Medlin Law Firm March 2019

Medlin Law Firm March 2019

The Medl in News

MARCH 2019

a split between male and female law students, her talent and intelligence shone through. I was lucky enough to call her a friend and was even in her wedding! When she announced her run for the DA position, I could think of no better person for the job. It may sound strange for a defense attorney to talk up a DA — after all, proving her prosecutor’s side of the story wrong is part of my job. But at

A LOCAL HERO

This month, our nation celebrates the innumerable accomplishments, contributions, and innovations made by women throughout history. From pioneers like Sandra Day O’Connor to every brave soul that dared to march for the right to vote, women have helped shape this nation and its laws. They did this despite — or often in spite of — discrimination, inequality, and outright hostility. That’s why this Women’s HistoryMonth, I’d like to recognize someone who’s helped move the needle one step closer to gender equality here in our own community: Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson. Who I’m Celebrating This Women’s History Month

the end of the day, defenders and prosecutors are both there to ensure the letter of the law is upheld. This perspective means that in many cases, there’s plenty of room for the two to work together to do a lot of good. In a past edition of this newsletter, we mentioned how a long- time client of mine was finally released from prison after a wrongful conviction in 1999. This release simply would not have been possible without DA Wilson’s initiative to investigate wrongful convictions and ensure that innocent people weren’t serving time. In a world of conviction-happy prosecutors, it is refreshing that Wilson takes the full scope of her job into account. Watching my client walk free, I knew our DA was truly committed to the constitution. So, as we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women this month, let’s remember to not only celebrate well- known historical figures, but also members of our own community. Sharen Wilson has made an incredibly positive impact on this county far beyond the

SO, AS WE RECOGNIZE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN THIS MONTH, LET’S REMEMBER TO NOT ONLY CELEBRATE WELL-KNOWN HISTORICAL FIGURES, BUT ALSO MEMBERS OF OUR OWN COMMUNITY.

In 2014, Wilson became the first woman to ever be elected DA in Tarrant County. While it’s unfortunate that it took so long for this important milestone to be reached, Wilson has more than proved the naysayers wrong. Having begun her second term in office, it’s clear that she’s more than capable of meeting the demands of the position. Of course, I’m not surprised. Wilson and I met back in law school, and even then I could tell she was destined for great things. At a time when there wasn’t as even

accomplishment of being the first woman to hold the office. Her integrity, intelligence, and dedication should be an inspiration to anyone who aspires to work in the law.

– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.

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GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DIGITAL HOME ASSISTANT

What you can do, however, is make use of what you already have. Here are some ways to put your digital assistants to work without committing to a connected home. Both the Echo and the Home make excellent communication hubs. In the home, they can be used as a local intercom system. Do you have a few Echo Dots or Google Home Minis? If you do, you’re set. You can communicate in any room where another device is present. Your digital assistant can also make outgoing calls. As long as the device has access to your contacts (or the person you’re trying to contact has an Echo or Home), you can easily make the connection. Want to send a text message? No problem! You can dictate a text to anyone in your smartphone’s contact list and send it without ever touching your phone. Aside from communications, the assistants can handle calendars, appointments, emails, and more. You can ask for information relevant to you, like “When is my flight again?” Google Home can recognize your voice, or the voice of anyone in the house, and respond accordingly. There’s no worry that anyone’s calendar or appointments will be mixed up with yours.

More and more people are welcoming in the Amazon Echo or the Google Home into their spaces. Everyone knows they make great Bluetooth speakers and can tell you the weather forecast, but they’re also capable of so much more. Digital assistants can do a variety of tasks depending on how much you want them to do for you. For example, if you want your digital assistant to be heavily involved in your daily life, you can use the Echo or the Home as the core of your “connected home.” You can connect numerous compatible devices to these assistants, including other Bluetooth or networked speakers, lights, thermostats, coffee makers, refrigerators, and even microwaves. Of course, therein lies the challenge — you must have compatible devices to make a connected home efficient. And let’s be honest: Many of us aren’t going to buy a connected fridge or Wi-Fi enabled lightbulbs just to get the most out of our digital assistants. At the Medlin Law Firm, we believe in results. From the beginning, we’ve strived to be the absolute best at what we do, providing the clients we represent with both legal expertise and compassion for their circumstances. With the recent publication of Fort Worth Inc.’s list of the fastest growing companies in 2018, we can say conclusively that our hearts really were in the right place. Out of the 30 fastest growing businesses in the Fort Worth area, ranging from tech to healthcare industries, our firm placed 11th in growth over a 3-year period. This is a huge honor that simply would not be possible without the trust our clients have placed in us over the years. To all those we’ve represented, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We know you have plenty of law firms to choose from when looking for a criminal defense or personal injury representative. Whether you came to us for legal aid or recommended us to a friend, the confidence so many of you have placed in us speaks volumes. As we continue to grow in the coming years, we will remain committed to the client-first approach that led you to us in the first place.

If you want to learn more, search for tutorials online. We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to what these digital assistants can do for you.

We’re One of the Top Growing Companies in Fort Worth! MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT:

If this recognition from Fort Worth Inc. has taught us anything, it’s how right we were to forgo gimmicks and simply focus on great legal representation. With a combined 56 years of experience between our team of lawyers and a finely honed focus on the areas of the law we know best, we’ve not just succeeded as a firm, we’ve thrived. To understand how thrilled this news makes us, consider what a larger Medlin Firm means to our future clients. Behind every metric Forth Worth Inc. magazine used to determine our standing, there’s a real person we helped out of a tough situation. Families effected by a car accident, loved ones facing felony charges, folks hoping to expunge their criminal mistakes and get a fresh start on life — helping these people is what we do. With the growth we’ve had, we can take on more cases with greater efficiency and give more Texans access to quality legal representation. Thank you all for being part of this journey with us.

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RISKS OF THE ROAD

3 Things Motorcyclists Need to be Aware Of

The wind in your face, the freedom of the open road, the thrill of the pavement rushing beneath your feet — these are just a few reasons why people become motorcyclists, but this liberty isn’t risk-free. Motorcyclists are far more likely to be seriously injured under circumstances that would be minor fender benders for drivers in cars. That’s why it’s important for riders to be aware of the options available to them following a crash. The Danger of Drivers One of the most dangerous elements motorcyclists face are the people they share the road with. Sadly, many catastrophic motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers making left turns or lane changes. Motorcycles are harder to spot than other vehicles, meaning an inattentive driver can do serious harm. While you cannot correct the negligence of such individuals, you can hold them and their insurance companies accountable for any harm they may have caused by filing a personal injury claim. The Severity of Injuries Motorcyclists don’t have the luxury of seat belts or airbags. In a crash, nothing stands between them and the road or the other vehicle. Thus, riders often face far more severe consequences from crashes, including permanent disabilities and chronic ailments. These are the kinds of injuries that can impact you

personally and financially for the rest of your life. Who should bear the cost for this pain: you or the driver that failed to watch for motorcyclists?

The Importance of a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Navigating a personal injury claim in the wake of a motorcycle accident can add an extra layer of complexity in an emotional time. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, like the ones on our team here at the Medlin Law Firm, can walk you through this process, help you better understand it, and present your case. Our founder, Gary Medlin, suffered an injury in law school that left him with chronic pain to this day. He knows and understands just how debilitating such wounds can be. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to speak with an attorney who truly understands what you’re facing, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Beet, Mint, and Ricotta HUMMUS

Brain Buster

Ingredients

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1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

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1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

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•

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1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed

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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

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1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

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1/4 cup ricotta cheese

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1 garlic clove, grated

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Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish

Directions

4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve.

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend

chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth.

Inspired by Food Network

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1300 South University Drive Suite 318 Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-900-6000 http://www.medlinfirm.com/

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1.

A Local Hero

2. Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Digital Home Assistant?

Our Award-Winning Growth

3. 3 Things Motorcyclists Need to Be Aware Of

Beet, Mint, and Ricotta Hummus

4. How to Make Your Sailing Dreams Come True

SET SAIL FOR VACATION If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation.

charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option. Do a Full Charter Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.

Start Small For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach-launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60-foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply. Take a Day Sail Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat

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