Law Office of Matthew Konecky August 2017

Law Office of Matthew Konecky August 2017

THE KONECKY

AUG 2017

JOURNAL

(561) 671-5995 | 954.272.6187 | www.matthewkoneckypa.com 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 4440 PGA Blvd, Suite 600 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

When I was in law school, I had the opportunity to intern for a high-volume criminal defense firm in Miami. At the time, criminal defense was not an area of law that I had a lot of exposure to. I had learned about many different areas of the law from my dad, who had his own practice back in my hometown of Illinois; but my exposure to criminal defense cases was limited, and I had quite a bit to learn. So, my first day on the job in Miami was completely different from anything I had encountered before. I vividly remember my first assignment, in which I was handed a drug trafficking case that involved a confidential informant who was accused of trafficking cocaine. This case left a lasting impression not only because it was my first in Miami, but because it presented me with some unique constitutional issues, such as entrapment. This case forced me not to judge a situation strictly based on police-reported details, but to really delve into all of the facts. A great deal has changed since that time, and my internship in Miami was not only eye-opening, it was also a formative experience in my legal career. That summer in Miami, I got to meet a variety of people who needed help navigating the legal system. Every person who came into that office had a unique story and background. Today, that sentiment remains the same in my private practice. Every case is different, and each of my clients has their own specific circumstances and needs. I often work with people who have had the cards stacked against them. Many of my clients are dealing with a complicated problem they never saw coming. Their problems are incredibly difficult to handle alone. They are worried and stressed about what might happen next or how their situation will affect their lives and the lives of their loved ones. They come to my firm in search of answers and for someone to help relieve their stress and worry. One of the reasons I got into law was to take on complex challenges and to get favorable results. When I can put my legal expertise to use to help someone find the answers they are looking for — answers they may not have realized were there — I know I have made the right choice.

- Matthew Konecky I’ve learned so much since that first case in Miami, and a lot has changed since that time. But what hasn’t changed is my drive to help people. I am here to be a legal voice that can guide clients through all of the confusion. I get to find the answers to their challenging problems and, most importantly, reassure my clients that they have someone who’s on their side.

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Technology has mastered the art of loose change. For decades, pennies and nickels have littered our couches and car seats — or, in the case of the more organized collector, filled up a five-gallon water jug. CoinStar revolutionized scrounging with an easy-to-use machine that eats your change and spits out cash vouchers in return, for a cut of the treasure. Now that cards are king, a new app has hit the market that puts your virtual “change” to work. Acorns is a micro-investing app that invests your extra cents without you even noticing. The app syncs to your debit card, and whenever you make a purchase, the app will round up to the nearest dollar and put the excess into your own diversified portfolio. If you go grocery shopping and your total comes to $44.26, the app will automatically run your card for $45 and invest the extra 74 cents for you. Most people want to put their money to work but feel like they don’t have any to spare. The purpose of the app is to simplify the process so anyone can do it. It automatically sends your money into a diversified exchange traded fund (or ETF) of over 7,000 stocks and bonds. With a 256-bit encryption, it’s as secure as using a bank, and your money is protected against fraud for up to $500,000. It feels hands-off, but you can also take control of whether your money is invested daily, weekly, monthly, or just one time. You can also withdraw your money at any time for no cost. Additional features include Found Money, in MAKING MORE CENTS This Micro-Investment App Puts Your Spare Change to Work IFYOU HADAGREAT EXPERIENCEWITH OUR FIRMWEWOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROMYOU. HERE’SWHAT SOME OFOUR HAPPYCLIENTS HAD TO SAY. “I completely recommend Mr. Konecky and his staff. He worked hard to help me get the best outcome for my case and treated me with dignity and respect the entire time. He is intelligent, professional, diligent, and honest. I hope I never need another attorney, but if I do, he will definitely be the one I contact first, and I suggest you do the same.” – Brant “Mat Konecky was very helpful in getting the accident fault resolved. I don’t think we would have gotten resolution without his intrusiveness.” – Basil “Matthew and his team are outstanding! I always felt that my needs were met and he got back to me very quickly with the results I was looking for. He is definitely someone you want on your side to help you through. Thank you for always putting your clients first!” – Christine

which select partners of Acorns will automatically invest money back into your account when you spend with them. It’s like getting cash back for purchases, only it’s cash forward. Those companies include Kohl’s, Dollar Shaving Club, Airbnb, and others. The service costs $1 a month, which is chump change. After your account surpasses $5,000, the fee becomes 0.25 percent (at $10,000, that’s $2.50). High numbers like that are the ultimate goal, and they’re attainable. If you accrue $5 every few days, within five years you’ll have invested around $3,000. Imagine how many five-gallon jugs that would fill! You can learn about additional features of Acorns at www.Acorns.com. The app is available in the app store. Download These 2 Books Today ! YOUR LEGALRESOURCE

When it comes to the legal process, you have a lot of questions. Well, I have answers! Right now, I am offering my two resource books for free. “My Loved One Has Been Arrested: What’s Next?” Get questions answered and find insight into the criminal defense process. “What the heck is my Personal Injury case worth? And Why Billboard Advertising is So Deceptive” Learn what goes into a personal injury case and how those attorney billboard ads are designed to mislead. Head over to matthewkoneckypa. com today for your free downloads!

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IS YOUR CASE GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES? The Folly of Settlement Mills

Some law firms treat each client’s case as a unique situation, while others do not. Personal injury settlement mills, for example, tend to power through each case as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next. The term “settlement mills” is used to describe law firms that focus on settling cases rather than taking them to court. Insurance companies love to work with settlement mills because they like quick results, too. It makes their job easier since they treat practically every case the same, even when the circumstances of the case are different. Settlement mills thrive on volume, and, consequently clients may often receive less care and attention. Many important details can slip through the cracks, and the overall work can be sloppy at times. It’s not uncommon for the case work to be solely placed on paralegals employed by the firm. In fact, an attorney may never even read the full details of your case. Another drawback with settlement firms is that clients may receive less compensation than they would otherwise. Once a settlement is complete and the paperwork is signed, the compensation you get is all you will receive. If your injury should worsen, and you have more medical bills or

miss work, you’re out of luck. Plus, the fees associated with settlement mills can be high, leaving clients with little to take home in their pocket. While settlements aren’t always a bad thing, they should be properly discussed and thoroughly evaluated before they’re agreed upon as the best course of action. It’s important to work with an experienced, local personal injury attorney, one who is willing to sit down to discuss all of the aspects of your situation. Remember, you are not a number, and your case deserves your attorney’s complete attention.

MEME CORNER

Cooking with Ashley

Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie

Ingredients •

1 premade graham cracker pie crust 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip

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• 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) • 3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best) Instructions 1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well-blended. 2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust. 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.

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INSIDE 561.671.5995 | 954.272.6187 www.matthewkoneckypa.com 4440 PGA Blvd, Suite 600 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

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A Learning Experience

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Make a Nickel-and-Penny Portfolio

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Testimonials

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Is Your Case Getting the Attention It Deserves? Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie

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Get on the LP Express

WHY VINYL? EVERYTHING COMES BACK AROUND Vinyl records outsold digital music for the first time ever in 2016. Over the last decade, digital recordings have dominated the marketplace for many reasons, but most importantly, thanks to convenience. Bearing this in mind, why would someone choose to buy a format that’s heavier, larger, and indisputably less convenient? To know the “why” is to know the history of the format. LPs, or long plays, were first introduced by RCAVictor in 1930 and were improved into the records we know today by Columbia Records in 1948. For years, records ruled the marketplace, due in large part to a lack of alternative format options. Over time, the trend in music media has been to downsize and improve sound quality. The 8-track tape in ’64, the compact disc in ’82, and the MP3 in ’89 are all evidence of this. Soon, records and their associated audio gear were more often found in landfills than on store shelves.

that records offer a much larger canvas for album covers, as well as more room for lyrics and inserts — means records can easily serve as centerpieces for décor. Finally, there is an argument for the overall sound quality of records being superior to any competing format, though this is often disputed by enthusiasts of other formats.

With so many indisputable facts against the format, how did LPs manage to make a comeback?

First and most importantly, vinyl has been embraced by many artists, big and small, due in large part to the nostalgia associated with the format. With more and more big names releasing projects via record, the industry received a much- needed shock to the heart. Second, the aesthetic component — namely the fact

While the sound quality debate has yet to be concluded, the war between digital and physical media seems to be over (for now).

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