Take a look at our January newsletter!
For The Ambitious Advocate BRIEF RECESS
JANUARY 2025
FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF J. PRICE MCNAMARA
Grow Beyond the Status Quo Strategies for Q1 Success
My New Year’s Challenge to You That said, I’d like to challenge anyone reading this article. Even if things at your firm are comfortable and going well enough, take the time to pause, assess your business structure, and commit to making improvements that will help you grow beyond that “good enough” feeling. Carve out time to grab a pen and paper and mind dump a dozen improvement projects you’d like to complete in your law practice. Prioritize them and dedicate yourself to completing at least the first three by the end of Q1. Announce your top three Q1 improvement projects to your team (and, for added accountability, your significant other). Define what “finished” looks like for each project, and list the stepping stones needed to finish each one. Decide which stepping stones you will handle, and block out sufficient calendar time to accomplish them. Delegate the remaining tasks to others, and provide them with hard deadlines. You may add to your improvement projects page during Q1, but prioritize your following three improvement projects for Q2, and so on. By following this strategy, you’ll be amazed at what you accomplish by year’s end. Of course, all the extra work on your practice will make working in your practice more organized and efficient — and less stressful and better overall. Taking productive action on projects that will better your future feels great and will set you on the right course for a more fruitful year. By breaking down your goals into quarterly segments, you will also avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process and make steady progress toward the finish line by taking steady steps instead of making giant leaps that may take you off course. I hope this plan helps you elevate your practice from “good enough” to “the very best” over the next 12 months. If following this method helps you reorganize and reenergize your practice, please let me know! The more efficient we become, the better we can provide value to those who depend on us.
Welcome to 2025! I trust you had a chance to enjoy a peaceful end to last year and are ready to hit the ground running as January begins. In November and December, many firms slow down in serving existing clients and bringing on new ones. I don’t mind that change of pace, as it makes me feel more relaxed and puts me in a positive mood to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. I hope the recent holidays gave you that same opportunity.
Of course, slowing down at the end of the year doesn’t necessarily mean being less productive. Although holiday gatherings and celebrations — and the hustle and bustle that typically surrounds them — can fill our calendars pretty quickly, having a lighter schedule at work gives me time to reflect on my professional plans and goals. I use the time to examine and implement improvements to my firm from the ground up — everything from marketing strategies to ways to streamline our in-house processes — to provide a better and more efficient client experience. To be honest, it’s common for many firms, including mine, to push off these critical things during the year due to our daily demands. My days often entail managing cases, litigation, and court deadlines, but that doesn’t mean simple things that could strengthen my services should go by the wayside.
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Benefits of a Home Media S CLEAR THE CLI CALM THE MIN Your attention is a precious and limited commodity. If you don’t intentionally decide where to direct it, someone or something else will. Where do you spend your attention in ways that give you nothing in return or — even worse — deplete you? One thing I’ve done is eliminate my addiction to the news, as it was starting to drain my mental bandwidth. I’d say I’ve freed up two hours of my day that I had previously spent reading politically focused emails or listening to talking heads rehash the same arguments. I also made it a point to step away from social media. Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! I continue to keep myself informed about what’s happening in the world, but I can usually do that with just the few minutes I spend on news apps. I know where I stand politically, so why subject myself to the constant screaming in the media? The hour I used to spend each morning listening to that noise before work has been replaced with music and more quality time with my wife — free from the anxiety-inducing talk in the background. My decision to cast these things aside has been life-changing.
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. MEET THE BOXER WHO CHANGES LIVES THE SILENT HEALER
After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane
Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort.
“Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.”
Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment.
“I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
ERISA is all we do!
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Shutdown ICKS, ND
A QUICK GUIDE FOR GOAL-GETTERS Never Neglect the New You Ready to kick off the new year with a long list of ways to improve your health? Already a few days into a new diet that is sure to solve all your weight problems? Can’t wait to return to the gym tomorrow and make full use of that new membership? Congratulations — you’re likely going to fail! While we don’t want to rain too heavily on your parade, there’s a very strong chance your New Year’s resolutions are doomed to fall by the wayside. According to Time magazine, 92% of people fail to maintain their resolutions for an entire year. While most people launch their self-improvement plans with vigor, their expectations eventually fall by the wayside as personal and professional obligations, impatience, and disappointment over a lack of immediate results lead them to throw in the towel. If you’re determined to stay among the 8% of the population who do fulfill their Jan. 1 promises, here are some tips to help you reach the December finish line.
These changes can take some time to get used to, but they are possible. If you want to lessen your exposure to media (and the stress it brings), setting specific times during the day when you don’t use your phone or personal computer is a great first step. For example, you can turn off your screens during meals or at least an hour before bed. To help reach this goal, you can disable your social media or app notifications that distract you throughout the day. Additionally, you can schedule personal time (face-to-face or via video chat) with people you typically communicate with over social media. Although current technologies are convenient, a “like” isn’t a conversation. Connecting with someone for a true exchange is always better than scrolling through their posts. When you stop spending your time on bad media habits, you can redirect it toward enriching the areas of your life that you’ve been neglecting. Decide what truly merits your attention in 2025 and ditch the rest!
Citrus Olive Oil Cake Inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com
66 Reasons to Rise If you’re already feeling your resolutions slipping away just a few days into the new year, take a Post-it note, write down “66,” and stick it to your bathroom mirror. Why 66? Because that’s the number of days
Ingredients • 1 cup almond flour • 3/4 cup sugar • 2/3 cup medium- grind cornmeal • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 3 eggs • 3/4 cup extra- virgin olive oil • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp almond extract • Zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 tbsp juice • Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 tbsp juice • Powdered sugar, optional
Directions 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides with cooking spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until combined. 3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon and orange zest and juice. Combine the wet ingredients with dry ingredients. 4. Pour batter into the springform pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes. 5. Run a knife gently around the
researchers believe it takes for us to form a habit. Lasting change rarely comes through instant gratification, so make a plan to devote roughly 10 weeks to working on your new goals to give your mind and body a chance to catch up. Solutions to Sky-High Struggles Enthusiasm is one of our greatest strengths in life, but it can also lead us straight to a brick wall if we’re not careful. If getting more exercise is at the top of your list for 2025, be sure to create a regimen that won’t overwhelm or exhaust you. If stress is a common factor in your daily life, consider meditating for a few minutes every day to help clear your mind. Additionally, don’t forget to schedule a few “cheat” or rest days along the way, as they will allow you to take a break from the rigors of your new routine before returning to it recharged.
edges of the cake, then remove the sides of the pan. If desired, dust cake with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
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ERISA INSURANCE J. PRICE MCNAMARA Claim Attorney
10455 Jefferson Hwy. Suite 130 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 201-8311 WinMyBenefits.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Organize and Revitalize
A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey
Spending Too Much Time on Social Media?
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Citrus Olive Oil Cake
Beat the Resolution Blues
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The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. What do you love? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. Plan it. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. THE HAPPINESS HACK Why Small Plans Can Make a Big Difference
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
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