Drafting Talent Finding Wins in the Law and the NFL Better Call Paul Your Personal General Counsel
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September 2019
I’ll admit it: As a Lion’s fan, it’s getting hard to even be cautiously optimistic at the start of the season. There have been too many dashed hopes over the years — even diehard supporters get tired of saying “maybe this time” again and again. That’s not to say I’m entirely ungrateful for the team. If anything, the Lions provide a valuable cautionary tale about how important finding good talent really is. When you run a law firm, the importance of building a great team is always on your mind. Just like any good NFL team, you don’t want to get stuck overpaying someone who underdelivers, and you need to have an eye for recognizing future talent. The Lions’bad contracts and poor draft picks over the years have led to many disappointing seasons, but, at the end of the day, it’s only football. When you’re building a legal team, the stakes are far higher. Whether you’ve been in a car accident, filed for divorce, or been accused of a crime, you deserve a lawyer who will fight for you every step of the way. An untalented quarterback can make for a disappointing Sunday night, but an attorney fumbling a case can spell disaster for your future. With the wide range of practice areas we cover, finding the right talent for the right job is critical. That’s why, unlike the Lions, our team has a clear picture of the kind of talent we want to recruit. First and foremost, we want intelligence. These days, it’s not enough to simply graduate from law school — if you aren’t as quick on your feet as your opponents, no hearing or negotiation will go your way. But book smarts are only part of this criteria. A hire needs emotional intelligence as well. While the law is complex to navigate, no lawyer should ever
an assistant prosecutor and clerking for the Oakland County Circuit Court. With his diverse range of skills and experiences, David’s exactly the kind of lawyer we want in our starting lineup. His attention to detail and outstanding communication skills have already helped us achieve good results. With new hires like David and career professionals like Mark Pierce, Eric Wells, and Catherine Farrell, I’m very lucky to work alongside such talented people every day. While I may not have high hopes for the Lions this year, the future of our firm is bright.
lose sight of their real job: helping people out of difficult situations. Our latest draft pick has these talents in spades. It’s my pleasure to introduce our firm’s newest associate attorney, Mr. David Goukassian. The grandson of a highly respected judge in Armenia, David is following in his forefather’s footsteps, graduating magna cum laude fromWestern Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2017. But it’s not just his grades that impressed us. David paid his way through school, working to support himself every step of the way. He knows what it’s like to dig in and work hard. Even while earning his law degree, David took on some challenging internships, serving as
-Paul J. Tafel ski
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HONORING THE CANINES OF 9/11 The 4-Legged Heroes of Ground Zero
Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up.
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service.
Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org.
Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts.
What Happened in Reed Springs? HOW A SMALL TOWNWENT BANKRUPT OVER A POTHOLE
had to undergo surgery. To help pay for the medical bills, Stewart, who’d never sued anyone before, initially filed a personal injury lawsuit against the owners of the store in front of the pothole. However, the Missouri Court of Appeals determined the city of Reed Springs was liable for Stewart’s injuries. The court ordered Reed Springs to pay Stewart $100,000, over half the city’s annual budget. Despite the high price tag, in normal circumstances, this verdict wouldn’t have forced Reed Springs to declare bankruptcy because the town’s insurance would have covered the bill. Unfortunately, at the time of Stewart’s accident, the mayor of Reed Springs was a corrupt man named Joe Dan Dwyer. Dwyer left office while being investigated for insurance fraud, child pornography, statutory rape, witness bribery, and perjury, and he was later sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Among his many indiscretions, Dwyer also let the town’s insurance policy lapse. Reed Springs didn’t have insurance when Sally Stewart got hurt, which is why they had to write a check out of their own budget and ultimately declare bankruptcy. In this case, what started as a simple pothole accident quickly unveiled the lasting damage of an unscrupulous politician. Perhaps this case serves as reminder about why it’s important to vote in local elections.
In 2002, the quaint town of Reed Springs, Missouri, declared bankruptcy. The hard decision came after the town was forced to pay $100,000 to Sally Stewart, a woman who sued Reed Springs after she tripped over a pothole during a shopping trip. News of a greedy woman ruining a small village to make a quick buck sparked outrage across the country. But Stewart wasn’t the real villain of this story. A little digging into this case reveals a much deeper conspiracy. Stewart had been visiting Reed Springs in 1998 when she tripped on a pothole hidden beneath some overgrown grass on the sidewalk. But this was no small stumble. Stewart tore two ligaments in her ankle and
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TAKE A BREAK
Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing. THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS FALL While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid-October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see. Acadia National Park, Maine
CACIO E PEPE
Ingredients
Inspired by Bon Appétit
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
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6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes.
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Directions
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. 4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
What We Do Better Than the Lions
Honoring the Canines of 9/11 A Surprising Reason for Bankruptcy
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Cacio e Pepe The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks
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Why Are so Many People Deciding Not to Retire?
FINDING FULFILLMENT IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS Why More Adults Over 55 Continue toWork
ones. This balance is exactly what many older workers are looking for, especially those who are “part-time retired.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upward of 40% of people aged 55 and older are continuing to work past the normal retirement age. There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to stay employed, with one of the biggest being a lack of retirement funds, but some are also using work to keep their minds and skills sharp. In fact, most of the jobs that the 55-plus crowd goes after keep them engaged with the community and help them lead more active lives.
More importantly, however, most older workers find these jobs fulfilling. They allow older folks to interact with the community and stay active, both of which, research suggests, are essential to healthy living as people age. For many, working past retirement, or not leaving the workforce entirely, can be a win-win-win: It’s a win for your bank account, a win for your health, and a win for the community.
The BLS categorized the jobs many older workers are currently pursuing:
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Real estate appraisers/assessors
• Property/real estate/community association managers • Technical writers • Tax preparers • Construction/building inspectors • Crossing guards • Clergy These seven jobs are projected to grow between 8–14% over the next six years according to BLS data. They often pay well and don’t always require a full-time commitment. Many even offer flexible schedules, which can help older workers spend more time with peers or loved
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