From Canada to the U.S.A. – Happy (insert Country Name) Day!!

Posted on July 3, 2014 by basigalawfirm

Tuesday was Canada Day and Friday is (the U.S.A.’s) Independence Day!

Regardless of which side of the border I’m on, this week, it is a time for celebration and reflection.  Both Canada and the U.S.A. are celebrating one of the most important days in each respective country, and BLF is proud to be able to celebrate right along with the citizens and residents of both.  I suppose that’s one of the greatest benefits of being a cross-border law firm: we get to celebrate twice in one week.  The are a few other times that BLF is able to partake in two, separate celebrations for the same holiday, such as Thanksgiving and Remembrance/Memorial Day holidays.

No matter the holiday, no matter the country, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday this week.  Happy Canada Day, Happy Independence Day!

Cheers.  BLF.

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To the Families of the 3 Moncton Mounties

Posted on June 6, 2014 by basigalawfirm

News reports say that after approximately 30 hours of a manhunt, the Moncton shooter has been arrested.  Three RCMP Officers were shot and killed, each of falling in the line of duty.  On behalf of BLF, our thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to the families of each officer.  To the Moncton community in general, we hope that answers and peace return to your community very soon.

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The “Renovations” Continue – Virtually

Posted on May 29, 2014 by basigalawfirm

In keeping with the spirit of “Spring”, BLF is continuing in its virtual “renovations”.  With the new logo in place, we have been updating all of our virtual pages: facebook, google+, and this site as well.  This site will, eventually be completely re-done.  But, for now, our letterhead, business cards, stationery, and other business “schwag” are taking precedence.

Inasmuch as the law is the greatest profession in the World (at least in my opinion), a law firm is also the greatest type of business to run (again, in my opinion).  The trappings of a business are as important to the core of a law firm, as are those who make-up the law firm in the first place.  BLF is no exception.  That being said, our deepest thanks go out to our designer, Stretch Design, for assisting us with this major project.

So, stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen – there is more to come!

Cheers.

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BLF’s New Logo

Posted on May 21, 2014 by basigalawfirm

Yes…that’s right! We finally have a new logo. Out with the old, and in with the New! Let us know your thoughts!

Cheers,
Bren

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BRING BACK OUR GIRLS!!

Posted on May 9, 2014 by basigalawfirm

Normally, I’m not one to jump on the proverbial “Band Wagon”, but this is one campaign in which BLF will join:  Bring Back Our Girls!  

For those who are unfamiliar with which campaign I am referring: this is about the the 276 Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped by terrorists over a week ago.  There are so many news articles circulating about this inhuman act, that it would be impossible to “tag” all of them in this posting.  Suffice it to say that the World Community is outraged, and so are we.  

Bring Back Our Girls…bring them back NOW!!

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Spartans and BLF Mourn the Death of a Princess

Posted on April 9, 2014 by basigalawfirm

Lacey Holsworth, a.k.a. Princess Lacey, died today.  Cancer took another precious life and BLF mourns alongside all MSU Spartans, particularly Adreian Payne and the Holsworth Family.  While I cannot claim any personal connection to Princess Lacey, I know that I am amongst the thousands of people whom she has inspired.  She was as iconic to MSU basketball as the Spartan logo, and infinitely more beloved.  

On any given day, BLF and her staff struggle with personal and professional dilemmas.  We celebrate victories both big and small.  But, Princess Lacey has reminded everyone to celebrate Life itself.  How many countless pictures are there, of this young woman, smiling and cheering on her “big brother”?  How many times have we seen Princess Lacey with or on top of Payne’s shoulders, waiving to the crowd as a loyal Spartan fan?  How many times has she reminded us to celebrate our own lives, by doing nothing more than simply living hers?

To all of her family (blood and otherwise), BLF sends our deepest and most profound condolences.  And to Princess Lacey, thank you for being an inspiration to us all.

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Shooting in ON Courthouse

Posted on March 28, 2014 by basigalawfirm

According to a just-published article in the Globe and Mail, there has been a shooting at a courthouse in Brampton, ON.  Here is the link to the story:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/major-police-incident-at-toronto-area-courthouse/article17717317/

As officers of the Court, BLF would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of all of those involved.  This is a terrible event, and we hope that Officer Klarenbeek has a speedy and complete recovery.  

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Boosting Morale while Fighting-off the Winter Blues

Posted on March 26, 2014 by basigalawfirm

As Old Man Winter keeps his strangle-hold on Southwestern Ontario and Michigan, we’re noticing that the Winter Blues are really dragging on and on.  While there are many solutions for this dilemma (exercise being amongst the best of all), we’re thinking of doing something a little less strenuous and a lot more mind-numbing: a matinee at the movies!!  More specifically, we’re thinking of taking an afternoon off and going to see the new Muppet Movie!

I’ve read multiple articles about how to ward-off the Winter Blues.  Perhaps it’s the movie-lover in me, but I was quite surprised at how seldom movie watching is featured in these articles.  Then again, most of the articles I read were featured in health magazines – so, it would make sense that exercise and diet are noted as the top two suggestions.

I’d be interested to hear how others combat the cloudy-day “blahs”.  As for me, I’m excited about our idea to hit the theaters and celebrate our inner child!  (Personally, I’m a Gonzo fan!)

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Same Sex Marriages – Put on Hold

Posted on March 24, 2014 by basigalawfirm

As of Saturday, early afternoon, multiple couples got married, thanks to the decision of U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman. But, as of Saturday, late afternoon / early evening, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a “stay” of that decision – essentially putting a hold on the effectiveness of Judge Friedman’s decision. Of all of the recent legal battles, these cases have captivated my attention, the most. As a direct result of the “stay”, these couples’ marriages have not been recognized by the State of Michigan.

On behalf of BLF, let me issue our most heartfelt Congratulations to all of the newly weds in Michigan!! We wish you all the very best!

As for the battle over homosexual marriages, it is troubling to me that an enlightened society, in this modern age, still holds echos of a time when my own marriage would have been considered illegal. To be clear: religious objections, although I do not agree with them, are not the source of my malcontent. Those who have a religious view against gay marriage are equally as free to voice those objections, as I am to voice my support. Those objections broker no malice with me. What is quite baffling to me is that the State (by way of the Attorney General), who is constitutionally mandated to be separate and apart from religion, is actively fighting against this enumerated right. I am astounded by the State’s audacity to fly in the face of historical and encyclopedic case law instituting a chasm between State and Religion.

In any event, like many others, BLF will be paying close attention to the coming rulings on these cases. In the meantime, let the wedding celebrations abound!!

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BLF Volunteers at Soup Kitchen

Posted on March 21, 2014 by basigalawfirm

As lawyers, we are called to serve: we serve the public inasmuch as we serve the Courts. This past week, BLF had the pleasure of serving in a volunteering capacity at the N’Amerind Soup Kitchen. It is with our heart-felt “Thanks” that we were able to have the opportunity to help-out, if only for a short time.

One of BLF’s ongoing projects is to find at least one volunteering opportunity per month. We will close the office for an afternoon, or even a day, and give back to the local community that has given us so much. That being said, if anyone has any ideas for BLF, please share them with us – we’d love to hear from you!

Thanks again to all of those at N’Amerind. We look forward to seeing you again.

Cheers,
BLF

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