Check out our October/November newsletter!
561.671.5995 WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 204, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 | 954.272.6187 |
The Value of a Stellar Law Firm Staff PARALEGAL DAY
THE KONECKY JOURNAL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
As a solo practitioner starting my own firm two decades ago, I did everything myself. I handled all
law. In her work with us, she has seen how an attorney can “have a long-lasting impact on the rest of clients’ lives,” she says. “This work is very fulfilling. It has really opened up my world.” Cheyenne’s role includes drafting briefs, handling subpoenas, setting up depositions, creating case files, gathering evidence, and collecting police and arrest records. She has been doing a bang- up job since joining us about 1 1/2 years ago, serving our clients with a positive, upbeat attitude. Cheyenne says she plans to take the LSAT and apply to law schools. Outside work, she has performed as a dancer for 15 years, traveling nationwide with two salsa dance teams. Maria also joined the firm about 1 1/2 years ago with no experience in the law, and she has grown by leaps and bounds. She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice and is studying for a bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University, with the goal of becoming a criminal lawyer. Maria also is a certified Florida notary public. She worked previously as a receptionist handling medical coding processes for medical clinics, dealing with personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. Maria schedules appointments for us, handles client communications, and helps collect medical and insurance records, police reports, and other data. “I really enjoy helping gather all the information required to prepare a really good defense,” she says. A native of Colombia, Maria came to the United States at age 14. She enjoys serving as a translator for our Spanish-speaking clients, putting them at ease by speaking in the vernacular. Once some clients see that she is really intent on listening to them, “they don’t stop talking,” she says. In her off hours, Maria enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her boyfriend and her mom, traveling, and visiting the rest of her family in Colombia once a year. We are very happy with Maria’s progress and look forward to seeing her continue to grow. As Paralegal Day rolls around this month, please help us appreciate these two professionals who deliver excellent client service in so many ways!
the administrative tasks, strategized and prepared clients’ defenses, organized filings and depositions, appeared in court, and negotiated
solutions for clients.
I recall driving to a deposition one day, questioning
myself about all the details: “Okay, I know the other party knows I’m on my way. But wait! Did I arrange for a court reporter to be there? Was that confirmed?” It was not. So I spent that entire 30-minute drive to the courthouse trying to schedule
a court reporter. I know what it’s like to coordinate all those moving parts yourself!
“More difficult to find in a team member, in my
In honor of Paralegal Day on Oct. 23, I want to recognize two team members who help coordinate all those tasks for our firm today: our paralegal, Cheyenne Cappucci, and our legal assistant, Maria Avila. The tools of their profession, including gathering evidence and drafting documents, can be taught. More difficult to find in a team member, in my experience, are attributes that can’t be taught — a positive attitude, a warm personality, and a strong work ethic.
experience, are attributes that can’t be taught — a positive attitude, a warm personality, and a strong work ethic.”
Many of our clients are going through tough times, and the last thing they want is more stress dealing with their law firm. They need honest information, undivided attention, and responsive communication. Cheyenne and Maria have the interpersonal skills and positive attitude required to meet those needs. After graduating with honors from Florida Atlantic University, Cheyenne’s volunteer work at domestic violence and human trafficking shelters sparked an interest in the law. She graduated from Palm Beach State College’s Paralegal Program with honors. After a stint working as a case management assistant on personal injury cases, she decided to try criminal
10.0
1
WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM
UPGRADE YOUR ROUTINE
Must-Try Kitchen Life Hacks
In the fast-paced world of modern life, everyone is searching for clever solutions to everyday problems. Luckily, the internet is a treasure trove of practical, time-saving “life hacks” that will revolutionize how we approach our daily routines. For those looking to get ahead in their kitchen, these ingenious tips and tricks are for you. Tongs are a great tool to juice lemons. Are you tired of wrestling with slippery citrus fruits and struggling to extract every last drop of juice? Try using a pair of tongs instead of a hand juicer. The rigid structure allows you to apply far more pressure than your bare hands, making juicing a breeze. Bay leaves keep pantry moths at bay. Dealing with persistent pantry pests? Ditch the harsh chemicals and take advantage of the power of nature. Simply place a few bay leaves in your kitchen cupboards and drawers, and their aromatic compounds will act as a natural deterrent, keeping the moths at bay . Avoid ingredients sticking with a clever trick. Are you ever frustrated by ingredients like honey or corn syrup sticking to your measuring spoons? If you’re making a recipe that involves dry ingredients like flour or sugar, make an impression with the bottom of the measuring spoon in the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl before adding the sticky ingredient. The indentation is about the same size as the measuring spoon. If your recipe does not call for dry ingredients, you can coat your measuring spoons (or cups) with cooking spray before measuring out any sticky ingredients. Revive towels with a sprinkle of baking soda. Getting your kitchen towels clean and fresh just got a whole lot easier. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your linens before tossing them in the wash, and watch as it works its magic, absorbing odors and leaving your towels feeling soft and revitalized.
“I have been in a very stressful situation, and Matthew Konecky and his assistant, Maria Avila, have been so helpful and reassuring to me when I felt doubt. They listened to me. Matt worked on my defense/protected me in the case. Maria has been amazing with communication, explaining to me the steps and documents along the way. Overall, under the facts and circumstances of my case, they have achieved the best results possible for me. They are professional, courteous, understanding, and knowledgeable, and I definitely recommend Matt and his firm to represent you.” – Jacqueline A MESSAGE FROM THE FAITHFUL
2
Higher Hurdles for Personal Injury Victims TILTING THE SCALES
Download These Books Today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE A 2023 Florida law mandated major changes in the judicial playing field for determining a fair answer to that question. The law enacts a legal principle called “modified comparative negligence,” which holds that any victim who has a 51% or greater share of responsibility for an accident is not entitled to any costs or damages. Victims may be compensated only when their share of responsibility is equal to or less than the defendant’s level of negligence. Imagine that a pedestrian is crossing the street against a red “Don’t Walk” signal at an intersection and is struck and badly injured by an automobile. Accident investigators later discover that the car’s driver was texting on their smartphone while approaching the intersection, suggesting they could have avoided the accident if they had been watching the road. The police report shows that both parties in the accident bear responsibility. What share of culpability should the injured pedestrian bear for this accident? And how much of the victim’s medical bills and other costs should the driver’s insurance company be required to pay?
If the injured pedestrian in this hypothetical incident were found to be 60% to blame for the incident, they would not be entitled to any compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages. If the pedestrian were 40% to blame, they would be entitled to a portion of the total damages suffered. With the 2023 law, Florida joins the more than 30 states with modified comparative negligence laws. A dozen other states have pure comparative negligence laws, assigning liability for compensation solely based on the parties’ share of culpability. Backers of modified comparative negligence claim it discourages “frivolous lawsuits,” but in effect, it shifts a burden that should fall on insurance companies onto victims’ shoulders instead. If you are injured in an accident for which you bear part of the responsibility, an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights under the law. Don’t hesitate to call us for advice in assessing your case and any personal injuries and damages you face. We will be glad to help.
Vegan Singapore Noodles Cooking With Ashley
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
Ingredients
When it comes to the legal process, you may have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. ‘My Loved One Has Been Arrested: What’s Next?’ The second edition of my first book is now available for download. In the second edition, you will find out what happens after your case, how to remove mugshots, and what to do if you were the one arrested. If you want a physical copy, please contact our office today. ‘What You Must Know About Your DUI Case Before You Do Anything’ Being convicted of a DUI charge can drastically change your life. Learn what goes into a DUI case and what your first step should be.
Sauce •
Noodles •
2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp tamari
6 oz thin rice noodles
• • • • • •
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced 3/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• •
2 tbsp maple syrup
12 whole snow peas
•
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp tamari
2 tsp curry powder
Directions
1. Make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside. 2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. 3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Add snow peas, tamari, and curry powder to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside. 6. Add remaining sesame oil, cooked rice noodles, and sauce to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute, tossing frequently with tongs. 7. Add vegetables back into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Head over to MatthewKoneckyPA.com today for your FREE downloads!
3
WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM
561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 WWW.MATTHEWKONECKYPA.COM 4440 PGA Blvd., Suite 402 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1 Behind Every Great Attorney Is a Great Team 2 Life Hacks to Transform Your Kitchen A Message From the Faithful 3 State Expands Obstacles to Justice for Personal Injury Victims Vegan Singapore Noodles 4 Discover the World of Birds
EYES TO THE SKY A Family Guide to Birdwatching
The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special.
a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species. At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point out birds they see or hear instead of relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear.
We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be
Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
4
PUBLISHED BY NEWSLETTER PRO • WWW.NEWSLETTERPRO.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator