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MAY 2024
Artistry in Argument and Strategy Creativity Sneaks Into Law More Often Than You Think!
May 30 marks National Creativity Day, a celebration that, for someone like me who lacks any traditional artistic ability, might seem a little out of reach. In fact, I even brainstormed about what I could possibly contribute to an article about creativity. In the course of brainstorming, I realized something pretty obvious that eluded me on a surface level: Creativity isn’t confined to the world of art, music, or tech. Whether you realize it or not, everyone has the ability to be creative. People utilize creativity every single day, whether it’s at work or negotiating with their children over things like incentivizing them to get good grades. Creativity is present in many different facets of our law firm. For the work we perform for our clients, it’s the backbone of how we approach client solutions. To attract new clients, we rely on our creativity to craft unique marketing strategies. Internally, I must be creative to keep staff engagement levels high. The truth is that I might have found myself in the bustling world of marketing if I weren’t a lawyer. When I think of creative advertising and marketing, I always think about Super Bowl TV ads and how much thought and money goes into those strategies to drive home a message. The allure of crafting messages, strategizing ad placements, and thinking about target audiences has always fascinated me. This fascination with marketing dynamics extends into my role as a law firm owner. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, lawyers began advertising, opening a whole new dimension of creativity within the legal industry. I’ve always been intrigued by how to make our marketing stand out, how to illustrate what makes our firm different, and how to convey that effectively to potential clients and hires.
When it comes to recruitment, for instance, crafting a job ad for a new marketing specialist became an exercise in creativity. The challenge? Creating an ad that captures the attention of the type of person we want to attract to our firm. This task required thinking outside the conventional job advertisement box, engaging potential candidates with a message that stands out in today’s fast- paced, short-attention-span world. The most creative endeavor I undertook last year involved the recruitment of established lawyers via “cold outreach” on social media when traditional headhunting methods failed. Specifically, the strategy involved directly messaging lawyers whom I’d never personally met to sell them on why they should leave their current jobs to work with me. To say my strategy teetered on the fine line between persistence and desperation was an understatement. I spent at least an hour crafting several versions of messages I would ultimately send to lawyers via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Some will read this and think the strategy was too forward and desperate. I agree. I was desperate … desperate to provide our clients with the very best lawyers in Memphis and forward enough to make it happen. Utilizing this exact strategy with creative messaging that combined authentic flattery with genuine opportunity, I landed three outstanding lawyers in six months who have all exceeded my expectations. For those keeping score at home, not one person turned down a lunch, call, or meeting with me, either. Not too shabby! Creativity at our firm isn’t just about marketing and recruitment. It plays a vital role in how we approach legal arguments, strategize cases, and find innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. It’s about looking at the facts and the law and finding
a creative angle that positions our clients in the best possible light to achieve their desired results.
Creativity doesn’t have to manifest as a masterpiece painting or a symphony. It’s about seeing the world a little differently, finding new solutions to old problems, and believing in the power of a fresh perspective. Whether it’s figuring out how to keep the peace on a long car ride with kids, negotiating an estate plan, or crafting a legal argument, creativity is at the heart of problem-solving. So, this National Creativity Day, let’s broaden our understanding of what it means to be creative. Let’s celebrate the countless ways creativity manifests in our daily lives and professions. After all, we all have the potential to be creative geniuses in our own right, finding new angles and solutions that move us forward. The next time you’re about to say you have no creative bone in your body, I want you to stop and think twice!
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SAFEGUARD YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
WITH THESE 3 SIMPLE PRACTICES
The brain is like a command center for our bodies; it processes everything, from memories to emotions. Our happiness, cleverness, and general well- being require us to take good care of that gray
matter. If we give it what it needs, it will serve us well. Here are a few tips anyone can incorporate into their routine to give their brain some TLC. KEEP THE PHONE OUT OF BED. When you transition from asleep to awake in the morning, your brain waves steadily transition from alpha to theta to beta. So, don’t reach for your phone when you open your eyes first thing. Doing so interrupts your brain’s essential waking process, resulting in a slew of adverse effects throughout the day, including making it harder for you to think creatively, among other things. STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK. We’re our own worst critics. Doubting and discouraging ourselves is easy, but pushing away negative self-talk is imperative. It leads to stress and overwhelming perfectionism while harming relationships. It undermines positive self-esteem,
confidence, and body image. The cyclical nature of negative self-talk makes it hard to get rid of, often requiring therapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard and effective treatment. AVOID ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS. Ultra-processed foods aren’t just bad for your heart; they also harm your brain. Hot dogs, sugary sodas, and TV dinners — just a few culprits — harm emotional and cognitive health. One study found that people who eat these things are more likely to have depression and anxiety. Another study correlated high ultra- processed food consumption with an intelligence decline, especially with aging. It’s unclear why ultra-processed foods are so bad for brains, but the leading theory connects it to gut health. Regardless, abstaining from or reducing your intake of these foods is vital to protecting your mental and physical health.
Prepare for the Unpredictable HOW YOU CAN AVOID THESE COMMON ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKES
A single oversight in your estate plan can significantly impact the future of your assets and the well-being of your loved ones. We’ve encountered a wide range of common mistakes that can undermine even the most well-intentioned plans. Here are some top estate planning errors to avoid. PROCRASTINATION: THE ENEMY OF PLANNING Perhaps the most common issue is the simple act of procrastination. Many people delay estate planning, assuming it’s something to address “later.” However, life is unpredictable, and delaying the creation of an estate plan can leave your assets and your family’s future uncertain. Starting early lets you make informed decisions and provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order. THE SAFE THAT BECAME A TIME CAPSULE Another common mistake is treating an estate plan as a “set it and forget it” affair. Some people meticulously draft their estate plans, only to lock them away in a safe and never review them again. Estate plans should evolve with your life circumstances.
Major life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, or significant financial changes require a review and possible update of your estate plan to reflect your current wishes and situation. OVERLOOKING DIGITAL ASSETS We live in a whole new era of digital currency and assets, so it’s crucial to understand and incorporate digital assets into your estate plan. These assets hold monetary value and contain sentimental content, such as photos and emails, which your loved ones may want to access. Without clear directives, these assets could be lost forever or become inaccessible due to privacy laws. Incorporating digital assets into your estate plan, with detailed instructions for their management, ensures that your digital legacy is preserved and passed on according to your wishes. NOT PLANNING FOR DISABILITY Life’s unpredictability requires a plan for potential disability. Disability planning is essential to a comprehensive estate plan, addressing what happens if you cannot make decisions due to illness or injury. Without a plan, your family may face
lengthy and costly court proceedings to obtain the right to make decisions on your behalf.
Estate planning is a vital process that shouldn’t be delayed or underestimated. If you avoid these common mistakes and seek professional guidance, you can create a comprehensive plan that secures your legacy and provides for your loved ones in the best way possible. If you need assistance creating your estate plan, please call us at 901-388-5805 to schedule a strategy session with one of our experienced estate planning lawyers.
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Probate Court Demystified A Step-by-Step Guide Through Court Proceedings Probate court can be a daunting process for many, especially during a time of loss. Knowing what to expect in probate court can significantly ease the burden. We want to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients, and we start that process by outlining what to expect. WHAT IS PROBATE COURT? Probate Court is the court where a Decedent’s estate is administered, and everything is overseen by the presiding Judge. Probate administration involves authenticating a Decedent’s Will, appointing an Executor or Administrator of the Estate, identifying and collecting a Decedent’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate assets to rightful beneficiaries or heirs. While the specifics can vary based on the existence of a valid will and the laws of the state, here’s a general outline of what one can anticipate in the probate process: 1. Appointment of an Executor or Administrator: If the Decedent left a valid Will, the Will likely named an Executor responsible for overseeing the probate process. If the Decedent died without a Will, the Court will appoint an Administrator of the Estate to oversee the probate process. 2. Validation of the Will: An initial and critical step in probate is proving that the Decedent’s Will is valid. This process requires a hearing where the Court examines the Decedent’s Will to ensure the document meets all legal requirements and is valid. 3. Inventory of the Estate: The Executor or Administrator must often compile a detailed inventory of the Decedent’s assets. This inventory includes everything from bank accounts to personal belongings like vehicles and household furnishings. 4. Payment of Debts and Taxes: The Estate may be responsible for payment of outstanding debts, including taxes, before distributing assets to the heirs. 5. Distribution of Assets: Finally, after debts and taxes are settled, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in the Will or the heirs at law if the deceased individual had no Will. The duration of the probate administration can vary, typically ranging from a few months to a year or more, depending on the estate’s complexity and the specific probate laws in your state.
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
Inspired by StarTribune.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 lb flank steak • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
For sauce: • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp lime juice • 1–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp fish sauce
DIRECTIONS 1. Freeze flank steak for 30 minutes. Cut crosswise, against the grain, into thin slices. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 8 hours. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 4. Thread the marinated meat onto 12 long skewers. Grill until beef is medium rare, 1–2 minutes per side. 5. Transfer satay to a platter and serve with peanut sauce. INSPIRATION “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” —Hal Borland
Navigating Probate Court can be complex, but understanding these basic steps helps demystify the process. Working with an experienced probate attorney can provide valuable guidance and support, ensuring your loved one’s estate is handled efficiently and respectfully and honoring their legacy while protecting the interests of their heirs. If you need legal guidance regarding your loved one’s estate, call our team at 901-388-5805 to schedule a consultation today.
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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Advertising Material
1 A Lawyer’s Perspective on Creativity Beyond the Arts 2 Essential Steps to Ensure Your Mental Well-Being Top Mistakes That Could Derail Your Estate Plan 3 The Probate Court Process Unveiled Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce 4 Food History Facts That Will Amaze You Inside This Issue
4 Fascinating Historical Food Facts SEPARATING FACT FROM MYTH
Food is central to every culture and there are so many interesting food facts.
NO. 1: DOUBLE-DIP FAUX PAS The nobility of the Ottoman Empire ate primarily with their hands. Double dipping and lip-smacking were frowned upon, and eating more than one bite of a dish was rude. NO. 2: LOST CONDIMENT The Romans left behind a vibrant legacy. But one thing that hasn’t stood the test of time is garum. They poured this condiment made from fermented fish on almost everything they ate. NO. 3: HOT BEVERAGE FAIL In the 1960s, an unsuccessful marketing campaign tried to push hot Dr. Pepper. It was meant to be served warm with lemon. NO. 4: ROAMING RAMEN Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, but it actually originated in China. It became popular in Japan after World War II. Once instant ramen was invented, the noodle soup became associated with Japan worldwide.
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