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MARCH 2024
W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Purpose Over Profits Reimagining Legal Success With ‘The Significant Lawyer’
I’m certain any lawyer can tell you how easy it is to get caught up in the whirlwind of work and lose sight of why you started. It takes constant mindfulness and reflection to practice law the way I want to, and one book on this topic that I had the pleasure of diving into is “The Significant Lawyer” by Hon. William S. Duffey Jr. This insightful book isn’t just another legal guide; it’s a road map for lawyers to transcend their roles and become meaningful figures in the lives of their clients, communities, and families. At its core, “The Significant Lawyer” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people over cases, relationships over transactions, and integrity over convenience. As a retired federal judge, Duffey draws on his own experiences to illustrate how legal professionals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve. Duffey describes the distinct shift that took place in the legal world during the mid-1980s. This was a time when lawyers began to measure their success by profits, and suddenly, law became a business, not a profession. It was then that so many professionals lost touch with the oaths they took and their initial passion for justice. I couldn’t help but feel revitalized to read how Duffey countered this crisis. One of the key themes of the book is the concept of servant leadership . Duffey argues that lawyers have a duty to advocate for their clients and to serve them with compassion, empathy, and respect. By putting the needs of clients first
and approaching every case with integrity and professionalism, lawyers can build trust and credibility that transcends the courtroom.
moving. His book has truly influenced how I work and how our whole firm aims to respect the law.
I bet you’ve seen countless billboards or commercials with attorneys holding
sledgehammers, shouting how they will be a bully in the courtroom. That’s exactly the opposite of what I want to be for my clients and my community. In Duffey’s book, he also explores the role of lawyers in promoting social justice and effecting positive change in their communities. No sledgehammering! Duffey encourages lawyers to use their skills and expertise to address systemic injustices and advocate for the rights of the marginalized and underserved. By leveraging their legal knowledge and resources, lawyers can become powerful agents of change and make a real difference in the world. That is who I want to be. “The Significant Lawyer” is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that lawyers can have on the lives of others and such a refreshing book to read. It challenges legal professionals to rise above the ordinary and strive for greatness in their practice, not only for their own sake but for the betterment of society as a whole. My work and firm have long been inspired by the path outlined in this book.
You have no reason to cut corners or stray from your beliefs if you prioritize clients over profits. I’ve always felt this was the only way to operate, not only for my client’s sake but for mine! You feel good about yourself and what you do when you do it the right way. This goes for any profession! I had the opportunity to host and moderate a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program where Duffey spoke about his work and offered his wisdom. Hearing from someone with so much experience and respect for the law was incredibly
Sincerely yours,
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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The Rich History (and Weird Laws) of St. Patrick’s Day St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17, is a lively and vibrant holiday cherished by people of Irish descent and enthusiasts worldwide. While it’s often known for wearing green, festive parades, and enjoying a pint of Guinness, there’s more to the holiday than meets the eye. THE HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick wasn’t originally Irish; he was born in Britain! At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping captivity, he returned to his homeland but later chose to return to Ireland as a Christian missionary. One of the most famous legends about St. Patrick is that he used a three- leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish, which is why the shamrock has become a symbol of Ireland. STRANGE ST. PATRICK’S DAY LAWS While St. Patrick’s Day is primarily a day of celebration, some strange laws are associated with the holiday:
A Washington County’s Unique Hunting Ban Bigfoot Is an Endangered Species!?
Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla- like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence. While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters. County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
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No Snakes Allowed: In New York City, it’s illegal to own a snake, perhaps in honor of St. Patrick’s legendary act of banishing snakes from Ireland. Keep Your Hats Off: As strange as it might sound, dancing with a hat on in Fargo, North Dakota, is illegal! So, for those hoping to get your groove on in your best leprechaun attire, you best do it outside of Fargo.
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• Porch Couches Banned: You’re free to watch the St. Paddy festivities from your porch in Boulder, Colorado, as long as you’re not sitting on a couch. This city has banned sofas on porches since 2002 due to rowdy college students and fire-filled disasters. • Stay Sober (Even at the Bar): Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or not, you can’t get too loose in an Alaskan bar. It is, in fact, illegal to be drunk in a bar in Alaska! St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday steeped in history, folklore, and quirky traditions. Whether you’re Irish or not, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture of Ireland, enjoy some green festivities, and perhaps learn about a few unusual laws that make this holiday even more fascinating. So, don your green attire and toast the legacy of St. Patrick and the Irish spirit!
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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The Power of Privacy
HOW CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS SHIELD YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Settlement agreements in personal injury cases are crucial in resolving legal disputes and providing closure to clients. They not only outline the terms and conditions of the settlement but also include provisions that safeguard your privacy and the interests of everyone involved. Among these provisions, confidentiality clauses play a significant role in ensuring that every clients’ personal information remains private. WHAT EXACTLY IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL? One of the most common concerns clients have when entering into a settlement agreement is how much of their information will be shared. Confidentiality provisions address this concern by clearly stating that all information related to the settlement and the case, including the settlement amount, will remain confidential. This means the details of the settlement are strictly between the parties involved and will not be disclosed to third parties.
atmosphere and prevents any public criticism or backlash that could arise from the settlement.
WHY IS CONFIDENTIALITY SO IMPORTANT? Clients can take comfort in knowing that the confidentiality provisions are in place to protect their privacy and the settlement’s integrity. These provisions are legally binding, and any violation can have legal consequences. Moreover, the confidentiality provisions empower clients to control the narrative surrounding their case. They can decide what information is disclosed and to whom, preventing unwanted intrusions into their personal lives. Confidentiality provisions in settlement agreements are essential in protecting clients’ privacy and ensuring that their personal information remains confidential. They provide peace of mind and ultimately uphold the principle of client confidentiality, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the settlement process.
disclosure, or spreading of information. They are designed to ensure the client’s privacy is upheld and their personal and financial information remains protected. In addition to safeguarding sensitive information, these provisions also often include non- disparagement clauses. Non-disparagement clauses prohibit any party involved in the settlement from making negative or critical comments about the other parties. This helps maintain a private, amicable
Confidentiality provisions go a step further by preventing any form of snooping, unauthorized
TAKE A BREAK
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right with a fresh loaf of Irish Soda Bread!
Ingredients •
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
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3/4 tsp baking soda
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2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting
3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed
5 tbsp sugar, divided 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup buttermilk 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
Solution
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Inside This Issue 1 Finding Meaning in Legal Practice With ‘The Significant Lawyer’ 2 Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington The Story Behind St. Patrick’s Day and the Laws That Followed 3 How We Safeguard Your Privacy in Personal Injury Settlements
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
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4 2 Underappreciated Historic Events
Time Travel With Us
Grab your time travel hats! We’re traveling back to stories you won’t find in the history books!
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME Imagine a Parisian street filled with life. A photographer is there, about to take the first known photograph of a person. But the only person still enough to photograph was a man getting his shoes shined! The shoe-shining duo became unexpected celebrities in history as the subject of the first known photograph of humans in 1838. THE BIG SHORT In the summer of 1937, something extraordinary happened on the streets of Toronto that changed fashion forever. Two daring women went out in public wearing shorts. The sight was so unusual that it drew overwhelming attention and even caused a car wreck! While the moment caused quite a stir, it wasn’t until after World War II that shorts gained popularity.
Boulevard de Temple (1838) - Louis Daguerre
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