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JUNE/JULY 2025
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Atticus Finch to Vinny Gambini The Greatest Legal Movies That Took Home Oscar Gold
Some of the best stories ever told unfold in a courtroom. Something about the high stakes, the moral dilemmas, and the battle of wits make legal dramas some of the most gripping films in Hollywood. I can’t help but appreciate the way some movies capture the tension, strategy, and emotional weight of the law. While many courtroom films have captivated audiences, only a handful have claimed an Oscar. These legal dramas entertained viewers and left a lasting mark on the industry, audiences, and, in some cases, on how we think about justice. Few legal films carry the weight of “ To Kill a Mockingbird ” or have inspired as many lawyers practicing in the field today. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch remains the gold standard for what a
lawyer should be: principled, fearless, and determined to do what’s right. His performance won him an Oscar for Best Actor, and the film also picked up awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. It’s a movie law schools still reference today, not just for its legal themes but for its powerful message about integrity and justice. On the other end of the legal spectrum, we have “ Kramer vs. Kramer .” Unlike most courtroom dramas, this one isn’t about crime or corruption. It’s about something just as devastating: a custody battle. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep delivered gut-wrenching performances that earned them both Oscars, and the film itself took home Best Picture. It’s an emotional roller coaster that reminds us that not all legal fights are about winning. Some are about figuring out what’s best for the people involved, especially when children are caught in the middle.
unbeatable acting. Spencer Tracy delivers a powerful performance as the presiding judge, but it was Maximilian Schell who walked away with the Oscar for his role as a defense attorney, defending an impossible case. Of course, not all great legal movies have to be heavy. “ My Cousin Vinny ” proves that courtroom dramas can be downright hilarious and still get the law right. Marisa Tomei stole the show (and won Best Supporting Actress) as Mona Lisa Vito, an unlikely expert witness with a Brooklyn accent and a photographic memory. The film is packed with laughs, but lawyers love it because (believe it or not) it’s actually one of the most legally accurate courtroom movies out there. And then we have “ 12 Angry Men ,” the best legal movie to never win an Oscar. Following 12 jurors in a room debating the fate of a young defendant, this classic is a masterclass in argument, persuasion, and the power of reasonable doubt. For anyone who loves the intellectual side of the law, it’s a must-watch. These stories remind us why the law matters. Some reveal its flaws, others celebrate its triumphs, and a few do both. Whether they bring us into the tension of a courtroom, the heartbreak of a custody battle, or the weight of history itself, they all remind us of one thing: Justice is never simple, but it’s always worth fighting for.
Legal battles don’t get much more
intense than those in “ Judgment at Nuremberg .” A film about the prosecution of Nazi war criminals
could have been just another history
lesson, but this movie turns it into a gripping courtroom showdown with
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CANARY IN THE COAL MINE? THE HIDDEN HEALTH RISKS OF BURNOUT
Does your job or housework leave you feeling burnt out? If so, you aren’t alone.
The symptoms of burnout can serve as the canary in the coal mine — an early warning that overload, overwork, or stress may be on the verge of harming your health. Consider an extended break from work to ease the strain.
Burnout is a common affliction in our technological age. An estimated 48% of employees and 53% of managers claim they’re burned out, according to a 2022 Microsoft survey of 20,000 workers, and stress levels have worsened since then. Career-driven people, overworked employees, and working people from all walks of life can experience alienation, extreme exhaustion, loss of meaning, and reduced performance, all hallmarks of burnout. The term was coined in the 1970s to denote the exhaustion often experienced by people in the helping professions. Burnout is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, the professionals’ guide to diagnostic standards. However, the World Health Organization recognizes it as a factor in people’s health. Some doctors use the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a scale measuring a person’s level of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy, to diagnose burnout. Items include, “I feel emotionally drained by my work.”
If your ennui deepens into low self-esteem, guilt, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, a vacation or long weekend isn’t likely to help. Clinical depression or anxiety requires different treatment by a
therapist or mental health professional.
The bottom line: If you’re feeling burned out, it’s time to put on the brakes, check out for a while, and tune in more closely to your overall well-being!
Stress-Smart Strategies Naturally, hectic schedules often lead to stress — not just for adults. In addition to providing children with all-important personal time with their parents and siblings, regular family activities can help parents better determine whether their kids feel undue pressure in any area of their lives. Although positive stress can help a young person rise to challenges — for example, studying for a big test or meeting the deadline for an important assignment — too much stress can hinder a child’s coping skills and lead to anxiety and depression or physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pains. Setting consistent daily routines — the same bedtime each night, for example, or regularly scheduling family time everyone looks forward to — will go a long way in helping them feel more in control of their days and encourage better communication with other family members. Life is more than checking off items on our schedules. Any family can create a system that helps everyone feel happier and healthier in even the busiest times with only minor adjustments. SMART SCHEDULING FOR BETTER HEALTH Family Flexibility
Fulfilling life’s many demands should never come at the expense of your family’s health. If your household’s daily grind consists of juggling multiple schedules and commitments with little room for relaxation, you’re not alone. Here are two ideas to help your family slow things down and better ensure everyone’s physical and mental well-being stays positive as the hours fly by. A Schedule Overhaul When work commitments, paying bills, coordinating transportation for your children’s extracurricular activities, and other daily obligations lead to hurried and scattered interactions among family members, the American Heart Association recommends creating a new way forward. First, look closely at everyone’s daily schedules over a week to see where gaps may exist and which activities could be scaled back to allow for more time spent together. You can start by choosing two 30-minute slots during the week and two hour- long slots on weekends to get everyone in one place. The goal is to have distraction-free time with your loved ones, so put away your computers and cell phones during these special moments.
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WATER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY MAKE A SPLASH!
Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations.
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
423-267-6715 | HoustonAlexander.com 3 enabled the infraction to be reduced. We are so grateful!” –Keri “We’re so thankful to have worked with Johnny recently. He and his office were responsive and always kept us informed. His office has an easy-to-use portal that provides full transparency every step of the way. Our situation on paper seemed almost impossible, but Johnny identified a defect that What Our Clients Are Saying Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more
opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
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HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC
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FATHER GEMINI
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Oscar-Winning Legal Dramas That Stand the Test of Time PAGE 1
How Burnout Can Signal Depression
PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
A Streamlined Focus on Family Flow
New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
Take a Break
Testimonial
Meet Procrastination’s Worst Enemy
Procrastination Got You Down? The Zeigarnik Effect Could Be the Key to Your Success
Take a moment to reflect on your high school years. Were you the student who completed all your assignments well before the deadline? Or were you the student waiting until the last second to get started? Maybe you thought you could still do it in time with a passing grade, or perhaps you didn’t know where to begin. Regardless of the reason, you procrastinated. Many people associate procrastination with schoolwork, but you can procrastinate about work, household chores, and even fun experiences like vacation planning. Those who struggle with procrastination have likely tried countless strategies to improve their efforts, from adjusting their environment to utilizing time management applications.
However, we often overlook one strategy that’s been around for over a century. The next time you procrastinate, try using the Zeigarnik Effect to your advantage. The Zeigarnik Effect is a phenomenon wherein people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Here’s how it works: When you have tasks you need to do, don’t commit to finishing them in a day or assigning yourself a deadline. Instead, commit to doing them for five minutes. Once those five minutes have passed, you can step away from the task. However, oftentimes, you continue working because you’ve found your flow and don’t want to leave it unfinished.
breaking them down into smaller steps. Each time you accomplish one of the smaller tasks, you gain motivation to continue your project. If you need to step away from your desk for more than a few minutes, write down the unfinished task. Doing so will keep it at the top of your mind, ensuring you return later to finish. This strategy shifts your mindset and increases productivity while avoiding the stress of starting something new. Unfortunately, procrastination can be a roadblock to a happier, more fulfilling life. So, if other strategies have failed you previously, try the Zeigarnik Effect!
If you continue to leave your tasks unfinished after starting them, try
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