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A YEAR OF ADVOCACY AND LEARNING SAMANTHA AND SARAH’S INSPIRING ANNIVERSARY AT BRUCE LAW
At Bruce Law, we love seeing new lawyers start their journeys and continue to grow with us at the firm. This month, we are celebrating a couple of work anniversaries! Congrats to Attorneys Samantha Severino and Sarah Smith, who both started with us last August. These talented ladies bring passion, energy, a constant desire to learn, and genuine dedication to their clients daily. We hope you join us in celebrating their successes and their unique stories!
I truly believe that if anyone is looking for help, turning to Bruce Law would put them at a significant advantage.
SARAH E. SMITH My first year at Bruce Law has flown by so quickly. Practicing law was always on my radar as a future career, as my aunt is an attorney, and I love reading, writing, and politics. While
SAMANTHA A. SEVERINO It’s hard to believe I’ve been with the firm for a year now! I wanted to be an attorney because I believe knowledge is power, and this is a career where knowledge is highly valued. It’s funny; I got my first taste of family law before I ever set foot in law school. I took a few jobs as a paralegal at firms specializing in family law, and I loved it so much that it drove me to want to attend law school. I spent most of that time in family law and criminal law. It was meant to be.
in college, I got involved in the Florida House of Representatives and fell in love with the legislative process and the law itself. Becoming an attorney was the next natural step for me, as it was clear this career would combine so many of my passions and skill sets. I’m not a numbers girl. I’m drawn to the human side of law and I knew I wanted to find a practice area where I could help people improve their lives. Family law was the perfect fit. When I saw the listing for Bruce Law, I was still in law school, and although they were seeking an experienced attorney, I went for it and applied anyway. I was thrilled at the idea of working at a family law firm that specializes in assisting women in divorces against controlling and manipulative men. When I interviewed with Mr. Bruce, I could tell he was by the book, ethical, nice, and understanding. It makes for a great environment at the firm, and they gave me a fantastic opportunity. This is my first job as an attorney out of law school and I’ve learned a lot while at the firm. I’m taking in day-to-day what it looks like to be a lawyer who litigates. One of my favorite aspects of the job is the client relationships. We get such an insight into people’s lives, and it’s really eye-opening to realize how profound and life-changing the experience truly is.With this, I love helping my clients navigate the most challenging parts of their lives and guiding them through it. I’m so thankful for my time at Bruce Law and excited to continue building my experience at the firm. –Samantha and Sarah
After graduating, I found Bruce Law and was immediately drawn to the firm. People come to us during one of the most difficult times of their lives, and we hear them and genuinely care. We definitely put all our clients first and fight for what’s fair and what they deserve. I’m a bit of a social butterfly, so along with the client work, I enjoy being able to meet so many different people. I’ve recently been dealing with a lot of international law and documents, so I enjoy learning about different countries and cultures. I’ve learned much at Bruce Law, from drafting and hearings, to attending mediations and depositions. This role has shown me so many people need help from caring attorneys. The Bruces show great compassion to others and ensure everyone feels welcomed and understood. The most rewarding part of my role is helping my clients. We help men and women here, but we have a niche in helping women get out of abusive relationships with narcissistic men. It brings me great joy to be an advocate for them and teach them what I’ve learned along the way.
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When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat. HOW A DOG SAVED ITS FOSTER FAMILY FROM DISASTER A FLUFFY GUARDIAN ANGEL
Building a Solid Support Squad During Divorce STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Divorce can be one of the most challenging life events a family can experience. Navigating court dates, paperwork, and emotional turmoil, it’s easy to isolate ourselves or feel overwhelmed by the stressors. A solid support system of family members, friends, coworkers, and even professionals can make all the difference as you navigate these significant changes. You’re not alone. This month, we’re exploring how you can build a support squad to be there through the ups and downs of your divorce journey. ASK FOR SUPPORT. You likely already have allies — a best friend or sibling who would love to be there for you during this difficult time. As hard as it may feel, asking for help is essential. The people in your life can’t read your mind. Let them know you are struggling or need time to heal. REACH OUT TO PEOPLE IN YOUR CIRCLE. Your best team will consist of friends, close family members, trusted coworkers, and those who have been in your life for many years. It can be helpful to talk to a college or childhood friend who knew you before your married life, as they can help remind you of who you are without your spouse. GET A THERAPIST. Divorce can have a significant impact on your overall happiness and mental health, so working with a professional therapist can be a game-changer during this process. A therapist can help you process what you are going through and give you tools to cope with the struggles that arise along the way. They can often identify pain points you weren’t even aware of. There is nothing to be embarrassed about when seeking professional help. A therapist won’t judge you and can give an unbiased perspective on your divorce. Remember, as you lean on your support system, you are taking important steps toward healing and personal growth. Divorce may close one chapter, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new one. You are not alone, and with the right people by your side, you can navigate this transition with confidence and hope. Let’s face this together!
“If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said.
The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today. “What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said.
Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero
dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy
day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
OUR BOOKS CAN HELP!
The book can be downloaded for FREE at DivorceInformationBooks.com
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SOCIAL MEDIA DO’S AND DON’TS DURING DIVORCE PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST
you post online during your divorce, the less that can be used against you. If you can, take a break from posting. At the very least, make your account private and post minimally. You may be surprised at the small things that could be detrimental to your case. A lawyer may look at the date you posted something and argue that you seemed carefree and happy, not distraught that day. DON’T DELETE. If you post something and regret it, remember that deleted posts can sometimes count as destruction of evidence. Additionally, there are ways to see the content you shared, like screenshots or cached pages, even if you did get rid of it. It’s best to leave that on your page and stop posting for a while. DON’T TRASH TALK. Despite how angry or hurt your spouse may make you feel, don’t turn to the internet to bash them. It is a bad use of your crucial energy and can make you appear difficult or even aggressive. When determining custody rights, this could play against you. Your friends and loved ones may feel compelled to vent about your ex online, which can affect your case. Politely ask them not to share those kinds of posts. Though it’s understandable to feel the impulse to turn to social media during your divorce, act cautiously. Many types of innocent posts can come back to haunt you in court. If you need to vent, contact a trusted friend or jot down your thoughts in a private journal.
Today, we share just about everything on social media. While a post may be completely innocent, you should pause before hitting share if you are in divorce proceedings. Social media can be used against you in court, and it is common for the other side to take a look at your account. One wrong photo of you looking happy at a big celebration or a vent about your spouse can paint you negatively. So, close your chats, and let’s look at three do’s and don’ts of social media during your case. TAKE A BREAK. You don’t have to completely shut down your social media accounts just because you are getting divorced, but it wouldn’t hurt. The less
Have a Laugh!
NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHOCOLATE CAKE
Dive into this decadent chocolate cake recipe for a rich, moist treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients •
2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup butter, softened
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended; then add vanilla extract. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Cool in pans, then invert onto a plate. If desired, frost and stack the cakes for a double layer!
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1601 Forum Pl. Ste. 1101 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Bruce Law Celebrates Attorney Milestones page 1
Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart Allies for Your Divorce Journey page 2 Why a Digital Detox Can Help Your Case Not Your Average Chocolate Cake page 3
The Role of a Growth Mindset in Overcoming Challenges page 4 PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS HARNESSING THE POWER OF A GROWTH MINDSET
While there are no treadmills for the mind or ellipticals for our neurons, science tells us that mental exercise can help us obtain a growth mindset. The American Psychological Association defines a growth mindset as “the belief that a person’s intelligence and abilities can grow and improve with practice.” A growth mindset is the antithesis of a “fixed mindset,” which people exhibit when they quickly give up if they can’t solve a problem. Nurturing a growth mindset, in contrast, can help you view failure or setbacks as opportunities for learning. MORE THAN EFFORT Having a growth mindset is about more than just effort. It is the belief that you can develop your abilities and talents, as well as a perspective on how you approach life’s lessons and learning. That belief allows you
to learn more quickly and achieve greater results, no matter what you aim to achieve. This does not mean simply having an open mind; it also means finding a way to continue striving to improve your knowledge, attitude, and performance. Some call it having “grit.” CULTIVATING SUCCESS With a growth mindset, success plays second fiddle to self-improvement. Celebrating the effort we put into each task motivates and encourages us to work harder and accomplish more in the future. Rather than focusing on the destination, the focus is on the journey. A growth mindset is a great way to become more positive, successful, and adaptable. By incorporating more facets of a growth mindset into your life, you will be well on your way to changing things for the better.
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