For some time now, the media has been dominated by a seemingly endless stream of alarming, tragic, and divisive news, leaving many of us desperate for an uplifting story. Like a breath of fresh air, recent headlines highlighting the courage, selflessness, and resolve of everyday people have broken the monotony of doom and gloom and restored some faith in humanity. Last week, the world watched as a team of divers risked their lives in the successful mission to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach, who were trapped deep inside a cave that flooded during a team excursion. Then, on Monday, this heartwarming story went viral after a young man walked all night to his new job, 20 miles away; his employer’s reaction will literally bring tears to your eyes.

These modern heroes remind us that, amidst the hate and corruption plaguing today’s society, there are powerful forces of good at work. I believe that we would all be well served physically, emotionally, and spiritually by making a habit of going the extra mile to serve others. What I love most about being an attorney is that I am in a prime position to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. Just this week, one of our lawyers shared with me an anecdote about the impact a personal injury settlement had on a teenage client. The young man, as one of four children in a single-parent household, has neither been afforded luxuries in the past, nor has he pressed for them. Still, his mom knew that he had dreamed of getting a pair of Air Jordan shoes for years. After we settled his case, the boy’s mother surprised him with a trip to Foot Locker. As mom described her son’s reaction to learning he was getting a pair of Air Jordans—sheer disbelief followed by wide-eyed excitement and overwhelming joy—both she and my associate became teary-eyed.

In my years of practice, countless clients have shared similarly touching experiences. Though they may not make for front-page news, these accounts share the sentiment of recent headlines and demonstrate that an ordinary person can profoundly and positively impact the lives of others. So, when the status quo is grim, take comfort in knowing that you wield the power to make the world a better place by simply making a conscious effort to do good!

 

We are in the midst of the summer vacation season, and even I’ve been able to spend a little time at the beach myself this year! Over 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year, and having an office in the Grand Strand has helped me to appreciate the fact that, often times, the human tendency is to let one’s guard down while on vacation as far as personal safety is concerned. For one thing, people attempt to engage in activities that they wouldn’t dream of doing at home, particularly amusement activities like surfing, jet skiing, or parasailing. Moreover, driving in heavy traffic in an unfamiliar area can lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

My Myrtle Beach practice has helped to assist innumerable fine individuals whose vacations, and sometimes lives, have been ruined by an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, ride operator, or hotel staff. And, although these individuals have been hurt by no fault of their own, most of them share the sentiment that they just did not think anything bad would happen while on vacation. Unfortunately, while a holiday does provide an escape from the day-to-day, it is not a shield from human error or vulnerability.

So here’s the takeaway from this week’s KellyGram: when you go on vacation, have a great time, but be just as alert and aware of your surroundings and personal safety as you would be at home, if not more so!

 

The Mike Kelly Law Group is proud to announce in this week’s KellyGram that attorney Karlen Senn is joining our litigation team! As our practice has flourished and grown, so has our need for accomplished lawyers, and Karlen is going to be a great fit for the team.

Born and raised in the Columbia area, Karlen is a South Carolina native. After she graduated from Hammond School, Karlen attended Converse College where she earned dual degrees in history and politics. She went on to receive her JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2014, and began her legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Robert E. Hood of the South Carolina Circuit Court.

Prior to joining the Mike Kelly Law Group, Karlen served as an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. An experienced trial attorney, Karlen represented the State of South Carolina in many jury trials, both in Circuit and Magistrate Courts of Richland County.

Karlen devotes nearly all of her spare time to her daughter, sharing with her a love of the beach and the outdoors.

Believe it or not, on Wednesday our nation will be celebrating its 242nd Independence Day! Now, more than ever, I am grateful to be an American, living in a country where freedom is still a reality. Not a day goes by that we are not reminded of the war, oppression, and deprivation of human rights that devastate so many lives and nations. Still, many Americans take for granted their individual liberties, forgetting that they come at a tremendous cost. Thousands of soldiers sacrificed themselves in pursuit of our nation’s independence, and ever since, our service members have continued for 242 years to dedicate their lives to protect the freedom on which America was founded. Although I have never served in the military, I have the utmost respect and gratitude for those men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, to preserve our rights and the values of this country.

That’s not to say America does not have its fair share of challenges, and I, like many others, don’t always agree with the approach taken by its leaders. But the beauty of America is that its people hold the power to challenge and change the status quo, and to redirect the country’s trajectory when it veers off course. This is why, even when America is not the greatest version of itself, it is still the greatest nation on earth.

 

The Brookland Foundation is one of the many ministries of Brookland Baptist Church, headquartered in West Columbia. Established in 1994, the Brookland Foundation is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is “to improve the lives of people by developing and promoting efforts to enhance their spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and economic well-being.” To accomplish this mission, the foundation has set up five primary programs:

(2) The HIV/AIDS Program raises community awareness about the HIV virus, and encourages risk education and preventative practices.

(3) The Tutorial Program provides after-school and evening tutoring and homework assistance for K-12 students.

(4) The Homeless Outreach Program promotes awareness and serves as an advocate for the spiritual, psychological, and physiological needs of homeless individuals and families.

(5) The Male Initiative Program focuses on strategies and solutions designed to empower men and their families.

The Brookland Foundation is the brainchild of Brookland Baptist Church’s founding pastor, and a personal friend of mine, Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr. Last week, the Mike Kelly Law Group had the pleasure and privilege of supporting the Foundation by participating in its 22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament held at the Members Club at Woodcreek. The firm will continue to support the Ministry of Charles P. Jackson, Sr. and the Brookland Foundation, as well as the other outstanding programs at Brookland Baptist Church.