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Review Brooks & Crowley
October 2023
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
From the Classroom to the Courtroom WE’RE BRIDGING THE EXPERIENCE GAP FOR LAW STUDENTS
Finding your first job after graduation can be extremely difficult. Employers are looking for someone with experience, which is challenging for full-time students. How are they supposed to gain meaningful work experience if they’ve spent most of their lives in school? This seems especially true as many law students go directly from college to law school. We see resumes that feature typical student type jobs; working in retail stores, campus jobs or as servers in restaurants. Our alma mater, New England Law-Boston, attempts to solve the “How do I get experience when I don’t have experience” problem with a Summer Fellowship Program for full-time students that complete their first year of law school. We have sponsored summer interns for many years. We recently had two interns who just left us to return to school, and it was great having them around! I remember when I interned at a law firm — the experience I gained was so fruitful because school, unfortunately, couldn’t teach me how a law firm operates and the moving parts that go along with it. Because of that, I think it’s great that the fellowship program was implemented to help set up young law students for success. Not only are they gaining work experience, but they can also narrow down what area of law appeals to them the most as a career option. At first, they may be set on one area, but after working as an intern in that branch of law for a while, their interests may change! “Finding your first job after graduation can be extremely difficult. Employers are looking for someone with experience, which is challenging for full-time students. How are they supposed to gain meaningful work experience if they’ve spent most of their lives in school?”
We enjoy having interns at the firm — it’s so quiet without them! They ask the best questions, are hungry to learn, and put their best foot forward every day. I always got so excited when something came up, and I could bring them along so they would know how to handle situations and develop problem-solving strategies. Sometimes, unexpected problems can arise in any case, so I’m honored that I can show my interns that experience and add to their education. And once our interns leave, they can use us as a reference! Steve and I are more than happy to put in a good word for them and help them in any way we can. We stay in touch with many of our interns. They are spread throughout the country and Canada.
Can it be summer already? I miss having interns!
–Neil Crowley
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3 Reasons 536 Was the Worst Year in Human History
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it poured so much dust into the sky that the sun over Eastern Washington went dark. Ash drifted overhead, traveling into neighboring Idaho and forcing temperatures down by as much as 15 degrees F. Locals spent a few weeks scared and shivering under dull skies. They had no way of knowing it, but they were experiencing a tiny fraction of the horror humans felt back in 536 — a time that Harvard University historian Michael McCormick once called “the worst year to be alive.” For decades, the year 536 was a historical mystery. Records showed that it was a terrible time, stricken by the triple threat of:
Those horrors and the economic and political instability they brought ravaged the globe from Ireland to China. Although 536 was arguably the
ice was riddled with volcanic glass. Further study revealed enormous volcanic
eruptions in 536, 540, and 547 likely caused “The Dark Ages.” It wasn’t just metaphorically dark — it was literally dark
worst year, things didn’t get better for more than a decade. In fact, they got worse in some areas! In 541, the Plague of Justinian — the first bubonic plague pandemic — appeared in Egypt and spread through Europe, killing roughly one-third of the continent’s population.
thanks to ash blotting out the sun and coating people’s homes, skin, and clothing.
Scientists have traced the 540 eruption to Ilopango, a volcano in El Salvador that’s currently inactive, but they’re still
hunting for the source of the 536 eruption. As we write this, volcanoes in Iceland and Alaska are the most likely candidates. We’ve already survived a pandemic this century, so for everyone’s sake, let’s hope both regions stay quiet until at least 2100. We all deserve a break!
For decades, archaeologists and historians have puzzled over the tipping point in 536. “What went wrong,” they wondered, “to make the sun go dark and trigger snow in summer?” It was a head-scratcher until 2018. That year, researchers finally solved the mystery with help from, of all things, a Swiss glacier! The glacial
1. Unexplained, unending darkness 2. Unseasonably frigid weather 3. Crop failures and famines
Insurance Companies May Reduce Your Claim if You Weren’t Remember to Stay Buckled In!
It’s common knowledge that you can file a personal injury claim and receive compensation if you were injured in a car accident. However, several people have asked us if you could still file a claim if you weren’t wearing your seat belt during the accident and still got injured. Here’s what you need to know.
vehicle. But it’s more than just a law — it’s a life-saver! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts for front-seat passengers reduce the risk of death by 45% and risk of injury by 50%. Those not taking the proper safety measure to buckle up are 30 times more likely to receive an injury or be ejected from the vehicle. Even if you weren’t wearing your seat belt, you can still file a claim, but it can drastically reduce the settlement you could receive. You and your attorney will work together to create a solid defense as to why you should be compensated. You can collect evidence by scheduling appointments with a medical provider, taking tests to measure the amount of disability you may have, taking photos of the accident, and providing personal testimony on how this incident has disrupted your life.
Seems pretty straightforward, right? Well, there is a catch. Although insurance companies will try to dispute your claim even if you were wearing a seat belt, they will use the fact you weren’t buckled up against you. In other words, you must prove that your injuries would still have happened if you had fastened your seat belt. Because insurance companies will try to blame you for your injuries, it’s vital to build a solid case to prove your side and justify your pain and suffering. Most importantly, never accept a reduced settlement, even if you weren’t wearing your seat belt! Instead, connect with a personal injury attorney to assist you. At Brooks & Crowley, attorney Neil Crowley is your go-to person for all of your needs. He can help you collect evidence and argue your case on your behalf.
By law, all passengers (including the driver) must wear a seat belt while riding in a motor
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SURPRISING HABITS HURTING YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
Everything we think, feel, and do involves our brains, so keeping them healthy is worth our time. But doing so might require more from us than a nutritional diet, exercise, and occasional sudoku. Everyday habits can profoundly affect our neurological health, and some will likely surprise you.
Neuroplasticity means the input we give our brains shapes and changes how they function, and negative thinkers have more difficulty reasoning and forming memories. Fortunately, neuroplasticity also means we can choose to change. Mindfulness, stress relief, purposeful
positive thinking, and therapy can all help us learn to turn negative thoughts around. It will improve brain health, and we’ll likely feel happier, too. Spending Too Much Time Alone
Checking Our Phones After Waking Up Many people have their phones in hand before they even get out of bed, but this morning routine could be doing significant damage. Immediately inputting so much sensory information causes our brains to miss crucial stages in the natural waking process. The dopamine we get from checking
Humans are social creatures. So, while our brains need new challenges and information to stay sharp, they also crave social interaction. Spending time with others improves our mental health and ability to form memories. Socializing also keeps our brains active, which neuroscientists believe
messages and likes also primes our brains for more, creating further distractions throughout the day. Experts suggest waiting an hour to check your phone, but if you can’t last that long, every minute you delay counts. Engaging in Negative Thinking Did you know poor mental health impairs our ability to think clearly? The same is true with patterns of negative thinking. Take A Break
might fight dementia. Specifically, older adults can have trouble switching between
active and daydream states, but social interaction will help sharpen that skill. Alone time is crucial, but too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Make sure to interact with friends and family often or find ways
to meet new people whose company you enjoy.
Beet Salad Inspired by EatingWell.com
Known for their earthy yet sweet flavor, beets are the perfect main ingredient for a delicious fall salad.
Ingredients
• 5–6 medium beets • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry or white-wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste • 1 large shallot, finely chopped • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Separate beets between 2 pieces of foil; bring edges together and crimp to make packets. Roast until beets are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1/4 hours. Unwrap beets and let cool. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make dressing. 3. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel off skins. Cut into 1/2- inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add celery, shallot, and dressing, then toss to coat well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
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439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 Why Is It So Difficult to Land a Job? 2 Step Into 536: ‘The Worst Year to Be Alive’ If You Weren’t Wearing a Seat Belt, Read This 3 Are These Bad Habits Hurting Your Brain?
Beet Salad 4 3 Fun Halloween Events
What’s Going On, Boston? IT’S SPOOKY SEASON!
As the weather begins to feel chillier, the sun begins to set earlier, and the leaves start turning from bright greens to vibrant oranges, you know the fall season is in full swing! But you know what else this season is known for? Halloween! To kick off the frights, why not attend one of these spooky events? Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct. 1-31 Roger Williams Park Zoo 1000 Elmwood Ave RWPZoo.com Your favorite Halloween tradition is back at the Roger Williams Park Zoo! You’ll have a chance to see thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminating different colors. On top of the amazing jack-o’-lanterns, you’ll take a magical trip through the Pyramids of Giza, go on a wild safari ride, and learn more
about the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The best part is that no passport is required! The zoo is bringing these artifacts and lessons straight to you. Be sure to purchase your ticket for this event online in advance — you cannot attend without it! Please also note that all animal exhibits will not be open during this event. Ghosts and Gravestones Tour Oct. 1–31 Marriott Long Wharf Hotel 200 Atlantic Avenue GhostsAndGravestones.com/boston As you walk around some of Boston’s historic and haunted areas during the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, you’ll hear stories about the people buried on the land and the horrifying practices that took place. You can also explore Boston’s most haunted hotel, The Omni Parker House, and learn about the bizarre and
permanent tenants. Book your tour today to learn more about our city’s frightening past! ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Oct. 20 Emerson Colonial Theatre 106 Boylston St. EmersonColonialTheatre.com/events/the-rocky- horror-picture-show The 1975 musical comedy horror film is hitting the big screen again! But this showing is different than any other movie — you’ll get to watch the film with the original Magenta: Patricia Quinn! You can purchase exclusive tickets to the VIP meet and greet with Patricia and have an opportunity to get a picture or an autograph from her. Emerson Colonial Theatre will broadcast the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast, audience interaction, a costume contest, and more!
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