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MEDIATION: What is negotiating with brackets?
MEDIATION: What is negotiating with brackets? One tool many mediators use is “negotiating with brackets”. In most mediations, the parties start their negotiations far apart from one another. Most times that gap can be bridged through normal negotiations. But in some instances, mediators will suggest using brackets to help close that gap. What does that…
Read MoreMediation: What is a mediator’s proposal?
One tool that many mediators use to try and help resolve cases is a “mediator’s proposal”. What is it? Many mediations will come to an impasse, where the parties can’t reach an agreement. To help bridge that gap, many mediators will use a mediator’s proposal to settle the case. In a mediator’s proposal, the mediator…
Read MoreHalloween Is The Deadliest Day For Child Pedestrian Accidents
This time of year, parents are worried about dangerous candy, but the biggest danger to our kids is cars. Halloween is almost always the most deadly day of the year for child pedestrian accidents, and the third deadliest day for pedestrian deaths overall. According to AAA, children are 3 times more likely to be in…
Read MoreAnother Honor For Brooks
Brooks Schuelke has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer in the Plaintiff’s Personal Injury category. This is a distinction that is given to a small percentage of attorneys, and Brooks and the firm are honored to have been included yet again. We are particularly pleased because we understand a large component of the…
Read MorePerhaps My Biggest Legal Honor
Yesterday, I was shocked and humbled to receive the 2020 Scott Ozmun Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association (and yes, it was delayed by Covid like most other things). The award is given annually to an outstanding attorney for his or her commitment to the law, their clients,…
Read MoreWhat do you do if you’re in a car wreck?
What do you do if you’re in a car wreck? I recently had a friend get in a wreck, and when discussing it with my 18 year old son, my son told me he wouldn’t know what to do. So I’ve failed as a parent. Not only have I not taught him something important, but…
Read MoreCongrats! Brooks Schuelke was named to the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers List
We are pleased to announce that Brooks has been selected to the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than five percent of attorneys in the state. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of…
Read MorePersonal Injury Lawyers As Storytellers
I spent part of today on Zoom (of course) helping some University of Texas Law students tell their stories. Why, you may ask. Because stories are our currency. Stories are how we help convey what happened to harm our clients or how our clients are hurt. Stories help us convey the pain or the limitations…
Read MoreChildren’s Settlements: Why Can’t I Get The Money Right Away?
When we settle a minor’s claims, parents are sometimes surprised to learn that the children don’t get the money right away. Instead, the money is typically either deposited with the court until the child turns 18 or used to buy a structured settlement. A structured settlement is an annuity that pays a child a set…
Read MoreBoy Scouts, Lawsuits, & Bankruptcy: My Thoughts
This week brings news that the Boy Scouts of America filed bankruptcy. And I have to admit that I have mixed feelings on the subject. While a membership decline has helped contribute to the financial problems, the Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy filing is almost exclusively due to financial pressures faced from lawsuits filed by victims of…
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