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Like Father, Like Son How I’m Becoming a Role Model for My Kids lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 The Lyman Firm Newsletter
JUNE 2023
By no means is parenthood an easy task. It takes plenty of dedication and perseverance to be the best possible parent you can be. Sometimes, you come up short, and you will feel emotionally or physically drained on occasion. You must make sacrifices to give your children the best chance of success. When it’s all said and done, parenting your kids is one of life’s most rewarding and enlightening experience. On June 18, we get a chance to share our appreciation for an incredibly influential person in many of our lives when we celebrate Father’s Day. My father was my primary role model growing up. My parents divorced when I was 5 years old. My dad had my brother and me on the weekends, but he eventually moved out of state, and we would spend holidays and summers with him. He was always teaching me new things and imparting his wisdom. Although he wasn’t in the legal field, he did talk at length about logic and philosophy, which helped ignite my interest. He also taught me the importance of punctuality. My dad would grow frustrated whenever we ran late for anything, as he felt it was disrespectful to whomever we were meeting. He was always teaching me these essential lessons that helped me grow into who I am today. At some point in my life, I had to face the realization that my dad was my role model because I didn’t get to see him as often as I would have liked. He was an amazing person, but like each of us, he had his faults. For a long time, I had placed him on a pedestal and was blind to any fault he had. This is something I’m trying to avoid with my children. I have faults, and there will be times when I make mistakes. I’m not perfect, but I will be there for my kids whenever they need me. If I make a mistake, I will apologize to them and explain where I went wrong so they have a full understanding of the situation. I want to be a role model for them, but I don’t want them to think I’m some superhero who can do no wrong. One of the most important things my dad taught me that I share with my children is the idea of unconditional love. Growing up, I knew my dad wouldn’t think any less of me because of my actions. If I made a mistake, he was there to help me; if I felt bad about a situation, he helped me see it differently. When I G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland, mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing, “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”
James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life. Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials. That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way.
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
gave the eulogy at my dad’s funeral, I couldn’t speak enough about his unconditional love, and I hope to provide my kids with the same love. Now that I’ve been a father for over a decade, I’ve learned just how fun and challenging parenting can be. I’ve heard many childless adults and soon-to-be parents exclaim that parenting can’t be as hard as it’s made out to be, but in reality, parenting is harder than you could ever imagine. As the dad, you’re often the worker bee, especially when the kids are young. You change their diapers, ensure they’re fed, and set them on the right path. Now that my kids are 8 and 10, the situations we need to navigate have become trickier. We’re still making wonderful memories together, and I wouldn’t trade my role as a father for anything. I want to give my kids the same experiences I had as a child, plus add in the things I missed out on. And when my kids have children of their own, I want them to say, “I had a great childhood, but how can I make it even better for my children?” Parenthood is a gift; we should do our best to treasure it. Happy Father’s Day! -Thomas J. Lyman -Thomas Lyman www.LymanFirm.com | 1
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
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Struggling to Pay Your Bills? How an Attorney Can Help
Paying your bills on time isn’t always an easy task. If you’re going through financial difficulties, it can sometimes be impossible to pay your bills on time. Yet, there are still some ways to minimize the damage that can occur when you can’t pay your debts. When your bills pile up, you should always contact your creditors to learn if you can receive any extensions on payment deadlines. Being proactive is critical when managing debt. However, if they are unwilling to offer you leniency, you may face a creditor lawsuit; if that occurs, you should contact a debt settlement lawyer. What does a debt settlement attorney do? A debt settlement attorney can reach out to creditors and negotiate a way to reduce your debt or lower your payments. Finances can be confusing, but there are plenty of protocols and strategies out there — most of us just aren’t aware of them. Debt settlement lawyers are experts in consumer rights and know precisely what lenders can and cannot do. While debt settlement attorneys can assist you in various ways concerning your debt, they will often review your financial status, income, and conflicts in order to negotiate effectively with your creditors. However, hiring a debt settlement lawyer does not guarantee your debt will be reduced; it will give you a greater chance of doing so. What types of debt can they settle? You may not know about the multiple kinds of debt and their particular characteristics. These lawyers primarily work on unsecured debt, which is any debt that doesn’t require collateral. Some examples of unsecured debt include:
While debt settlement lawyers often work to reduce these debts, they can also provide legal assistance on other issues such as car repossession, wage garnishment, debt collection lawsuits, debt collector harassment, and more. If you’re struggling because of debt, they’ll most likely be able to help. Is it expensive to hire an attorney? There’s no simple price tag for hiring a debt settlement lawyer. Plenty of factors influence legal costs. For example, how much debt you have affects a lawyer’s total charge. Also, how many creditors require negotiation and how much you save in your settlement affect your cost. Additionally, if you need to file for bankruptcy eventually, it involves another set of charges to engage that process. You should contact a debt settlement attorney if you’re struggling to keep up with your bills and know you can’t pay them on time. Whether mapping out a payment plan or negotiating with creditors, these attorneys will work to ease your financial stress. Many of these lawyers offer free consultations so you can better understand your situation. If they can help you reduce your debts, they will be a great asset.
• Car loans • Student loans • Medical bills
• Credit card bills • Personal loans
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TAKE A BREAK
PUPPY POWER IS SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN How Do Cute Images Affect Your Mind?
“Kawaii” is the Japanese word for “cute,” which apparently alters our brains more than we thought! During The Power of Kawaii study, Hiroshima University researched the effects of viewing images of cute animals, and what they discovered was shocking. Researchers found that these adorable animals can help us improve our concentration, especially on detail-oriented tasks. Participants who viewed images of puppies and kittens could accomplish tasks with greater care and attention than those shown other pictures. How did they measure concentration, and why cute animals? What method was used in the initial experiment? In the first experiment, researchers split a group of 48 participants and had each person play a surgery game similar to “Operation.” Using tiny tweezers, the participants had to grasp small objects without touching the edges. Afterward, one group observed images of puppies and kittens, and the other viewed photos of adult dogs and cats. After viewing the pictures, both groups played the game again. The result? The first group had a significant improvement when playing the game. They approached the game more deliberately and at a slower pace to carefully remove the objects without touching the edges. Meanwhile, the second group showed no difference in their performance. Why do these cute images affect us? After more experiments with increased difficulty, the researchers concluded that the sweet animals made a noticeable impact on our brains. Participants showed higher levels of focus, concentration, and carefulness both mentally and behaviorally. The reasoning may be that seeing baby animals triggers our nurturing side and, in turn, makes us more careful and alert. We sense something needing protection, care, and focus. At a subconscious level, you likely will become more cautious in how you think and behave after looking at pictures of baby animals. So, the next time you need to do something tedious or detail-oriented, prep yourself with a cute puppies and kittens slideshow to ensure you get the job done right!
GOAT CHEESE AND THYME STUFFED CHICKEN
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Ingredients
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts • 3.5 oz firm goat cheese • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus 2–3 sprigs
• 4 pieces of thin-sliced bacon • Olive oil • 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Split the chicken breasts almost in half along the long side, open them like a book, then flatten the sides out. 3. Put the goat cheese on the “open book” side of the chicken and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Fold the chicken over to enclose the cheese, then wrap each breast in 2 slices of bacon. 4. Lightly oil a shallow gratin or casserole dish, then arrange overlapping rows of zucchini and tomatoes on the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then set chicken on top. Place thyme sprigs on chicken. 5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the bacon is crisp and golden and the zucchini is tender.
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com
404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2860 Piedmont Rd., Suite 275 Atlanta, GA 30305
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS ISSUE
My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack Fatherhood Is Not Easy, but It’s Rewarding 3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Goat Cheese and Thyme Stuffed Chicken Cute Puppies = Concentration Do You Need a Debt Settlement Lawyer?
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths
You’re Legally Obligated to Walk Your Dog?
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe Walk Your Furry Friend or Get Fined A PECULIAR ROMAN REQUIREMENT:
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. Yes! In 2005, the city of Rome passed a law requiring every dog owner to walk their furry friend at least once a day if they wanted to avoid a fine. THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE This was one of the multiple laws protecting the safety and well-being of Roman animals. The city had been dealing Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant. If you live in Rome and feel too lazy to walk your dog, you better think twice before breaking the law. Wait, the law?
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER with ongoing problems due to dogs being cooped up in small apartments or abandoned in the streets. Monica Cirinna, who created the law, explained, “It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention.” Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water. How authorities in Rome can enforce this law is still unclear, but the city also passed other less-ambiguous animal welfare laws. Aside from the mandatory daily dog walk, docking an animal’s ears or tails and selling animals at fairgrounds are also illegal acts. CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS While Rome may seem dog-biased, cat people will be happy to learn the Italian city didn’t forget felines. They passed another law to make declawing a cat for aesthetic The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. She also told the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero that “the civilization of a city can also be measured by this.”
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health. But Rome isn’t the only city in Italy with animal-friendly laws. In Turin, for example, dog owners are required to walk their pets at least three times a day or face a fine of $650. Meanwhile, in Reggio Emilia, it is illegal to boil live lobsters. The city officials considered this cooking method “useless torture.” Even though Italy is known for stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, it can also take credit for holding pet owners accountable and ensuring they take proper care of their animal companions. reasons illegal. Additionally, the city will recognize those feeding and caring for the countless stray cats roaming the stone- paved streets. And last but not least, round fishbowls are also illegal, as the circular shape forces the fish to swim in circles, which is disorienting and can affect the fish’s mood and behavior.
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