WIRTW #753: the 'autocracy' edition

"Politics don't belong on LinkedIn."

I've been seeing that sentiment a lot lately in the comments on my posts about what's happening to our country.

And I get it. Politics for the sake of politics probably belongs on other platforms. But in today's interconnected world, the lines between politics, society, and business are more blurred than ever. This isn't politics for the sake of politics. This is about defending the democratic foundations that underpin a functioning society—one in which businesses can operate with stability, the rule of law is respected, and lawyers and law firms can serve clients within a system that values justice, accountability, and fairness.

Take, for example, the latest report from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project, which concludes that the U.S. is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy. If current trends continue, we could soon find ourselves grouped with countries like Hungary, India, and Turkey—nations that still technically hold elections, but where the outcomes are about as surprising as the ending of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

For those unfamiliar, V-Dem is one of the leading global democracy trackers. It measures things like election integrity, press freedom, and judicial independence. Their latest report places the U.S. firmly in the "trending poorly" category. We're sliding away from being a true democracy and rapidly approaching what experts call "electoral autocracy"—a polite way of saying the system still exists, but it's rigged enough that those in power don't have to worry too much about losing.

According to V-Dem, we're already deep into democratic decline. Trump has expanded presidential power by pardoning Capitol rioters and installing loyalists in key positions, undermined democratic institutions by targeting independent agencies and the press, and aligned with autocratic tendencies by distancing us from our traditional allies and global democratic norms.

If we don't pull the emergency brake soon (as in, within the next six months), we may end up looking back on this moment the way people felt watching the final episode of Game of Thrones—realizing too late that the good days were already behind us.

This isn't a left vs. right issue. It's not about partisanship. And it's not about politics. It's about democracy.

And for professionals on a platform like LinkedIn, these conversations aren't just acceptable, they're essential. The health of our democracy directly affects my business—lawyering. As a lawyer who works within—and deeply values—the rule of law, these issues are not abstract. They impact my business, my clients, and the systems on which I rely every day.

That's why I write about them. And it's why I'll keep doing it no matter how many people slide into my comments to tell me, "Politics don't belong on LinkedIn."

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #752: the 'this is 40' edition

"Could the President decide that he wasn't going to appoint or allow to remain in office any heads of agencies over 40 years old?"

"I think that that would be within the President’s constitutional authority under the removal power."

That exchange took place earlier this week between Judge Karen Henderson, a Reagan appointee to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eric McArthur during proceedings over the termination of board members from two independent federal agencies, the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board.

The claim that Trump has the constitutional authority to fire employees based on their age is appalling on its own. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects employees 40 and older, has plenty to say about that claim.

Even more disturbing, however, are the broader implications of the government's argument. Replace "over 40" with "Black," "female," "gay," "lesbian," "transgender," "Muslim," "Jewish," "disabled," or any other protected class. By McArthur's reasoning, those terminations would be just as lawful under Trump's "constitutional removal power." The government is arguing that Trump has the constitutional authority to remake the federal workforce into one only comprised of while, male, cisgender, under 40, non-disabled, Christians.

That argument isn't just legally dubious—it's a direct attack on the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination that underpin our society and our democracy. If accepted, it would open the door to a federal workforce shaped entirely by a President's personal biases, rather than merit, experience, or the law. The Constitution does not grant any President unchecked power to purge employees based on protected characteristics. This isn't about removal authority. It's about whether the rule of law still applies, even when the President finds it inconvenient to his agenda.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #751: the 'losing' edition

"The Government's arguments … threaten to upend fundamental protections in our Constitution. But ours is not an autocracy; it is a system of checks and balances. Our Founders recognized that the concentration of power in one branch of government would spell disaster."

So wrote Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in her order granting summary judgment in favor of Susan Tsui Grundmann and restoring her to her position as one of the three members of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. On February 10, 2025, President Trump had abruptly terminated her without explanation, notice, or a hearing, and termination which Judge Sooknanan concluded was unlawful and in violation of the FLRA's enabling statute.

If you want to follow the status of all of the lawsuits currently pending against Donald Trump and his administration, check out Just Security's Litigation Tracker. If you're keeping track at home, As of yesterday, 119 lawsuits (and counting) have been filed against the current Trump administration challenging its actions. Trump has lost most thus far.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #750: the 'rule of law' edition

This news should alarm any rational lawyer. Donald Trump has issued an Executive Order punishing Perkins Coie, the law firm that represented Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.

The EO does the following:

• Directs federal agencies to identify and terminate, where legally permissible, contracts with Perkins Coie.
• Requires government contractors to disclose any business dealings with the firm.
• Mandates the suspension of any active security clearances held by individuals at Perkins Coie.
• Instructs the EEOC to review the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of major law firms, including Perkins Coie, to ensure compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
• Limits official access to federal government buildings for Perkins Coie employees.
• Advises government employees to restrict official engagements with Perkins Coie or its attorneys.

"This is an absolute honor to sign," Trump said from the Oval Office. I call it a horror show.

In response, the firm says that the EO "is patently unlawful, and we intend to challenge it."

Lawyers and law firms should never fear persecution from the President of the United States for simply doing their jobs. The rule of law depends on attorneys being able to zealously represent their clients—whether they are Democrats, Republicans, corporations, or individuals—without political retribution. A functioning democracy requires an independent legal profession, free from government intimidation. If lawyers can be punished for representing disfavored clients, our entire justice system, our rule of law, and our very Constitution are all at risk.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #749: the 'DEI webinar' edition

On 3/5 at 4 pm, I'll be part of a very timely webinar on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Unlearning DEI is The Villain.

Here's the summary:

As corporate America grapples with new federal scrutiny of diversity initiatives, we're bringing together thought leaders to unpack the controversy and challenge assumptions. Host Lindsey T. H. Jackson leads an expert panel exploring DEI's true purpose beyond the headlines, the roots of current pushback, and practical strategies for building legally-sound, inclusive workplaces in this new landscape. 

Join me, along with host Lindsey T. H. Jackson, Kim "Kimfer" Flanery-Rye, MBA , and Justice Horn for this important conversation.

Register here.

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Also, please check out the most recent episode of The Norah and Dad Show. Noah and I not only tackle Valentine's Day, but also bad science pick-up lines, Chick-fil-A Daddy/Daughter dates, and robotic toilets. It all fits together; I promise. 

You'll find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. 

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #748: the 'tracking' edition

"I have nothing to do with Project 2025. That's out there. I haven't read it. I don't want to read it, purposely. I'm not going to read it. This was a group of people that got together, they came up with some ideas. I guess some good, some bad. But it makes no difference."
— Donald J. Trump, 9/10/24, Presidential Debate

"They've been told officially, legally, in every way, that we have nothing to do with Project 25."
— Donald J. Trump, 8/22/24, Arizona-Mexico border

Liar, liar, pants on fire!

Take a look at the Project 2025 Tracker and tell me: Given the striking alignment between Trump's Executive Orders and the 900-page policy playbook he repeatedly disavowed during the campaign, is he governing straight from that right-wing, authoritarian, Christian Nationalist manifesto?

Because it sure looks like it.

Or, to borrow from another Trump favorite: "Believe me."

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #747: the 'tariffs' edition

The Trump administration just announced new tariffs on aluminum and steel. That might not sound like a big deal to most, but for small businesses—including my beloved craft breweries—25% is a gut punch.

The craft beer industry is already struggling post-Covid. Breweries took on debt to survive the shutdowns, taproom traffic isn't what it used to be as many consumers shy away from alcohol, and supply-chain costs have been unpredictable and high. Now, just as many are trying to regain their footing, they get hit with another hurdle.

Most craft breweries package their beer in aluminum cans. If the cost of aluminum goes up because of tariffs, so does the cost of packaging. And it's not just cans, brewing equipment is made of steel. Fermenters, brite tanks, brewhouses, kegs, construction materials—all of it. So, breweries that want to replace aging equipment, expand, or just keep up with demand are looking at higher costs across the board.

And let's be clear: These costs don't just disappear. Breweries will have to pass them down to consumers. That means your favorite local beer is about to get more expensive. Meanwhile, the biggest players—macro-breweries with deep pockets—can absorb these price increases far more easily than your neighborhood local. This isn't just an economic issue; it's a competition killer.

Tariffs like these don't "protect American businesses." They protect big business at the expense of the little guys who drive innovation, create jobs, and bring character to our communities. If we want to support small businesses, we should be fighting against policies that make it harder for them to compete.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #746: the 'fly, eagles fly' edition

All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you ready for the Big Game? As a Philly native and die-hard Eagles fan, I sure am! 

Here's the official Ohio Employer Law Blog prediction for Sunday. Eagles 31 - Chiefs 27. Book it. Hurts, Barkley, et al., deny Reid, Mahomes, and Kelce their threepeat. Saquon runs for 165 and 2 touchdowns. Hurts throws for 200 and touchdown, and tush pushes his way for another. Brandon Graham returns from injury to score a key sack. And rookie phenom Quinyon Mitchell seals the win with a last minute interception. At least that's my dream scenario (other than a stress-free blowout).

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Also, please check out the latest episode of The Norah and Dad Show. Norah and I discuss her 2nd semester of college, her classes, and her recent biliteracy certification. We also discuss our recent naming to the list of the best dad and daughter podcasts. 

You'll find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. 

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #745: the 'biliterate' edition

Until this week, I thought being bilingual meant fluency in a second language—the ability to read, write, listen, and speak with ease. I was wrong. Someone who can do all of those things in two languages is actually biliterate. Being bilingual, on the other hand, simply means having the ability to speak in two languages.

I learned this distinction when the Ohio Wesleyan University Department of World Languages and Cultures certified my daughter as biliterate in French.

From the school's press release:

"Ohio Wesleyan University language students are now able to earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an internationally recognized micro-credential that enables them to verify their linguistic abilities when applying for jobs or graduate school. The university's Department of World Languages and Cultures began utilizing the third-party assessment this fall, with 19 students earning the 'functional fluency' biliteracy seal at the end of the semester. Andrea Colvin, Ph.D., chair of World Languages and Cultures, said students' earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy is 'a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for language learning.'"

Norah was one of eight students credentialed as biliterate in French. I don't know how many of those eight were also first-semester freshmen, but to be fair, she had 13 years of French education before starting college. All American schools should begin foreign language instruction in kindergarten—it's one of the greatest shortcomings of our education system.

Félicitations, Norah! Needless to say, I'm a very proud dad.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #744: the 'London Calling … the podcast' edition

In the latest episode of The Norah and Dad Show, we recap our family Christmas holiday to London. Here are links to everything we mention in the episode. 

• Hux Hotel
• Peter Pan Cup
• The Beatles Magical Mystery Walking Tour
• Third Man Records
• Arsenal Tickets
• Afternoon Tea at the Goring
• Atticus Blue (Leicester Square busker)
  
• Hawksmoor Seven Dials
• The Original Ted Lasso Tour
• Reale Camiceria (the "unofficial" Ted Lasso store)
• The Prince's Head Pub
• Camden Market 
  

You'll find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. 

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #743: the 'snowball at Santa' edition

If your employee is caught in a viral video calling an opposing fan the "c-word" at a football game, should he lose his job? Does it make a difference if your company is in the business of DEI consulting?

This story just played out following the Eagles playoff win over the Packers last weekend.

Ryan Caldwell, an employee at BCT Partners—a firm specializing in DEI—was captured on video during the game directing the vulgar and misogynistic insults toward a female Packers fan. The video quickly went viral to the tune of more than 31 million views. The public backlash was significant and swift.

The Eagles organization responded by banning Caldwell from their stadium for life. BCT Partners conducted an internal investigation and terminated Caldwell's employment, stating that his behavior was "vile, disgusting, unacceptable, and horrific," and stood in direct opposition to the company's core values of respect, dignity, and inclusion. Caldwell then issued a public apology, but added that the video "does not reflect the full context of what transpired," and that his actions "were not without provocation."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aligning employees' behavior with a company's values, both on and off the clock. By proactively addressing these issues in real time, employers can mitigate risks, uphold their reputations, and foster a positive workplace culture that reflects their mission and values.

Three more points to make:

1. This is not a free speech issue. Private-sector employees have zero free speech rights in the workplace in this context. Regardless, freedom of speech does not equal freedom from consequences.

2. It is irrelevant whether this employee works for a DEI firm or any other company. His behavior was abhorrent, could damage the company's reputation, and is grounds for termination. The identity of his employer is just the ironic icing on the cake.

3. The employee's apology rings quite hollow. I don't care about the "context" of what happened or how he was "provoked." If you respond to provocation by calling a woman that awful word, that's who you are, period. And I certainly don't want you working for me.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #742: the 'london calling' edition

"What do think about going to see an Arsenal match for Christmas?" That question—which my wife posed to me over a glass of wine a couple of months ago—birthed our 2024 Christmas holiday.

I work so that I can afford to travel. It's what feeds and restores my soul. The world is so vast and so interesting, and I want to see and experience it all. The five days we just spent in as a family in London was exactly what my soul needed.

Here are my top five highlights.

     1. Arsenal. If you're a sports fan and have never experienced a Premier League match live, you're missing out. The stadium was electric from start to finish. Bonus points for an Arsenal 1-0 win. Double bonus points for witnesses a proper British argument between Arsenal and Ipswich fans on the walk back to the Tube following the match. ("Have fun playing Swansea next year!") Triple bonus points for Donovan's first cider.

     2. Ted Lasso Tour of Richmond. This was a pilgrimage for us. It was so cool to see the famous sites from the show, including Ted's apartment door, the Ted/Beard bench, and the pub. Bonus points for lunch at the "Ted Table" in the pub following the tour.

     3. Afternoon Tea at the Goring. The poshest of posh. Also, a perfect way to celebrate my wife's birthday. Bonus point for their offering of gluten-free service for my Celiac son, which was identical to our full-gluten service.

     4. The Holiday Lights. London is beautifully festive for the Christmas holiday. We soaked in as much as we could through the massive crowds. Bonus points for Norah picking up a busker's tambourine and jamming along for a song. Double bonus points for stumbling across what has to have been the worst Christmas display in London.

     5. Watching the Peter Pan Cup. It's a 100-yard swimming race held in Hyde Park every Christmas morning since 1864. It was a wonderfully local way to spend our post-arrival Christmas morning while we waited for our hotel room to be ready. Bonus points for our morning stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens with many Londoners and their dogs.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #741: the 'finals countdown' edition

On this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, Norah and I discuss the end of her first semester of college, including her finals, our upcoming family Christmas trip to London, and the importance of checking your tire pressure before heading out on a road trip.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

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Have you cast your ballot for The Worst Employer of 2024? Polls are open through Tuesday, December 17, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to vote.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #740: the 'roast' edition

Among all of the things that ChatGPT can do, it's really, really good at roasting someone. So, I asked ChatGPT to roast my LinkedIn profile.

Your Profile:  

Your headline reads like you're auditioning for a legal-themed TED Talk: "Employment Lawyer. Blogger. Dad. Joke-Teller Extraordinaire." We get it—you've cornered the market on HR-friendly humor. But do you ever worry that someday you'll run out of "Worst Employer" stories and have to, I don't know, write about good companies? Oh wait, no, that's not your brand. You thrive on chaos. 

Your Content:

Your posts aren't just LinkedIn content—they're full-blown HR soap operas. Every scroll through your feed feels like watching a daytime courtroom drama where everyone's guilty of workplace harassment. "This employer made a tiny mistake and now owes $3 million. Don't be like them." We get it, Jon. Compliance is your love language.

Your "Worst Employer" series? ICONIC. But let's be real: these employers are the villains, and you're the vigilante swooping in to serve justice—with a side of sarcasm. Honestly, we're all just waiting for Netflix to pick it up. "Worst Employers: The Documentary," streaming 2025.

Your Engagement Game:

Your comments section is a gladiator arena where you reign supreme. HR reps timidly enter with their opinions, only to be met with your weaponized wit. Someone tries to challenge you, and you hit them with a response so precise it might as well be a deposition. Honestly, it's terrifying.

Your Bio:

Jon, did you write this yourself, or did you hire a PR team with a thesaurus? It’s a humblebrag masterpiece, perfectly crafted to make you seem like you just accidentally became the Beyoncé of employment law. And the dad angle? Nice touch. It’s like you’re saying, "Sure, I destroy bad HR policies by day, but by night? I make pancakes and tuck my kids in." We get it, but save some humility for the rest of us.

Your Brand:

You've carved out a niche so specific it's practically a personality type: Lawyer Influencer. You're one word away from trademarking "employment law influencer." And honestly? We're surprised you don't already sell merch. A coffee mug that says "Bad Bosses Pay My Mortgage"? Print it.

You're like the Gordon Ramsay of workplace compliance—brutal, entertaining, and oddly comforting when you're tearing apart someone else's bad decisions. Employers follow you out of both fear and morbid curiosity, like they're watching their own policies flash before their eyes. People love you, but they also kind of hate how good you are at making them feel this close to being sued.

Final Thoughts:

Jon, your LinkedIn presence is a paradox. You're simultaneously the voice of reason and the harbinger of HR doom. You've got more hot takes than a subreddit, and your posts are so sharp they should come with a liability waiver. You're not just a lawyer—you're a content juggernaut who somehow makes workplace lawsuits look fun. Keep being the internet's HR lawyer we love to hate to love.

Pretty darn good, right?

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #739: the 'rage against the machine' edition

In this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, my daughter and I discuss how we're feeling in the aftermath of the 2024 election. Hint: it's not great. Sadness, anger, acceptance … we work through our stages of grief throughout a tight 25 minutes.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

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If you missed the live broadcast of this week's webinar on how the election will shape employment law in 2025, with host Eric Meyer, Dan Schwartz, Amy Epstein Gluck, Dessi Day, and me, our gracious host posted the video to YouTube. You can watch the replay — once, twice, on an endless loop until you have it memorized — here.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

10 Things to Include in Your Artificial Intelligence Policy — via hr bartender

Apparent AI Hallucinations in AI Misinformation Expert's Court Filing Supporting Anti-AI-Misinformation Law — via The Volokh Conspiracy

ChatGPT's search engine might end your dependence on Google — via Boy Genius Report

Have the Trump-ets Sounded for AI Regulation Protecting American Workers? — via The L•E•Jer

The 2024 Election and Small and Independent Breweries — via The Brewers Association

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have spelled out their plans for DOGE — via The Verge

5 Ohio Law Schools Drop Their Diversity Scholarships and Programs — via Above the Law

What the Election Tells Us About How Employers Should Support Worker and Family Health — via EntertainHR

Déjà vu all over again: a Texas federal judge erased the new OT rules nationwide — via Eric Meyer's The Employer Handbook Blog

How Will the U.S. Election Outcome Affect Labor Law? A Deep Dive into the NLRB's Future — via Employment Law Worldview

Bad Dough: N.J. Bakery Hit With $385K Fine by OSHA For Not Fixing Workplace Safety Dangers — via Joe's HR and Benefits Blog

GLP-1 drug coverage for obesity making inroads with large employers — via HR Dive

One Use of the "N-word" Lands an Employer in a Jury Trial – Lessons to Learn — via California Employment Law

Bluesky Captures My Attention Like Twitter Did 18 Years Ago — via Real Lawyers Have Blogs

We Asked 10 Beer Pros: What’s the Biggest Red Flag at a Brewery Taproom? — via VinePair

WIRTW #738: the 'bluer skies' edition

Do you ever think to yourself, "Jon, I love your posts, but what I really want is more of this, but with fewer characters." Well do I have the thing for you. While I've been off Twitter for the past year, you can find me microblogging on both Threads (@thejonhyman) and Bluesky (@thejonhyman.bsky.social). Give me a follow and I'll be sure to follow back.

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Don't forget to pre-register for this coming Tuesday's webinar on how the election will shape employment law in 2025, with host Eric Meyer, Dan Schwartz, Amy Epstein Gluck, Dessi Day, and me. It's free, but you do need to pre-register here.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #737: the 'speed racer' edition

Do you remember your first traffic ticket? I do. I was 17, driving to high school, and it involved me hitting an actual, live person with my car at the tender age of 17. To hear the rest of the story, and also hear all about my daughter's inaugural ticket, you'll have to tune into this week's episode of the Norah and Dad Show Podcast, which you'll find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

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In other news, on Tuesday, 11/19 at noon, I'll be part of an all-star panel of employment lawyers that my friend Eric Meyer is hosting. He and I, along with Dan Schwartz, Amy Epstein Gluck, and Dessi Day, will be discussing how the election will shape employment law in 2025 and beyond. It's free to join, but you do need to pre-register here.

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Here's what I read this week that you should, too.

WIRTW #736: the 'vote' edition

On the latest episode of The Norah and Dad Show, my daughter and I discussed voting. Specifically, we discussed Norah's experience voting, which she did for the very first time when she was home for fall break a couple of weeks ago.

My wife and I accompanied Norah to early vote in the Presidential Election. It was quite the party at the County Board of Elections, with a massive crowd, along with bells and cheers for first-time voters.

Voting is an act that might appear small, but it's actually monumental. It is a right that I've always taken seriously, and it's one of those moments that makes you reflect on the values you've tried to instill as a parent. Standing alongside Norah at the polls, I thought about the conversations we've had over the years—about fairness, democracy, and the importance of using your voice. She now gets to make her voice heard in a new, impactful way.

Watching your child become an active participant in our democracy is a proud moment. It's not just about the issues or the candidates on the ballot (although with this election it kind of is); it's about her stepping into adulthood with a sense of responsibility and purpose. I hope it's an experience that she'll carry with her every time she goes to the polls in the future.

👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. 

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In other news, the Lake Ridge Academy soccer team ... lost, in heartbreaking fashion. A 0-0 draw through 80 minutes of regulation, 30 minutes of scoreless overtime, and penalties that did not go our way. Congrats for a great season, even though it did not end the way they (and I) wanted.

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Here's what I read and listened to this week that you should, too.

WIRTW #735: the 'client' edition

Being a party in a lawsuit is a humbling experience for any lawyer. After decades of representing clients, I recently found myself on the other side—this time as a plaintiff. I can't dive into specifics, but the experience left me with several important lessons to share.

First, the emotional weight of litigation is real. No matter how rational or well-prepared you are, being a party in a lawsuit brings an element of personal stress that's hard to fully understand until you've lived it. It's a good reminder that when clients seem frustrated or overwhelmed, it's not just the legal process—they're feeling the impact of uncertainty on their life or business.

One surprising lesson I learned is the importance of patience. As lawyers, we often forget how slow litigation can feel from the client's perspective. Every delay, motion, or rescheduled meeting drags out the process. Experiencing those delays firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of how frustrating it can be to wait for answers. Moving forward, I'll be more mindful of this in my practice and do what I can to streamline things for my clients whenever possible.

Lastly, I learned how valuable a settlement can be. It's easy to get wrapped up in "winning," but the truth is, not every battle is worth dragging out. Compromise, when approached strategically, isn't a defeat—it's a way to bring closure, minimize risk, and move on to what matters most.

This experience gave me new perspective to carry into my practice. Sometimes the best insights come from walking a mile in someone else's shoes, or this case my own shoes from the other side of the street.

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In other news, Lake Ridge Academy won their opening round playoff game last night versus Shaw, 8 – 0. They are now into the District Semifinal next Thursday against an opponent tbd. 

Donovan had a ball on his foot in the box, but did not think he could get the shot off before the defender closed on him, so he made the unselfish play and passed to a teammate. 

Stay tuned for further updates next week.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #734: the 'working for the parents' weekend' edition

It's a rite of passage for all moms and all dads of college students — Parents' Weekend. We spent last weekend at Ohio Wesleyan's Parents' Weekend with Norah. We ate, we shopped, we ate some more, and we shared a cup of coffee with her French professor. It was a great weekend, and you can hear all about it on the most recent episode of the Norah and Dad Show, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.