As each year comes to a close, we at AAPLC try to sit down, and reflect upon what went well, how we need to improve, and what we need to change. 2022 was a difficult year for me, and my family, on many fronts. Introspection, I have learned, has no end. Acknowledging the good things in life, however, has great power, and as Eckhart Tolle noted, “is the foundation for all abundance.” So, here we go… The following is my top ten list, for 2022, of things for which I am grateful (sometimes, it’s about the little things!):

1. A reprieve, however brief, from political ads.

2. Our clients will be able to expunge and seal certain qualifying criminal offenses in Arizona beginning in January of 2023! We are here to help!

3. On December 16, 2022, Attorney General Merrick Garland of the Department of Justice issued a memorandum to all employees directing that great care should be given prior to charging defendants with mandatory minimum offenses in drug and other cases, and must obtain supervisory approval prior to doing so. Inclusion of mandatory minimum offense often give defendants no choice but to accept a plea in order to avoid draconian results.

4. To be a part of Scottsdale Leadership’s Class 37 this year. Not only have I met some incredibly kind, gifted, creative and brilliant people, I have learned how our firm, my family, and I can better serve our local community. Thank you, Jim and Theresa Keeley!

5. There are still judges out there who are not afraid to serve justice and do the right thing.

6. Courage that we defense lawyers sometimes have to muster in order to stand up to our clients. “Freedom is located somewhere outside the box.” Warren Miller.

7. Peppermint Mocha Lattes.

8. Yellowstone.

9. Serving our amazing grateful, kind, resilient, and brave clients.

10. Our tireless and gifted staff-without them, we are nothing.

It’s a given that I am always grateful that we live in the best country in the world, our soldiers that keep us free, Sooner Nation, my friends, our neighbors, my brothers and sisters, their kids, Sunny, Cappy, Maddie, Gene, and our pups, Sully and Lily. Thank you for your referrals and for allowing us to serve State 48 and beyond. In 2023, remember what else Warren Miller says: “If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do.” Happy Holidays to you and yours!