fire, though, as Matthew and everyone at the firm was forced to refocus in order to best assist personal injury clients. Matthew found
this area of law both challenging and rewarding. Eventually, Matthew split off from that firm to pursue his dream of opening up his own law practice: The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky. Practicing personal injury law does come with its unique set of hurdles. One of the largest obstacles for Matthew has been learning how to reframe client expectations. When you drive down the interstate, you’ll find billboard after billboard showcasing personal injury attorneys and clients. These billboards proclaim the millions of dollars you can win when you hire the right attorney. Of course, as Matthew advises folks, these myths couldn’t be further from the truth. When you’re a small, independent personal injury law firm, it’s challenging to go up against the firms promising all kinds of money. For clients, it’s tempting, but they are not often aware of the additional legal fees and expenses that come with filing such lawsuits. As a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, Matthew says he loves to help people in any way that he can. That’s what drives him every day. “I answer to my clients, not to a boss,” he says. He makes sure he and his clients are on the same page, and it shows in the feedback that Matthew and the firm have received over the years. If you look on Google, Avvo, or Martindale-Hubbell, you’ll find well over 100 five-star reviews. And as Matthew says, “It makes me happy to think those people felt I did a five-star job.”
Cooking With Ashley
MEME CORNER
The Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
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1 cup whole wheat pastry flour plus 3/4 cup unbleached white flour
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3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or cranberries 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons puréed pumpkin
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for sweeter)
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup nondairy milk 3–4 tablespoons oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2–4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 3–4 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Pumpkin seeds or vegan mini chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Directions
1. Heat oven to 365 F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients until well- combined. Mix in the nuts or chocolate chips. 3. Add wet ingredients and mix well until there are no pumpkin or
flour streaks in the mixture. Add a tablespoon of nondairy milk if needed to combine. 4. Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined or well-greased and floured loaf pan. Top with chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds. 5. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until toothpick from the center comes out almost clean. 6. Cool for 15 minutes, then remove from the pan. Cool completely before slicing.
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