Law Blog

Many people sugarcoat what they say to save another’s feelings. I think this is because most people shy away from potentially confrontational conversations or don’t know how to effectively communicate something negative or that is constructive criticism. If you are unable or unwilling to have honest, hard conversations with your peers and employees, it’s detr...

JW Way Fundamental #25: Candidly discuss, then align  “Healthy, respectful discussion creates better solutions. Discuss concepts without personal attacks. Check your ego and search for the best solution rather than proving you are right. Once a decision is made, be fully aligned and completely supportive of it. “ Groups frequently make decisions.  Even no...

JW Way Fundamental #19: Lead by Example  “The best way to influence others and maintain our culture is by one’s own examples. Walk the talk. Don’t ask others to do what you won’t or can’t. Take responsibility to consistently demonstrate the JW Way.” Acceptance is hard.  At times it is easier, but it is always a process.  Frequently it revolves ar...

When people think of a “protected class,” they often think of age, race, gender, or disability. While those are some of the classes protected by anti-discrimination laws, often-overlooked classes include honorably discharged veterans and active-duty service members. The United States Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that was pas...

Many attorneys (and I assume others) have this somewhat canned response when someone asks them how it’s going. It’s generally some version of “It’s another day” or “Different day, same stuff.” The message being communicated is that the day and stuff is the same, is a slog, and what they’re saying is negative in tone. They focus on the negative and n...

Inspiration can hit you anytime. When it does, you know it instantly. Many times, the timing is inconvenient. When this happens, you have to take steps to not lose that inspiration. It happens to me frequently and at different times! It can be in the middle of the night, when I’m at my desk working, when I’m in a conversation, or at what is likely a very incon...

What are you doing right now? Are you focusing on reading these words, or do you have an eye on your email, texts, social media, or maybe all of them?  Or are you on the phone?  We all think we can do this and do it well, but the truth is we can’t. Real multi-tasking is not achievable. When I am on the phone during the day, I can hear the keyboard and mouse cl...

Divorce and legal separation can entail more than just emotional and legal complexities.  They can also involve navigating intricate and complex tax implications. There are eight key considerations to consider relative to divorces and taxes that are specific to Arizona. 1. Strategic Tax Filing Status: The timing of divorce can significantly impact tax filing sta...

My dad died last week. As I wrote that statement, I’m still in disbelief that it happened. Where I’m sitting now is so different than where I was a week ago. My dad was in the hospital supposedly on the road to recovery and I was deep in preparation for an arbitration hearing scheduled to start this week. Now I am sitting in my office with no dad and a cancelle...

Imagine you are a parent. You have a son and a daughter, and they are fighting vociferously over the last remaining orange in the kitchen. The thoughtful parent that you are, you stop and quickly consider your options: You could take the orange and not give it to either child. You could give the entire orange either to your son or to your daughter. Or to be fairer,...