Nominations are all in (but wait, there's more). The list of 2020's nominees has been published. It is a fantastic array of individuals who merit recognition for a variety of reasons.
In reflecting on Comp Laude this week. I ran across an email from one of my prior nominees. It included the text of a speech he had later delivered, titled: "the most meaningful month of my career." It was a touching note that I asked permission to publish. You see, I am reflecting on the over 70 individuals that I have nominated over the years for Comp Laude recognition. It struck me that this year I nominated 23 and 21 made it through the first round of vetting, see Comp Laude 2020. That is a sound compliment to each of them (I just filled out a simple online form). Nominating is short, to the point, and easy. You should try it in 2021!
But, that nomination process is but one path to a Comp Laude recognition. The People's Choice is one you can sign up for yourself. It was a People's Choice speech that this lawyer delivered at Comp Laude. You too can deliver a speech; it is similar to a TED talk, but with slides, pictures, and sound (about 6 minutes maximum). During the program, the attendees will vote for a winner. If no one has ever nominated you, consider submitting your People's Choice proposal now, and in effect nominate yourself. The proposal deadline is September 18.
I was touched by the "most meaningful month" speech delivered by attorney George Kagan because it touches on critical themes: mentors, dedication, and remembering that each injured worker is a person deserving of respect, dignity, and courtesy. I have known Mr. Kagan a number of years, been privileged to see him speak, and even shared the stage once. He is one of the most engaging, energetic, and gregarious people I know. It is my hope that his persistent enthusiasm and spirit may somehow rub off on me one day.
What follows is attorney George Kagan's People's Choice speech delivered at the 2019 Comp Laude Gala and awards program (the video on this link begins at about 5:31, before that is introduction, etc.).
And at age 69, .... that covers a lot of months!
But No matter how many months you’ve been at it, I promise to impart something worthwhile.
In October 2018 I went to San Diego —as a proud Comp Laude finalist in the legal defense category — GREAT start; but only the beginning.
By remarkable coincidence — or maybe something more than that —the trip gave me a chance finally to accept an invitation from two folks who’ve become quite dear over the last couple years and who’d been inviting me to visit at their home in either Palm Springs or Laguna Beach;
They are: retired rear Adm. Warren Aut, former supreme Allied Cmdr. of NATO, North Atlantic Fleet; Commander of the naval base at San Diego, and last but not least, commander of the recovery crew for Apollo 12, ....... And his wife Darlene, retired VP and director at Coldwell Banker, with spellbinding stories of her own (ask me later!).
They were delighted by my brief visit and even gave me mementos.
Not ordinary mementos: For instance, a strip of gold foil insulation from the Apollo 12 capsule, given the commander by his recovery team crew.
We stay in contact: I visit them tomorrow. (Side note: want a great table and incredible service? Put Adm. on your reservation! He didn't like to do it but his wife snuck it when I visited).
So How does this connect with our program! – – and HOW in the world did this Florida Comp attorney become so highly regarded by the admiral?
The answer is counter-intuitive – – but also infused with tragedy.
The admiral’s son was rendered a quadriplegic in a Florida Workers’ Comp accident -- but alas: for that intelligent and stoic young man — his injuries were only the beginning of the unfortunate things that would happen to him, things most disturbing, closer to home, and preventable. He died, arguably of THESE things, three years ago. Parts of the case remain open so I must be circumspect.
But, to make a long story “People’s Choice” short, Admiral Aut reached out to me a few years ago with this message:
As he put it, he and his wife (Claimant’s stepmother) believed there was one person in his son's corner throughout -- fighting for his well-being and for his dignity:— not his multiple attorneys though they were capable and professional – but, counter intuitively: me, the “insurance company lawyer!”
(As an aside I must confess much of the heavy lifting was done by nurse case manager Dorothy Custer, a whole different story in itself; again, ask me later.)
But I could not have asked for a greater testament to career-long philosophies which I seek, more often than not, to embody.
Here too, however, I cannot take all the credit: I did not invent the philosophies: I was young and impressionable, and in the wrong environment, I could have gone to the Darkside.
From whence did ‘my’philosophies spring?
October was not done with me yet.
A few days after my return I had the sad duty to attend the funeral of my revered mentor and senior partner who hired me as a kid out of law school for the only firm I ever worked for (until going out on my own 2 years ago to concentrate on appeals), a firm I eventually ran.
I was truly, literally blessed to have had him as my life-long mentor — to within a month of his passing.
I was asked to speak at his standing-room-only service and there relayed the story of the Adm. and me.
Here is the relevance of that story then – and now:
I told friends and family that Jack Miller, who started out as an adjuster by the way, taught me from my first day on the job as so-called insurance company lawyer:
"Worker's Comp is different; we have a host of built-in obligations to our 'adversary,' and the attorney — or adjuster — who could not embrace this nuance — who saw them all purely as adversaries, could not be truly successful in this work."
And so, my first day on the job was tied by an invisible cord to my eulogy on Jack’s behalf forty-three years later, a connection beautifully validated by my visit with the admiral just days earlier!
I don’t believe in coincidences by the way.
That was Jack Miller’s legacy — and I am grateful to say, with greater self-assurance now, it will also be part of mine.
If you’re involved in claims, let it be part of yours.
(Okay there were two more October events: a dear client’s wedding to which I felt honored to be invited, and my 50th high school reunion, where I schmoozed with guest stars Jerry Mathers as the beaver, and Mercury Morris of the 1972 “perfect season” Dolphins -- —and I not only have selfies to prove all my tales of October..............here is gold foil that went to the moon and back attached to Apollo 12. Thank you.
Who was your mentor(s)? What did they leave as a legacy? What will you leave?
Think you can do better? Now is the time to find out. Submit a proposal and deliver a speech. You might just get the recognition you deserve.
Think you can do better? Now is the time to find out. Submit a proposal and deliver a speech. You might just get the recognition you deserve.