I thought, for a change, I’d try to keep it a little light hearted while still delivering the message.
I’m thankful that New Jersey has a Law Against Discrimination which protects everyone from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation, disability or handicap, perceived disability or handicap, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, country of origin, parental status, etc. I’m thankful that it allows attorneys to push for a better, more clear-thinking society that looks past surface differences at the heart of a human being.
I’m thankful for a country that, though politically divided — viciously so at times — in its heart, still wishes to aspire to the greatness of its original and unique vision.
I’m thankful that we have a peaceful system of elections that allows everyone to make their opinions heard, regardless of how diverse those opinions may be, and that power transfers in an orderly, non-violent fashion.
I’m thankful that my mother thought I’d make a good lawyer.
I’m thankful that New Jersey places great store by the rights of workers and backs up that public policy with legislation that allows attorneys to protect workers.
I’m thankful that we have both state and national legislation to protect workers from the abuses of overtime without proper compensation. I’m thankful that we fight constantly against wage slavery.
I’m thankful that we have enlightened family leave laws that allow people to protect what’s truly important — their health and their families. I’m thankful that, for now, we have a system of trial by jury that keeps the power where it belongs…in the hands of the people.
I’m thankful for an excellent partner, associates and staff that make this hard work a little less hard.
I’m thankful for every client who believes that our firm is the answer to their problems and who trust us to deliver those solutions.
I’m thankful for an excellent judiciary that mostly gets it right and mostly always tries even when they don’t.
I’m thankful for so many colleagues that trust us to do the right thing by their own clients.
I’m thankful that I have a family that understands and supports what I do, why I do it, and why it’s important to make a better society.
Finally, I’m thankful that my wife believed in me and that she believes in me still.
