Survival stress: this may occur in cases where your survival or health is threatened, where you are put under pressure, or where you experience some unpleasant or challenging event. Here adrenaline is released in your body and you experience all the symptoms of your body preparing for ‘fight or flight’.

Internally generated stress: this can come from anxious worrying about events beyond your control, from a tense, hurried approach to life, or from relationship problems caused by your own behavior. It can also come from an ‘addiction’ to and enjoyment of stress.

Environmental and job stress: here your living or working environment causes the stress. It may come from noise, crowding, pollution, untidiness, dirt or other distractions. Alternatively stress can come from events at work.

Fatigue and overwork: here stress builds up over a long period. This can occur where you try to achieve too much in too little time, or where you are not using effective time management strategies.

Many of the stresses you experience come from your job or from your lifestyle and may include: (1) too much or too little work; (2) having to perform beyond your experience or perceived abilities; (3) having to overcome unnecessary obstacles; (4) time pressures and deadlines; (5) keeping up with new developments; (6) changes in procedures and policies; 
(7) lack of relevant information, support and advice; (8) lack of clear objectives; (9) unclear expectations of your role from your boss or colleagues; (10) responsibility for people, budgets or equipment.

Career development stress may include: (1) under-promotion, frustration and boredom with current role; (2) over-promotion beyond abilities; (3) lack of a clear plan for career development ; (4) lack of opportunity; (5) lack of job security.

Stress from your organization or your clients: (1) pressures from your boss or from above in your organization; (2) interference in your work; (3) demands from clients; (4) disruptions to work plans; (5) the telephone!

Personal and family stresses: (1) financial problems; (2) relationship problems; (3) ill-health; (4) family changes such as birth, death, marriage or divorce.

Very often you can eliminate "overload" by effective use of time management skills, particularly by learning how to prioritize effectively. You can neutralize the associated stress by effective use of stress management techniques. The best way of doing this will probably be to make an Action Plan of things that you are going to do to manage stress. Some elements of this action plan will be actions you are going to take to contain, control or eliminate problems that are causing you stress. Other elements may be health related such as taking more exercise, changing your diet, or improving the quality of your environment. Another part of the plan may cover stress management techniques that you will employ when stress levels begin to build. Counter negative thoughts with positive affirmations. You can use affirmations to build confidence and change negative behavior patterns into positive ones. You can base affirmations on clear, rational assessments of fact, and use them to undo the damage that negative thinking may have done to your self-confidence. Examples of affirmations are:

• I can do this.

• I can achieve my goals.

• I am completely myself and people will like me for myself.

• I am completely in control of my life.

• I learn from my mistakes. They increase the basis of experience on which I can draw.

• I am a good valued person in my own right.

Traditionally people have advocated positive thinking almost recklessly, as if it is a solution to everything. It should be used with common sense. First decide rationally what goals you can realistically attain with hard work, and then use positive thinking to reinforce these.

Time Management is a set of related practical skills that help you to use your time in the most effective and productive way possible. Time management helps you to reduce work stress by being more in control of your time and by being more productive. This ensures that you have time to relax outside work. The central shift of attitude within time management is to concentrate on results, not on activity. To this end it embraces a range of skills that help you to: (1) Assess the value of your time, and how effectively you are using it; (2) Focus on your priorities so that you know which tasks should be done, which ones can be delegated, and which ones can be dropped; (3) Plan projects so that they are done properly, with adequate resources; (4) Use the time you have more effectively; (5) Create more time; (6) Manage and avoid distractions; (7) Increase your productivity and personal effectiveness.

When you are in control of your life, you can control the level of stress you face. When you are out of control and unable to schedule events, then you cannot prevent stress building on top of stress. You will experience unpleasant peaks and troughs of stress. The feeling of being out of control is unpleasant and stressful in its own right. Being in control of your life is largely a matter of attitude. Often the difference between being in control and out of control comes down to making an investment of a little of your free time in planning. An effective method of doing this is to use personal goal setting. By planning you can anticipate problems in advance. This helps you to work out how to prevent or avoid a problem, or anticipate and exploit the positive elements of a situation. Some of the most satisfying and enjoyable work you can do is work that you choose to do to meet your own long term goals.

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Jo Ann Sims, PLS, CLAS / Board Certified Legal Assistant-Real Estate Law-Texas Board ofLegal Specialization / Elections Committee Chair

254/739-2563 ricky@glade.net

The election of directors to the Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas from District 1, District 3, District 5, District 7, District 9, District 11, District 13, and District 15 will be held on May 3, 2001. All active and freelance members of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas in good standing as of February 1, 2001, will be eligible to vote.

Each potential candidate must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Eligibility Requirements. The candidate must satisfy the eligibility requirements of Article III, Section 3 and Article IX, Section 1 A and Section 4 of the Bylaws and Rule V B, Section 5 c of the Standing Rules.
2. Declaration of Intent. The candidate must make a declaration of intent to run as a candidate for the office of director through an original nominating petition declaring such intent that is filed with the Elections Subcommittee Chair in the candidate’s district pursuant to Rule V B, Section 5 of the Standing Rules.
3. Nominating Petition. The original nominating petition must be signed by and must be submitted to the Elections Subcommittee Chair in such district, on or before March 19, 2001. The number of signatures required on the original nominating petition shall be as follows:

Number of Signatures Within District Number of Registered Voters Required:

Beginning on February 16, 2001, each Elections Subcommittee Chair shall prepare and forward, upon request, the following materials to potential candidates for director in their respective district at any time during the nominating period:

1. A copy of the List of Registered Voters for their district;
2. A sample nominating petition; and
3. A copy of Rule VI of the Standing Rules entitled "Guidelines for Campaigns for Candidates as Director".

To request information from the Elections Subcommittee Chair for your district contact:

The following timetable is provided to guide you through the election process.

February 1, 2001: In accordance with the Standing Rules V B, Section 5 e, the voter registration deadline shall be February 1 of each year.

February 16, 2001: Contact the Elections Subcommittee Chair for your district and request a nominating petition and, at your option, prepare a short resume to attach to such nominating petition. Each candidate should include enough copies of the resume for each member of the candidate’s district.

Brochure or Resume: A brochure or resume pertaining to each candidate for director may be enclosed with the ballot and shall be prepared and furnished to the Elections Subcommittee Chair at each candidate’s own expenses. Such brochure or resume shall be received by the Elections Subcommittee Chair sufficiently in advance to be included in the mailing of the ballots. Such brochure or resume shall not exceed two 8 1/2" x 11" pages or one 8 1/2" x 14" page.

Campaigning: After the signatures on the Nominating Petition have been verified (March 19, 2001), the nominee may begin actively campaigning. Solicitation by mail is proper, provided that such mailing be on personal stationery or employer letterhead (provided that the employer’s permission has been obtained). Candidates themselves, in addition to the above, may campaign by personal solicitation. The full expense of such mail solicitation shall not exceed the sum of $500. However, to the fullest extent possible, all communications and solicitations, whether by letter or card or telephone, should concentrate on the candidate’s merits and should avoid criticism of the other candidate or candidates. The excessive use of telephone solicitation by persons other than candidates through the use of WATS lines and similar organized solicitation is discouraged.

March 19, 2001: Return your Nominating Petition, properly completed, and at your option, with a sufficient number of copies of your resume or brochure for members in your district, to the District Subcommittee Chair. (Any petition received after March 19, 2001, will not be accepted. Faxed, xeroxed, or telecopied nominating petitions cannot be accepted as proof of a candidate’s eligibility for nomination.)

March 28, 2001: Elections Subcommittee Chair, after verifying signatures on the Nominating Petition, will forward a draft of the ballot to the Elections Chair.

April 6, 2001: Elections Committee Chair shall forward ballots to the Legal Assistants Division Coordinator for printing.

April 18, 2001: Ballots mailed for Director Election.

May 3, 2001: Deadline for receipt of marked ballots for director election. All ballots must be returned to the Legal Assistants Division Coordinator for the Legal Assistants Division in the ballot envelope furnished. Only ballots received by May 3, 2001, shall be tallied.

May 4, 2001: The Legal Assistants Division Coordinator with the Elections Subcommittee for District 4 will cause such ballots to be tabulated and notify the active candidates of such election results.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Elections Subcommittee Chair for your district.

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS/ELECTION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT

Pursuant to Standing Rule XIV of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas, notice is hereby given of an election for the office of President-Elect. This election will be held by mail during the month of January 2000 by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications for serving as President-Elect of the Division are contained in Standing Rule XIV as follows:

XIV. OFFICERS

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Any current or past Director who is currently an active or freelance member of the Division is eligible to be elected as President or President-Elect.

Any qualified individual who is interested in running for office of President-Elect should forward a one-page résumé, together with a letter of intent to run, to the nominations committee at the following address NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2001.

Ingrid Bumstead, CLAS
Chair, Nominating Committee Mehaffy & Weber
P. O. Box 16 Beaumont, TX 77704-0016

In the event the Board elects an individual who is currently serving as a Director, a vacancy will be declared in the district in which that individual serves. An election will be held to replace the outgoing Director (President-Elect) at the time the elections for the Board of Directors are regularly scheduled.

Uniform Informational Statement Exceptional Pro Bono Service Award

The Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas is proud to sponsor an Exceptional Pro Bono Service Award. This award will go to a Division member who has volunteered his or her time and special skills in providing uncompensated services in pro bono assistance to their community. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of pro bono activities and to encourage Division members to volunteer their time and specialty skills to pro bono projects within their community by recognizing a LAD Legal Assistant who demonstrates exceptional dedication to pro bono service. Legal Assistants are invited to foster the development of pro bono projects and to provide assistance to established pro bono programs, work closely with attorneys to provide unmet legal services to poor persons. The winner of the award will be announced at the Annual meeting, his/her expenses to attend the Annual Meeting will be incurred by the Division, and a profile of the individual will be published in the Texas Paralegal Journal.  For more information, contact Jodye Kasher, CLA, Chair of Professional Development Committee, 3307 Windy Ridge Court, San Antonio, TX 78259, (210) 481- 5358 (e-mail: JKasher@satx.rr.com). See page 31 of the TPJ December issue to apply.

Please complete the nomination form, and return it to Jodye Kasher, Chair, Professional Development Committee, 3307 Windy Ridge Court, San Antonio, TX 78259.  MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JANUARY 31, 2001.

LEFT: HONORABLE GREG ABBOTT GAVE ATTENDEES A "SUPREME COURT CASE LAW UPDATE"RIGHT: AUSTIN ATTORNEY, LARRY BLACK, BROUGHT LOTS OF PROPS FOR HIS DISCUSSION OF DEMONSTRATIVE EVIDENCE.

On September 23, 2000, 260 graduates of "Legal Assistant University" completed three days of continuing education, professional development, networking and fun to become the first LAU graduating class of the new millennium.

The three-day seminar, in Austin, began on Wednesday evening with "The Perils of Penelope: A Mediation Melodrama." This two-hour play, written by Elizabeth Elliott portrayed the mediation of a case involving Penelope and Egbert Van Dorn, a couple working together in Egbert’s business, until Egbert was injured in a car accident. Master Mediator Joe Miler showed the audience how he works to find an equitable solution to the settlement of disputes involving both the business and the marriage, along with settling the interests of Egbert’s daughter, Vultura. This very entertaining presentation showed everyone how mediation works and how to sort through the facts and reach an equitable agreement for all parties. Grade A+ to all involved!

From Thursday through Saturday, students attended courses on a variety of advanced and freshman level courses, presented by leaders in the legal field. Topics ranged from Probate to Criminal law to Corporate issues to Medical Malpractice to skills labs such as writing and research skills. Speakers included Justice Greg Abbott, Representative Toby Goodman, Justice Raul Gonzalez, Justice Woodie Jones, Judge Lora Livingston, Board Certified attorneys and paralegals from all areas of law.

The Thursday luncheon at LAU was attended with great excitement by all LAU students and vendors. Upon entering the student cafeteria, each student drew a number which corresponded with table numbers. This arrangement allowed individuals to sit with new friends to discuss that particular table’s assigned topic of legal-related experiences. After all stories were told, the assigned judges declared the winning stories.

On Thursday evening, LAU students spent "Spring Break" mixing and mingling with old and new friends. Everyone enjoyed a treasure hunt, with great prizes given to winners. Numerous vendors also donated prizes which were give away in random drawings. On Friday evening, all students were inducted in to the "Honor Society." Again, everyone networked with old and new friends.

On Saturday afternoon, LAU graduations were led through commencement by Judge Lora Livingston of the 261st Judicial District Court in Austin. Judge Livingston presented her thoughts on the paralegal profession and how all of us in the legal community can serve the client better. We all left feeling proud of our chosen profession and were re-energized and ready to get back to the clients we serve.

There is no way to adequately summarize each of the seventy courses offered. However, several courses are worth mentioning:

"Avoiding Problems in Bankruptcy" Attorney Stephen W. Sather provided an excellent paper for reference on his topic. The overview of his paper and speech were to help practicing legal assistants avoid making common errors, even fatal errors, when handling bankruptcy cases. He highlighted the common pitfalls in processing bankruptcy cases and the resulting debtor consequences. He provided a short guide to Chapters 7 and 13, the main consumer chapters. He gave specific procedures for handling exemptions and debts and also profiled debtors for each chapter. He distinctly outlined his recommendation for the role of the legal assistant in a bankruptcy practice, citing current leading cases. Mr. Sather pointed out which tasks performed by legal assistants are unethical. He clearly explained the ethical, supervised tasks of legal assistants in the bankruptcy practice. His paper contains completed forms, which he reviewed with us and compared the inconsistent data. His topic ended with a list of practices in order to avoid disaster.

"Legal Research on the Internet" Law Librarian, Martha Arthos led a discussion in how to conduct legal research on the internet. Most of us conduct research on the internet, and no matter how experienced we are, there is always something new to learn. At first glance, the internet is a bit overwhelming. This class presented some important search tools to make navigating the internet a little easier. A thorough discussion of search engines and how they work was presented, as well as tools helpful when using these search engines. General search engines, subject directories, special search engines and the finer points of Boolean searching were reviewed. Legal Meta sites were explained, emphasizing some of the prominent ones, such as the Legal Information Institute, Tarlton Law Library, and the Legal Engine Search Index. Other topics discussed included e-mail notification services, URLs, current awareness web sites, and organizing and using bookmarks.

"Anatomy for Legal Assistants" by Martha Zornes, RN, MSN, (Nurse/Legal Assistant. Since it would have been impossible to cover in detail the information and terms associated with reviewing medical records or evaluating issues involving medicine in the session, Ms. Zornes, focused on common terms, abbreviations, prefixes and suffixes generally encountered. She also gave the participants some helpful websites for reference and her paper was more inclusive on her discussion topic. Anatomy sessions are always well attended and received by the participants and Ms. Zornes was both informative and engaging.

"The Art of Drafting Corporate Minutes" Nancy A. Richardson, Esq. presented a superb seminar on the Art of Drafting Corporate Minutes. Although all corporate minutes contain required items, e.g. date, time and place of meeting, the resolutions and action taken vary considerably per company and industry. Ms. Richardson provided a detailed checklist to help the novice and the expert with the format of what information is necessary to draft proper corporate minutes, what types of topic and transactions should be addressed and how to properly record the discussion. In addition, the seminar covered the relationship of minutes to the duties of loyalty, care and obedience that the board of directors owes to the company and requirements of the Securities & Exchange Commission. Attorney Richardson closed her presentation by explaining why the recording of minutes is so important to corporations, as well as other legal entities, such as partnerships and limited liability companies.

"Stock Options and Section 16 Insider Reporting" As was the goal of LAU to provide educational topics to beginner and experienced paralegals, the seminar dealing with Stock Options and Section 16 Insider Reporting catered to the experienced paralegal. Mark Peitrantone of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, L.L.P. delicately explained the premises of stock option plans, the different types of plans and the key terms of all stock option plans. Attorney Peitrantone addressed the tax implications of Stock Options and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each plan. His presentation also provided an overview of Section 16 insider reporting statute, applicability and obligations of those who are subject to Section 16 reporting. Most importantly, Mr. Peitrantone’s discussed the consequences of violating Section 16. Mr. Peitrantone’s did a wonderful job of explaining two difficult topics in a short period of time.

"Using the Statutory Disability Planning Forms" Attorney William D. Pargaman of Brown McCarroll & Oaks Hartline, L.L.P. of Austin, Texas concentrated on the different kinds of forms, e.g. durable power of attorney, directive to physician and do-no-resuscitate orders, that can be used to help clients who are estate planning. The seminar discussions included the practical issues involved in the use of these forms and the statutory history and courts’ treatment of these statutory disability planning forms.

"Supreme Court Case Law Update" by Texas Supreme Court Justice Greg Abbott. Justice Abbott opened his presentation with an anecdote about his speaking at a seminar for lawyers. He arrived at the seminar while the previous speaker was still at the podium and was quietly awaiting his turn in the back of the room when a lawyer started to head for the door. Justice Abbott asked the lawyer if he was leaving and the lawyer replied that he certainly was because a boring judge was speaking next. As always, Justice Abbott was not boring but both amusing and entertaining in his presentation of a preconceived dry topic area. Justice Abbott’s presentation of case law updates in other practice areas including but not limited to administrative law, class actions, insurance law, employment law, and damages, was presented in a cogent and pleasant way so it was interesting to individuals in all areas of law. The handout covered court opinions from the preceding year in at least 30 different areas of law.

"Family Law Case Law Update" Representative Toby Goodman talked about a little bit of everything. He went over the main legislative changes from last year and told us about some upcoming legislative changes and opened the class up for questions. There were expensive discussions about everything from gun control in family violence cases to custody issues and what changes are being made in those area. He brought out a lot of interesting tid bits of information. The entire discussion was very interesting.

"Introduction to Intellectual Property Law" by Jeana Cartwright, Legal Assistant The presentation by Jeana Cartwright was excellent. Her presentation on patents, copyrights, trade secrets/confidential information and trademarks gave the LAU attendees an easy and understandable explanation on how intellectual property works and the function of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The presentation also provided a good understanding of the paralegal’s role in working with intellectual property. Ms. Cartwright was very knowledgeable and thorough in the information which she provided.

LAU was a tremendous success, everyone in attendance left with an expanded legal education, new friends and a feeling that we are part of a great profession.

Thanks to Joan Olson, Kim Cantu, Catherine Davies, Corla Atkins, Elizabeth Kemmer, Faye Toplitsky and April Metcalf for their assistance with this

article.

Presented at Legal Assistant University-A Three Day Seminar September 23, 2000, Austin, Texas

Hello! I want to begin by thanking you for having me here today. I want to also thank Martha Jones for taking me to lunch to talk me into coming today. While we were having lunch, Martha kept listing all of these reasons why she wanted me to be your speaker this morning. She told me that I did not have to prepare a paper, that the subject did not need to be academic and that I should simple say something inspirational. How many of you saw the movie "Jerry Maguire?" Well, then you will understand it when I say that Martha had me after "you don't have to do a paper."

I guess I should explain the title of my remarks to you today. The reason for the "...and other obvious observations" part of the title is that I will not say anything today that you do not already know. You have been here for the last three days, you have already learned the substantive material and frankly, I would not dare repeat anything you have already heard. Rather, my goals are to remind you why you do what you do; to encourage you to do more of some of the things that you do; and the thank you for all of those things that you do so well.

Why did you become a Legal Assistant? Can any of you remember why you entered this profession? As you think about this, let me share a little bit about why I do what I do. I started my legal career as a staff attorney at the local Legal Aid office. When I graduated from law school I knew that I wanted to represent people who could not represent themselves and who could not afford to hire an attorney. It was important to me to try to help people who could not speak for themselves. After six years at Legal Aid I entered private practice and six years later I was appointed as an Associate Judge. Two years ago I was elected to a District Court bench in Travis County. I was probably destined for public service and I have loved every minute of my work. Public service is what drew me to the law and it L; what motivates me to strive for success.

Abe Lincoln once said, "always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."

This comment came from a man who lost eight campaigns for political office, failed at business twice, and suffered a nervous breakdown, all before he became President of the United States. No matter what we strive to accomplish in our lives our resolution and perseverance can get us there. Sometimes the most difficult achievement is merely identifying what our goals truly are because then we can work to move in that direction. So are you starting to remember why you do what you do? Can you recall what you wanted to accomplish in your profession?

Do you really know motivates you? Is it a good challenge, respect, money, a positive work environment, or perhaps a fancy certificate like the on you will receive at the completion of this CLE program? Let me offer a few tips that might be considered a recipe for success. These are practical tips that apply to any profession and things that we should all ponder as we evaluate our own goals.

Be confident. Be organized. Accept praise when you are right and accept criticism when you are not right. By all means, admit when you are wrong immediately. Resist the temptation to blame others. Always give others the benefit of the doubt. Give of yourself and give even more than what is expected of you. Mentor others. I believe that when you give others the benefit of your talent and experience, you will benefit as much or more than you can possibly give. I think you will discover that this will give added

meaning to your own career. Do not get wrapped up in office politics or gossip. It will do injustice to your work atmosphere and rob you of the job satisfitction you seek. Focus on your own work and do not compare your workload with others you work with. It may be that your boss has given you additional assignments because he or she knows you can be trusted to carry out the task better than anyone else. Become involved in bar and professional organizations and activities. By all means, become involved in your respective communities. Always have respect for yourself and for others. And take responsibility for all that you do.

The law is constantly changing. I find that to be a great motivating fitctor in my work. One of the reasons the high-tech industry is so appealing is because technological advances are occurring every day. People like to be stimulated in their work. The legal profession provides the same atmosphere (not to mention client base), We are fortunate because the substantive areas of practice are endless. Not many professions are characterized by this kind of variety. But please remember that every case is different and every client is special and so you must approach each file with zeal and competence.

Never underestimate your capabilities or potential. The only limits that exist in life are those that we place on ourselves. You have worked hard to acquire the education and skills necessary to become a legal assistant. You have already proven yourself. We are all very fortunate to be in this profession. We have the ability to change not only our lives, but also the lives of so many others. What a fantastic gift we have to offer our society.

We are in a giving profession. We provide understanding, hope, strength, reality (painful as it may be), courage, counsel, and guidance and sometimes, even friendship. This is a relationship that should foster trust—and given today's climate of lawyer jokes and criticism, our "customer" service" so to speak, needs to grow stronger and more steadfast.

So why the comparison to a choir? Because, like every good choir, you are here, in the choir loft of the legal profession. You are the devout, the best and the brightest and the most committed. You have organized your own continuing education, you have pushed for and obtained recognition as specialists, you are working on certification issues and professional standards by which to govern yourselves. You am professionals in a most distinguished profession! Frankly, you make the lawyers you work with look good.

But, we must be careful not to sing off-key. Because, you can also make the lawyers you work with look bad. You are part of a professional team and every member of the team must do his or her sham of the work to make each project a success.

Good choir members also make good evangelists. Those lawyer jokes reflect badly on everyone in the profession, including the judges and yes, the legal assistants. So all of us must do what we can to improve the image of the entire profession. We must all go out and spread the good news about our profession. There are a number of ways to do this. Perhaps you can commit to bringing one person to this seminar next year that did not bother to attend this year. You can volunteer for the pro bono projects in your community, and you can participate in bar association service projects. Sign up to work at the free legal clinics that provide free legal services for low-income people. It is amazing what you can do to improve the profession by simply behaving professionally and by reminding your bosses to behave professionally as well. Be the mirror for the behavior of the attorneys you work with. Let them know when their behavior falls below the appropriate standard. Provide them the necessary reality checks.

Please try to experience the wonder of our profession. Try to see the wonder of how your work improves the life of someone else. Remember that experience is not what happens to a person, but rather what a person does with what happens to him or her. Teddy Roosevelt once said. "It is not the critic who counts. Far better is it to be the advocate in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and glorious victory, and who, if he fails, at least fails while striving and daring mightily, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they exist in that gray twilight which knows not victory nor defeat."

Well, I hope I have inspired you somewhat. I hope I have helped remind you how important your work is. I hope I have encouraged you to think about ways to do even more than you already do to enhance our great profession. And finally, I want to thank you. I want to say thank you because I know who really prepares the case for trial. I know who really prepares the lawyers for trial. I know who really prepares all those exhibits, and all those witnesses. So as one who really appreciates all of your hard work and all of your exceptional skills—THANK YOU!