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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

WIRTW #733: the 'truth is out there' edition

I think I saw an UFO yesterday morning.

 
Like most workdays, I let the dog out at 6:30 AM. When I went to let him back in, something in the dark, pre-dawn sky caught my attention. I saw two brightly lit orbs hovering at an altitude similar to an airplane. I say "hovering" because they weren't still like stars, nor were they flying across the sky like airplanes. There was movement, but it was different—almost as if they were floating. Then, they started to move, oddly and unnaturally, yet in perfect sync. I rushed to grab my phone to record it, but by the time I returned, they were gone.

I have no idea what I saw. It definitely wasn't stars or airplanes—they don't move like that. Could it have been drones? Maybe, but they seemed too high up. Plus, who flies drones at 6:30 AM?

I'm not arrogant enough to believe we're the only intelligent life in the vastness of our galaxy, let alone the universe. But to witness something like that in my little corner of the Earth? I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm not prepared to say I saw a UFO for certain, but I'd like to think I did.

---

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

WIRTW #732: the 'day in the life' edition

How does a college student spend her day these days? Tl;dl: sleep and classes. 

On this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, Norah gives us a peak into a day in her life as a college student. We also discuss our brief visit with her last weekend at her brother's victorious soccer game. You can listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and everywhere else you get your podcasts. While you're there, hit the "subscribe" button to make sure you get each new episode automatically delivered to you as soon as it drops.

---

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

A second Apple Store just ratified a union contract — via The Verge

Cleveland Institute of Music's Tumultuous Era Continues With Contentious Union Vote This Week — via Scene Magazine

How the Next Generation of Managers Is Using Gen AI — via Harvard Business Review

Growth and Impacts of AI Use in the Workplace — via EntertainHR

Why AI is Here to Stay in Legal Blogging — via Real Lawyers Have Blogs

No, not all companies are abandoning diversity, equity and inclusion. Here's why. — via HR Dive

Be Reasonable, People! AI's Impact on Legal Fees — via Attorney at Work 

Is it OK to have sex while working from home? — via Ask a Manager

Working from home is the great social experiment of our age – it's too soon for the state to wade in — via The Guardian

Why would an employee sue his employer for offering him 100% telework as a disability accommodation? — via Eric Meyer's Employer Handbook Blog

FMLA abuse: 5 things this employer did right — via Employment & Labor Insider

What's the Difference Between Internal and External Employee Investigations? — via Workology

Who Is Suing Elon Musk Today? Cards Against Humanity, COME ON DOWN! — via Above the Law

Johnny Cash Becomes First Musician to Receive Statue at US Capitol — via Consequence

BA Report: Midwest Records Production Declines Across All Classes — via Brewbound

Anti-Alcohol Activists Set to Cripple the Beer Industry in 2025 — via Beervana

WIRTW #731: the 'futebol' edition

As we are just about half-way through the high school soccer season, it's a good time to check in on the Lake Ridge Academy Royals. 

When we last left the Royals 11 months ago, they were eliminated from the 2023 state playoff tournament in their district semifinal. This year's senior-dominant team is on a mission, which thus far they are on track to complete. The team is off to a 7-1 start, with their only loss coming to a much bigger and stronger Shaker Hts. squad that is currently a top 7 team in Ohio's D-II. (After a realignment for this school year, Ohio now has five soccer divisions, with schools placed based on size; as result LRA moved from D-III to D-V.)

In D-V, LRA is currently ranked 8th in the state. This weekend, however, brings what is likely their stiffest test of the season, a weekend trip to Toledo for a tournament and a probable finals matchup against the host, 15th ranked Maumee Valley Country Day (a team that I do not believe LRA has ever defeated). Saturday night is also LRA's homecoming dance, and I really hope Donovan and his teammates have a tournament trophy with which to celebrate. 

---

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

WIRTW #730: the 'permission v. foregiveness' edition

Recently, my 18-year-old daughter, now off at college, told us she was planning to get her nose pierced. Norah didn't just come home with it done; she let us know ahead of time before going through with it. She's an adult and we're not in a position to forbid it. Nevertheless, as parents we appreciated that she cares enough about us that she was upfront about her plans instead of surprising us with it when we see her in a couple of weeks.

This made me reflect on how, in the workplace, we often deal with the balance between asking for permission and forgiveness. My daughter's approach—ahead of time—parallels the best kind of employee-manager relationship. When employees feel comfortable sharing their plans, seeking input, and then moving forward, it fosters trust and mutual respect. Without trust and mutual respect, a workplace cannot function effectively.

Employers can learn from this. Encouraging open communication and a culture of transparency allows you to build stronger relationships with your team. Employees who seek guidance ahead of time are showing respect for their role and their leaders, just like my daughter did with her decision.

In the end, it's all about creating an environment in which asking for permission feels right, and when necessary and appropriate, offering forgiveness can help people learn and grow.

On this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show Podcast, Norah shares all about the experience. It's available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and everywhere else you get your podcasts. While you're there, hit the "subscribe" button to make sure you get each new episode automatically delivered to you as soon as it drops.

---

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

WIRTW #729: the 'mobile' edition

As cell phones have become ubiquitous among teenagers, their impact on student life is undeniable—and not always positive. Numerous studies have highlighted the risks and dangers of cell phone use by high school students:

📲 Mental Health: Research shows that excessive cell phone use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances among teens. A study by Common Sense Media found that 50% of teens feel addicted to their phones.

📲 Academic Performance: Studies have found that schools that ban mobile phones see an increase in student test scores, with low-achieving students benefiting the most.

📲 Cyberbullying: According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, 59% of U.S. teens have experienced cyberbullying, much of which occurs via mobile devices.

Given these concerns, it's no surprise that lawmakers are taking action. At least 14 states have enacted laws or regulations restricting cell phone use in schools. These regulations vary from complete bans during school hours to limiting use during specific times like class or exams.

Even though the evidence suggests that curbing cell phone use could lead to safer, healthier, and more academically focused environments for our students, I oppose outright cell phone bans in schools. These bans are a lazy solution to a complex issue.

While I believe that cell phones don't belong in the classroom, I also believe policies that outright bans phones do these kids a grave disservice. These devices are not going anywhere. Once our kids graduate from high school, they will enter college or the workplace with no guardrails on their tech access at all. Instead of taking phones away, we should be giving them the necessary tools to manage their use later in life. Regulate and limit during school hours, instruct on appropriate use, and discipline those kids who break the rules.

Schools should be educating our children on the responsible management of technology. Instead, these prohibitions abdicate that responsibility, kicking the can down the road for universities and employers to handle.

What are your thoughts on cell phone bans in high schools? Is it a step in the right direction, or are there better ways to manage the impact of technology on our youth? Head over to LinkedIn and answer my poll question to weigh in on this important issue.

---

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

WIRTW #728: the 'season 3' edition

This week marks a first in the three-year history of The Norah and Dad Show — the podcast I co-host alongside my 18-year-old daughter. It's the first episode we recorded in which we both weren't under the same roof.

I was in the study in our home, and Norah was in a study lounge in her college dorm. 

What started as a nice way for me to bond with my teenage daughter has now transformed into a recorded discussion of me keeping up with everything going in the life of my collegiate daughter. I am stoked that she wants to continue recording these shows, and we plan on doing so every two weeks.

You can listen to this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and everywhere else you get your podcasts. And while you're there, hit the subscribe button to make sure you get new episodes delivered to you when they drop every other Tuesday.

---

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

WIRTW #727: the 'college' edition

Saying goodbye is never easy. It's that much more difficult when you leave your child.

Yesterday, we dropped our oldest off at college for the first time.

It's one of those moments that you know is coming but never really feels real until you're in the middle of it. And yesterday I was smack dab in the middle of it. As I gave Norah one final hug and watched her walk away with a mix of excitement and nerves, I felt my own a flood of emotions — joy, nostalgia, and yes, (more than) a little bit of heartache.

I also felt a lot of pride. Pride in the confident adult she has become. And pride in my wife and I for our success in completing one of our most central tasks as parents.

As Norah walked away from us last evening, we were all in tears. She FaceTimed me four hours later to let me know that she was happy and was going to be okay. So am I.

---

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

WIRTW #726: the 'lobstah' edition

I've been to a dozen concerts this summer. With the exception of Alanis Morissette, each was norah marie. My summer of music comes to end on Sunday when Norah plays her final show before we drop her off at college 97 miles away.

She, and we, will be at Eleventhree Brewing from 3 - 6 pm. The weather is scheduled to be picture-perfect, and the Cousin's Maine Lobster Truck will be serving lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and lobster bisque. 

Live music + cold beer + lobster + sunshine = a perfect summer Sunday in my book.

---

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

WIRTW #725: the 'sandwich' edition

It's been a crazy month. We spent last weekend helping my parents unpack and organize their new apartment in the senior living community to which they just moved. In less than two week we move my daughter into college. Meanwhile, I'm also in the midst of taking and defending a dozen depositions in a contentious piece of litigation, while also managing my busy employment law and beer law practices.

I'm a card-carrying member of the sandwich generation.

The "sandwich generation" refers to individuals who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children. We are "sandwiched" between the older and younger generations, often facing significant emotional, financial, and physical demands as we manage the dual responsibilities of caregiving and parenting. The term highlights the unique pressures and challenges we experience as we strive to balance family, personal, and work needs.

Employers, you have employees who join me in the sandwich generation. The question is what are you doing to support them? Here are five suggestions.

1. Flexible Work Schedules: Allow employees to adjust their work hours or work remotely to accommodate caregiving responsibilities.

2. Paid Family Leave: Offer paid leave for employees to care for sick or aging family members.

3. Employee Assistance Programs: Provide access to counseling, support groups, and resources for managing stress and caregiving challenges.

4. Caregiver Support Resources: Offer information and resources on eldercare services, childcare options, and caregiving best practices.

5. Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Promote a culture that values work-life balance and encourages employees to take time for themselves and their families.

By implementing these strategies, employers can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by employees in the sandwich generation, leading to improved job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being. It will also you from losing quality employees who will seek more supportive workplaces.

---

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

WIRTW #724: the 'summer' edition

Our summer is sadly winding down. Vacation is over. I have one kid leaving for college in less than four weeks, and other starting his high-school sophomore year a week later. So, I'll be trying to spend as much time with my kids in the coming weeks as possible. This includes enjoying my daughter's final few gigs of a very busy music summer.

If you want to catch norah marie gigging before she heads off to college, these are your final five chances.

• July 20 @ 6:30 pm — Crocker Park
• July 25 @ 6 pm — 8th Day Brewing
• Aug 2 @ 6 pm — The Olde Wine Cellar
• Aug 3 @ 3 pm — Vibin' in the Vines Festival
• Aug 11 @ 3 pm — Eleventhree Brewing

All events are free. And, if you happen to know of a brewery, winery, coffee shop, or other venue in central Ohio booking live music, please let me know. 

---

Here's what I read and heard that you should, too.

WIRTW #723: the 'A Portuguesa' edition

I love to travel for two primary reasons: to see things and to experience things.

On my vacation to São Miguel in the Azores Islands, I saw lots of amazing things — beautiful coastal viewpoints, crater lakes from both their rims and from inside, bubbling volcanic baths, dolphins, whales, waterfalls, cows (so many cows), and lush green landscapes.

But one experience will stick with me as the standout memory of this vacation.

Portugal was playing France in the quarterfinals of the Euros. Since we a) are a soccer-loving family; and b) were in Portugal, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to watch the game with the locals.

We gathered in the Campo de São Francisco in the capital city of Ponta Delgada, where the local government had set up a large viewing screen. More than a thousand football crazy Azoreans joined us. It was special.

The crowd rose and fell with the highs and lows of what ended up being a 0-0 draw that went to penalties. While the match didn’t end how we wanted, the experience will live with me forever.

Here's a quick snippet of the crowd singing the Portuguese national anthem, A Portuguesa, pre-match.

---

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

WIRTW #722: the 'Até logo' edition

I'll be back with a fresh spirit and fresh content on July 10. This lawyer is officially on vacation.

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

WIRTW #721: the 'Left of Boom' edition

Being as active as I am on social media has allowed me to amass some pretty cool friends over the years. I recently had the chance to sit down with two of them virtually, Phil Wilson and Mike VanDervort, on their The Left of Boom Show. We discussed all things going on in the world of labor relations, including Starbucks, 10(j) injunctions and the Supreme Court, the future (or lack thereof) of Chevron deference, and Anchor Brewing.

You can watch or listen here, and also via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

---

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

WIRTW #720: the 'Azores' edition

Last summer, my family and I fell in love hard with Portugal. So, this summer we are going back, sort of.

In a little over three weeks we leave for the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. It's a subtropical archipelago of nine islands known as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic." 

We'll be on São Miguel, the largest of the islands, choosing to explore that one island in depth over the span of 8 days instead of hopping between islands and only getting a smaller taste of several. It's renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include green hills, crater lakes, and ocean-side miradouros (viewpoints), volcanic hot springs, black-sand beaches, marine life, and cows. (In fact, there are twice as many cows on the island than people.)

For any of you who've been to São Miguel, what are your must-sees and must-dos? What are your favorite hikes? What off-the-beaten-path sights are worth our time? Which tours do you recommend? How about some A+ restaurant recommendations?

Thanks in advance for playing tour guide for me. I'll reward you with pictures and stories after my return.

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

---

WIRTW #719: the 'pomp and circumstance' edition

Tomorrow, Norah, will graduate from high school. Earlier this week, we attended the Senior Brunch, an annual tradition at her school celebrating the graduating seniors. At the end of the ceremony, Norah took possession of her time capsule, a thoughtful project that the mom of one of her fellow classmates organized from kindergarten through 7th grade. That mom held on to them for 12 years. Now, Norah has it. 

That night, we sat around the kitchen table after dinner and opened each of the envelopes. Contained within the kindergarten envelope was a letter I wrote to future Norah for her high school graduation.

Here's what I wrote.

May 29, 2012

Dear Norah,

We've watched you grow so much as a person and as a student during your kindergarten year that I am not sure exactly who will be reading this letter 12 years from now. What I do know is that you will be the same loving, compassionate, empathetic, confident, smart person you are today, just with 12 added years of maturity.

I know that your mom and I will be proud of the young lady you will have become, and all that you will have accomplished as we prepare to send you off to college. I know that we will trust you to continue to make the good, wise decisions that have served you well to this point in your life. I know that whatever you do, and whatever choices you make, we will be proud of you and support you. And never forget that no matter what, you will always be our little girl.

Most of all, I want you to know that we love you very much and we are always here for you. Now go do great things, like you always do.

Love,

Daddy

The thing is, if I was writing that letter today it would say much of the same. 

Now excuse me while I go find a tissue. These "allergies" are murder on my eyes.

---

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

WIRTW #718: the ‘fireflies' edition

"Do you want to bring a backup guitar with you?"

That was the question I ask my daughter as we load up the car to leave for her Sunday-night gig opening for Rhett Miller.

"No," she responds. "I'll be fine with just my main guitar."

Flash forward to 7 pm that night. "Please give it up for norah marie!" And guess what? No sound from her guitar. Not one single amplified note. As it turns out, the guitar had a dead battery. After a few minutes of down time to swap dead for live — which included a very kind and gracious Rhett offering Norah his own guitar to play during her set — she was up and running. 

Despite the glitchy start, Norah was great as always. 

You can watch the (edited) video of her whole set here, or just the clip of her singing Rhett's song, "Fireflies," with him, which includes a sweet story of Rhett's own technical glitch when he was a 17-year-old opener for Rosanne Cash.

I know I'm fighting a losing battle when I offer dad advice to a stubborn 17-year-old, but I can continue to try, right?

---

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

WIRTW #717: the ‘donut' edition

I love donuts. At 51 years old, however, I try not to eat them too often anymore. The weight just doesn't come off quite the way it used to. But it doesn't mean I won't indulge every now and again, including on a recent episode of The Triple D Podcast: Donuts, Disability and Discourse.

I sat down with local disability rights attorney Michael Liner to discuss my work as a labor & employment lawyer and craft beer lawyer, the types of clients I work with, my roll managing marketing and business development at my law firm, and the challenges and opportunities of working in a post-Covid world. I also shared my review of the outstanding craft-beer-based donut I sampled at Brewnuts, our host for the episode. 

You can watch the entire discussion here.

Finally, there are still some tickets left for the Rhett Miller/norah marie show at the Music Box Supper Club this Sunday, May 19, 🎟️ here. Doors are at 5, and Norah's opening set starts at 7.

---

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

WIRTW #716: the ‘new kid' edition

On June 5, 2014, Rhett Miller, founder, front person, and lead singer of Old 97's, promised my daughter (then a mere 9 days past her 8th birthday) that once she was playing her own paid gigs, he'd have her open for him. That conversation took place in the green room of the Beachland Ballroom, and the adjacent photo was taken just after that conversation.

A decade later, Norah is an established, working musician, and Rhett is making good on his promise. He's coming back to town to play a solo gig at the Music Box Supper Club. To make a long story short, when the club announced the gig, Norah reached out to Rhett to ask about opening for him; on May 19 she'll be doing just that.

To hear the longer version of this story, tune in to the most recent episode of The Norah and Dad Show, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and everywhere else you get your podcasts. 

As for me, I'll be front and center at Music Box on May 19, singing along to Norah's and Rhett's songs. It's gonna be a great night! If you're interested in joining us the Music Box still has some tickets available here. (You'll find a running list of all of Norah's gigs here; click "Follow" for notifications of new gigs as they're announced.)

---

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