Law Office Daniel J Miller - March 2020

Law Office Daniel J Miller - March 2020

INYOUR DEFENSE

MARCH 2020

757.517.2942 | LegalDefense.com

A Boss Is Only as Good

AS HIS WORST EMPLOYEE

When you run a business, office, practice, or firm, you’re only as good as your worst employee. That’s why I make it my mission to surround myself with A+ employees, and I can definitively say that I’ve succeeded in that mission. March 6 is Employee Appreciation Day, and my hardworking and dedicated staff are definitely worth appreciating. Because of their focus on the day-to-day operations of the firm, I can focus more on our overarching mission: to help our clients get the justice they deserve. When I started my law firm 20 years ago, I only had one employee, a secretary who handled the paperwork while I did all the heavy lifting. It was exhausting. Even though I wanted to get to a place where I could provide the best possible service for my clients, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I was micromanaging everything and worrying more about deadlines and paperwork than I was about my clients’ cases. Something had to change. I needed help.

clients, and the burden those deadlines and paperwork put on me began to get lighter. I began to really recognize the value quality employees bring to a law firm. Working at a law firm is stressful, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. For all the quality people I’ve had the pleasure of hiring over the years, I’ve also had to let a lot of people go within their first 30 days at the firm. Just getting more people to work at my firm wasn’t enough — I had to find people who could grapple with the responsibility of helping people during some of the worst moments of their lives. Over time, I found that the best way to draw in top talent was to treat your employees well and reward them for their hard work. I am lenient when it comes to vacation time and I pay my staff well. Beyond just paying employees well and giving them benefits, I also respect my staff. I don’t look over their shoulder to make sure they’re getting their

work done; I trust they’ll get it done. I want to foster a working environment characterized by mutual trust. That’s how I’ve ensured only the best, most dedicated individuals have been hired. At this point, most of the people who work at the office have been with me for years. They’ve proven they can handle the stress and the responsibility of legal work better than anyone, and I’m incredibly thankful for all they do. Our law office has become a well- oiled ship, and I have the people I work with to thank for that.

“Our law office has become a well-oiled ship, and I have the people I work with to thank for that.”

– Daniel J. Miller

I started hiring more people to take care of anything keeping me from helping my

757.517.2942 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

CHECK OUT THE LATEST EVENTS IN VIRGINIA BEACH! I n a S eason of R enewal

On March 8, 1971, all eyes were on the world of boxing as people watched what would become known as “The Fight of the Century.” It was one of the most anticipated matchups the sport had ever arranged: Current heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali were finally facing off, the first time two undefeated boxers would fight each other for the heavyweight title. Spectators were hungry for a battle. Both fighters held rightful claims to the title of world heavyweight champion. Ali won it in 1964 and successfully defended it for several years, but he was stripped of the title during a legal battle over his induction into the U.S. armed forces. In his absence from the sport, Frazier earned two championship belts through major knockout fights. But when Ali settled his court case and came to reclaim his title, Frazier wasn’t ready to give it up easily. Ringside seats for the fight sold for today’s equivalent of over $1,000. Millions watched the broadcast in over 50 countries around the world, and Madison Square Garden sold out to a crowd of 20,455 spectators. The fighters possessed polar opposite tactics, backgrounds, and social impacts, but when it came to skill, they were evenly matched. The fight captivated the nation. As Sports The sun has started peeking through the winter clouds. New growth is showing on the trees and creeping up through the dirt. The worst of winter is behind us, and spring is almost here. Spring is a season of renewal, and one way to take part in that renewal yourself is to check out some of the diverse local events Virginia Beach has to offer. You might discover a new passion, or at least make some new friends, if you check out what’s happening around town this month. MARQUIS HILL AT THE ATTUCKS JAZZ CLUB When: March 7, 8:00 p.m. Where: Attucks Jazz Club, 1010 Church St., Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: $15–$20 Marquis Hill is at the forefront of the jazz scene today, pushing the boundaries and definitions of the genre. Within his unique style of playing the trumpet, you can hear hip hop, R&B, and neo soul influences mingling with classical jazz, making for a listening experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or a novice to the genre, this is a performance you don’t want to miss. 2020 RESCUE SQUAD BENEFIT OYSTER ROAST When: March 8, Time TBD Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Price: TBD HOW A BATTLE OF BOXERS CAPTIVATED THE WORLD T he F ight of the C entury

Every year in March, the VA Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad hosts an oyster roast to help raise money for advanced lifesaving equipment to help our community. If you come out on March 8, you’ll have access to beer, wine, casino tables, live music, and all the oysters you can eat — all while helping a good cause. 2020 SHAMROCK SPORTS AND FITNESS EXPO When: March 20, 12–9 p.m.; March 21, 12–5 p.m. Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center Price: Free Spring is a time to get active outdoors, and there’s no better primer for the season than this expo. Every year, myriad vendors offer the latest in sports equipment, clothing, and shoes to all athletes who come. Kick off the official start of spring by getting some new gear for the active months ahead!

Illustrated put it at the time, “The thrust of this fight on the public consciousness is incalculable. It has been a ceaseless whir that seems to have grown in decibel with each new soliloquy by Ali, with each dead calm promise by Frazier.” The fight exceeded all expectations with a fully engrossing 15 rounds. For the first quarter of the match, it seemed Ali would best his opponent, but Frazier came back with fury. Even though Ali continued to rise to his feet round after round, Frazier emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, dealing Ali his first professional loss ever. The landmark event highlighted an unforgettable night of skillful prowess like the world had never seen. Even though the title fight was only the beginning of the rivalry between the two boxers, the matchup rightfully took its place as one of the greatest fights in the history of the sport.

2 LEGALDEFENSE.COM

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

SUPPORT THE ADA IN RICHMOND

You CanHelp Find a Cure for Diabetes

Nearly 30 million Americans — 1 in every 10 — live with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Another 84 million Americans have prediabetes, which means they are at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes. Taken together, diabetes and prediabetes affect 1 in every 3 Americans. Across the country, diabetes kills more people than AIDS and breast cancer combined. It’s a disease that currently affects 837,000 Virginians. Diabetes is a nationwide epidemic, so unsurprisingly, it probably affects a few of our friends and family members. While advances in diabetes medications and health care have helped people with diabetes live long, healthy, happy lives, the search continues for a cure to eradicate this condition entirely. That’s where the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and by extension, its local office in Richmond, comes into play.

Through efforts of local offices, the ADA helps those living with diabetes know they’re not alone. Across the country, the ADA has offered summer camps for kids with diabetes for the past 70 years. Over 100,000 children attend every year. The ADA also educates kids with Type 2 diabetes through Project Power, a program that facilitates learning and support between kids and their parents. The ADA also prioritizes delivering resources and information to those who need it most, regardless of their demographic. Finally, the ADA’s research foundation supports the discovery of new treatments, and hopefully one day, the discovery of a cure. To raise awareness and funds for their cause, those who want to help are invited to participate in the Tour de Cure in Alexandria, the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Richmond and other events as well. You can also sign up to be a monthly donor or even just send in a one-time gift to the ADA to support their research and programs.

GREENVELVET CHEESECAKE BARS

SUDOKU

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs • 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs • 1 stick butter, melted • 1 oz green food coloring (gel works best)

• 3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened • 2/3 cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • Green sprinkles, optional

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F, and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine crumbs, butter, and food coloring. Press into the baking pan. 3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together.

4. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla. 5. Pour mixture over the packed crumbs. 6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. 7. Let cool completely before adding sprinkles and slicing.

Inspired by AboutAMom.com

757.517.2942 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

4768 Euclid Rd. Suite 104 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757.517.2942 | LegalDefense.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

The Importance of Hiring Quality Workers PAGE 1 Upcoming Events in Virginia Beach Boxing’s Greatest Battle PAGE 2 You Can Help Find a Cure for Diabetes Green Velvet Cheesecake Bars PAGE 3 Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day PAGE 4 INSIDETHIS ISSUE

ONNATIONALMOMANDPOP BUSINESSOWNERSDAY GIVINGBACKTOLOCALCOMPANIES

March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, which is huge for small businesses everywhere. Mom-and-pop businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy; Small Business Trends reports that mom-and-pop businesses account for 64% of gross domestic product (GDP) and generate 78% of all new jobs. Furthermore, no matter what turns the economy takes, small-business owners are less likely to lay off their employees than big corporations. Mom- and-pop businesses support all communities, and you can support them by celebrating this unofficial holiday!

businesses that generate a wealth of jobs and keep the cycle going.

In addition to the economic boost, products from small businesses are usually higher quality, which makes them a better value for your dollar. Take this day to shop for birthday and holiday gifts for your loved ones that will bring them great joy and last a lifetime.

GET SOCIAL AND SPREAD THE WORD!

While small businesses utilize every form of marketing available, social media is essential for their success and growth. After shopping at your favorite mom-and-pop business, share that experience on your social media! When you write a post on Facebook or take a picture for Instagram, be sure to tag the business and use relevant hashtags so your friends, family, and everyone else in your community can shop there too.

Writing reviews on Google Reviews and Yelp helps establish validity for the company. When another potential customer looks for reviews, they know they’re getting quality products and services from a well-established pillar of the community. The local businesses that are active on social media may post deals and sales for that day only, so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to follow all your favorite businesses!

GIVE YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY A BOOST!

Shopping locally has a massive impact on your community. Local businesses return three times the amount of money to the local economy than larger corporations do. With that big of a returned investment, your community can support even more small

4 LEGALDEFENSE.COM

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com