Non-Profit Spotlight: Synapse House

May 29, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Deborah Giesler is no stranger to mental toughness. Giesler, Executive Director of the non-for-profit Synapse House and a speech therapist by trade, details what her fledgling organization has dubbed “Caregiver Boot Camp,” one of several new components of a fully immersive program that focuses on the long-term quality of life/recovery for people working to overcome the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The Synapse House was established in 2011 and found a home base in Florida before relocating to Elmhurst in 2014, a step closer to Giesler’s home state. Just a year later Synapse House has nurtured relationships with local partners and worked closely with organizers to bring a much-needed service to aid in the recovery process of its members. Its mission is to reconnect individuals with acquired brain injuries back into the community, the workplace, and family life. Membership is open to any individual with acquired brain injury, at any point after acute therapy has ended.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the highest priorities in public health and medicine because of its magnitude, rehabilitation cost, and extend of resulting disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain a TBI annually. But as technology advances and as hospital stays become shorter, the burden of care typically falls squarely on the shoulders of family members.

“No one gets better sitting on the couch,” Giesler says. “That just doesn’t work. Nowadays you go into a hospital and your length of stay is so short. It’s only a week or two and then [the patient] is home. The family is tasked with helping their loved ones, but they still need more assistance.”

That’s where the Synapse model comes into play. Synapse House focuses on the Clubhouse method, a technique adopted as early as the 1940s to help patients assimilate back into the community, pouring resources into the idea that recovery is also about providing meaningful pursuits. Participants are called members and engage in the day to day work of the organization through Work Units, whether it be answering phones, drafting documents, project research and reaching out to prospective members. The benefits speak for themselves.

This is accomplished in several ways: by giving members an opportunity to perform tasks that might be perceived as too difficult to accomplish on a regular basis. What Giesler has noticed in just four short years is how much Synapse’s clubhouse method has served head injury victims, but family members, too. She recalls the first Caregiver Boot Camp where several participants—most of them spouses—expressed great relief knowing others had gone through similar situations.

“It’s a difficult process,” Giesler says. “These women were just looking for an outlet, a place to vent. It’s an adjustment for everyone.”

Next month, Synapse marks its 2nd Annual Strokes for Stroke & Brain Injury Fundraiser June 3rd at the Schaumburg Golf Club, a benefit aimed at raising awareness of the aftereffects of traumatic head injuries. It’s also a way to raise financial support to promote its mission. Synapse House recently announced a new partnership with Heels for Combat Boots, another non-profit helping members of armed forces dealing with PTSD/TBI. The list continues to grow.

“We’re new and we’re always looking for volunteers, people who want to join the auxiliary board, or people who want to be involved,” says Giesler, noting that the work at Synapse House has only just begun. “If your needs are met you can stop. If you need us again you can come back; there is no endpoint.”

Food, friendly competitions, beverages and an afternoon BBQ will be included in the as part of the fundraiser. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please see the sponsorship opportunities to the left of this page. For more information about becoming a sponsor, call 877-932-1120 or go to www.synapsehouse.org.

Ken teaches at NJAJ’s Trucking University

May 8, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Ken Levinson at "Trucking University: Safer Roads, Better Lawyers" at NJAJ Boardwalk — Ken Levinson presenting at Trucking University: Safer Roads, Better Lawyers as part of the NJAJ Boardwalk Seminar 2015

Last week, at the New Jersey Association for Justice’s annual Boardwalk Seminar, partner Ken Levinson was an invited faculty member at “Trucking University: Safer Roads, Better Lawyers.” He taught the trial lawyers in attendance more effective ways to represent families dealing with serious injury or wrongful death arising out of tractor-trailer collisions.

While sharing some of the ways he’s helped families in truck crash cases, Ken described effective strategies to obtain the appropriate information from witnesses and necessary documentation to prevent the trucking companies from hiding key documents and witnesses.

Plus, with the recent news from automaker Daimler of a self-driving semi truck that is road-ready, attorneys need to stay on the cutting edge of the industry’s developments.

Announcing Our Inaugural Scholarship Opportunity

April 22, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

One of our goals at Levinson and Stefani is to improve the community in which we live. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor our inaugural scholarship opportunity for one ingoing college freshman in 2015, a student who has overcome injuries related to a motor vehicle accident.

This August, one future undergraduate will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their college education, a chance to lighten some of the monetary load with extra cash to offset the rising costs of college.

We continue to work closely with accident victims and families that are forced deal with the aftermath of debilitating motor vehicle injuries, many of which have proven to be difficult emotionally and financially. For young victims especially, the legal costs alone can change the course their future. And it’s usually just the tip of the iceberg. We want to change that course, even if it means starting small.

Our contribution hardly compensates for what can often turn out to be lifelong problems. Still, we’re hoping this starting sum is the beginning of a long tradition that not only puts a little cash in someone’s pocket, but also acknowledges the bravery of the people who maintain a positive outlook, despite the circumstances. If anything, the majority of stories we hear on a regular basis have proven to be inspirational on so many levels

And we also hope this is just the start of something bigger. We plan to offer our scholarship on an annual basis, overseen directly by our firm’s founding partners. Our application process, which asks applicants to submit a short essay describing their experience overcoming injuries, is short and simple. More details below. You can also email scholarship@levinsonstefani.com with further questions.

Applications for our inaugural scholarship are due by July 1, 2015. For more information about the application process, eligibility requirements, submissions and the review process, please visit our scholarship page by clicking here.

Lawyer no-no’s from Chicago judges

April 8, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

CBA Judges Panter and Gomolinski with Levinson and Stefani attorneys — Judge Michael R. Panter, Brett Manchel, Ken Levinson, Judge William E. Gomolinski, and Jay Stefani

The April 7, 2015, event at the Chicago Bar Association provided an insightful experience for attending attorneys, as judges opened up about what really frustrates them on the bench. Partner Ken Levinson, who moderated the round-table discussion, was impressed with the judges’ candor in their comments about the attorneys appearing before them.

“The judges’ perspectives are valuable in making sure that we do all we can to help our clients. When we are in court, the ability to recognize and appreciate a judge’s preferences is more than useful.”

The panel consisted of Circuit Court of Cook County Judges Michael R. Panter, William E. Gomolinksi, and James N. O’Hara. The stories shared by three judges were both serious and humorous, and certainly helped attorneys in attendance to better understand how judges are thinking about and analyzing the cases before them.

The oft-repeated adage “know your judge” rings as true as ever, and here are some of the most valuable tips we were fortunate enough to receive from the judges at the event:

No eye-rolling, groaning, or inappropriate gestures

Judges do not always rule in ways we like. But rather than reacting too quickly and letting our frustrations show through, think about the next time you will be before that particular judge. Chances are, he or she will remember you. In the legal field, reputation is everything. In case you thought this was so obvious that it need not even be stated to a group of lawyers at a bar association event, Judge Gomolinski related a story from the morning’s court call detailing the ridiculous antics of an attorney.

Don’t talk to the other attorney when you should be talking to the judge

If you’re appearing in front of the judge on a case status hearing or motion, it is the judge’s time to discuss the case with you and the other attorneys. Going back and forth about housekeeping matters between attorneys should be done before the scheduled court time. Judge O’Hara even advised lawyers to take care of these conferences weeks before the court date, not leaving them until the morning of.

Don’t show up to court without knowing the details of your case

Judges don’t want to hear the lawyer appearing before them say that they don’t know the information necessary to moving the case forward. Even if you’re covering for another attorney, judges expect that basic information about the case is available; for example, how many more depositions are you expecting to take? And, how long do you need to take them?

Don’t be rude to courtroom staff

Judges can see and hear how you treat the clerks and deputies. Judges work with the court staff every day, and view their staff as an extension of the bench. You should treat the court clerk and all of the judge’s staff with the same respect you show the judge.

Don’t say “with all due respect, Judge”

Just don’t.

Bonus Tip: Judges are people, too

Even the strictest of judges knows emergencies happen. Judges, like attorneys, have lives outside of work, and they remind lawyers to be candid and honest when those things beyond our control occur. Your dog can only eat your homework so many times, and yes, judges do remember those attorneys who have a habit of making “excuses.”

Do you have any tried and true tips to building good relationships with judges? Or any other no-no’s that should be on our list? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+!

Spring is Coming: 5 Ways to Prepare for Warm Weather in Chicago

March 9, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Here in the office, we are getting antsy for warm weather. In an effort to combat our winter blahs, we have compiled some activities to help get ready for spring – which is coming, we hope!

1. As the snow begins to melt, and you start seeing green, make plans for a vegetable garden. Re-connect with Mother Nature and find your green thumb! Draw a diagram of where you hope to plant, and make a list of the seeds and gardening supplies you will need, so you will be ready to plant as soon as the weather allows!

This article has some great links for beginners to help you prepare for your garden.

2. Re-vamp your wardrobe — start taking inventory of your spring and summer clothing. New bathing suit styles are available in late winter (and on sale!). If you run or exercise outdoors during spring, start looking for new fitness clothing that will help you stay cool outside.

3. Speaking of outside — go outside. When the days start getting longer and the air starts getting less frigid, go for a walk and start planning all the spring and summer activities you have to look forward to!

4. Clean up. There’s a reason it’s called “Spring Cleaning” – because the best home improvement projects happen in the spring. Make plans now to spruce up the coat of paint that you’ve been meaning to get to, tidy up the garage, or start the garden (see tip number 1). If you need ideas, there’s no shortage of “DIY” projects that can be done on a budget — just check out Pinterest.

5. Whether you’re a commuter from the suburbs or you’ve let your car get buried under feet of snow while parked on your street, your car deserves some TLC after this winter. The slush, salt, and cold weather really take a toll on your vehicle. If you visit most car centers, they will be happy to rotate your tires, check your tire pressure, change your oil and fluids, and inspect your vehicle for winter damage. And, they will make sure your tires have enough tread for the rainy spring weather ahead!

As always, please feel free to reach out and share with us any other ways you and your family are getting ready for spring!

Buyer Beware: How Safe is your Used Car?

March 5, 2015 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

"Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man" by Flickr user m01229, with text added. CC BY. — “Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man” by Flickr user m01229, with text added. CC BY

The 2015 Chicago Auto Show recently wrapped up, and with all the deals and promotions, now is a popular time to go new, and used, car shopping. We recently wrote about some major car safety issues, but here’s another: did you know that dealers — small and large — are not required to get cars under recall repaired before selling them to you? Used car salespeople are not even legally required to tell you that the car needs repairs at all!

That used car dealers do not need to reveal such important information is a startling, and very dangerous, fact. On the contrary, however, car manufacturers like Ford and Honda have a duty to announce recalls within 60 days of finding the safety problem. According to Carfax, one out of five cars on our country’s roads is driving with an unfixed safety problem that was part of a recall.

Left unattended, the problems at the center of the recalls can result in a crash, injuries, or even the death of occupants. For example, air bags can inflate improperly, with plastic and metal parts parts bursting through and injuring or killing someone in the car. Other recalls have been issued that, if unfixed, result in cars stalling, or parts catching fire. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like this scary problem is going to get better. In 2004, the number of recalled vehicles was about 32 million. In 2014, however, that number doubled to around 64 million recalled vehicles.

With the number of recalled cars on our roads constantly increasing, and no federal law to protect consumers, the entire nation is at risk. Cars move freely between states and among owners. “We cannot allow vehicles with potentially dangerous defects to leave used-car lots without the necessary repairs,” said the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mark Rosekind.

While the U.S. Government is working towards passing laws to require used car dealers to get the necessary repairs for a recalled vehicle before selling it, dealers would, potentially, rather limit their responsibility to telling car buyers about the recall. This, dealers say, is all that is needed now because of a new government database that indicates whether a car is under a recall.

Of course, there is a federal law requiring that dealers of new cars make the recall repairs before selling the car. But if you are looking for a used car now, or recently bought a car, you should definitely check whether there is an active recall on the car. To check whether your specific vehicle is under a recall, go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.

While there, it is also a good idea to take a look at the information and safety advice offered for vehicle shoppers at http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers.