The Game Plan - Vol 1 Issue 4

The -ber months are here! October, November, and December are some of my favorite months of the year. It’s sweater weather, pumpkin spice giving way to peppermint mocha lattes, and plenty of family time. A Season of Gratitude By Jennifer Porter

A Publication of

In October, our firm was honored to contribute to our community. Jennifer Porter Law sponsored the Ravensworth Farm Elementary PTA, joined their community Trunk or Treat, and sponsored their upcoming Run 4 Ravensworth 5k, which will occur on November 19. We also participated in the North Springfield Halloween parade, an event I helped start back in 2015 when my kids were in elementary school. A decade later, seeing it thrive fills me with gratitude. Now November is here. Our family tradition is a little unconventional— we watch the Macy’s parade, head into D.C. for a fancy restaurant meal,

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4 How We Can Help At Jennifer Porter Law, we focus on giving our clients the information to make smart choices about their legal needs. In personal injury, we help the seriously injured avoid being taken advantage of with a customized game plan. In estate planning, we create custom-designed plans that protect families, their future and their privacy. In both practice areas, our goal is to help people make proactive, informed decisions for a peaceful tomorrow. Call us today at 571-532-9070 or visit www.jenniferporterlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

and then walk it off at one of the Smithsonian museums. Then later in the weekend, I cook the turkey dinner I love. It may not be typical, but it keeps our holiday joyful and low-stress. This year, gratitude feels especially poignant. My dad passed away this summer, so this will be our first holiday season without him. Anybody who knew my dad would agree that he LOVED Christmas, and this year will be challenging. His absence is huge in our lives. Traditions take on new meaning when a loved one is missing from the table. What has brought me peace is knowing that my dad completed his estate plan last year. Because his wishes were clearly set out, my mom and I avoided the stress of probate and could focus on honoring him. It made everything easier at a time when we were operating in extreme stress and grief. Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about love, care, and easing the burden on family members. At Jennifer Porter Law, we are honored to help families with this process. Whether you need a simple will, a full estate plan, or updates to existing documents, we guide you step by step so your loved ones have clarity and provide peace of mind to their family. This season also makes me reflective about my work. I’m grateful for the clients who trust us—often in their hardest moments. It takes courage to pick up the phone and say, —continued on page 3

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The Game Plan

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SUPERSTAR SPOTLIGHT

E S T A T E P L A N N I

Holiday Conversations that Matter By Stephanie Himel-Nelson, Estate Planning Attorney

Welcome Erin and Maggie! This fall, we’re excited to welcome two new faces to our team!

Erin joins us as our new Estate Planning Legal Assistant . With a sharp eye for detail and a calm, thoughtful approach, Erin is already proving to be a valuable asset to our clients and attorneys alike.

Between the turkey and the pie, it might feel like estate planning is the last thing anyone wants to talk about. But hear me out—the holidays are one of the rare times families are all together. You don’t need to break out legal documents at the dinner table. Just start with questions like: • “Hey Mom, where do you keep your important papers?” • “Dad, if something happened, who do you want making medical decisions?” • “Have we talked about guardians for the kids?” It doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be loving, practical, and even funny (trust me, I’ve heard some sibling arguments over who gets Grandma’s china cabinet). What matters is opening the door so everyone knows the plan. It’s one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. When the leftovers are gone, and you and your parents are ready to start your estate plan, give us a call.

Maggie is our new Administrative Assistant/

Intake Specialist —the smiling face you’ll see when you walk in and the friendly voice you’ll hear when you call. She brings organization, warmth, and energy to the office, and she’s made a big impact from day one. We’re thrilled to have Erin and Maggie on board, and we can’t wait for you to meet them!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JENNIFER PORTER LAW

“Attorney Jennifer Porter and paralegal Allison Alvey kept all the uncertainty at bay.”

Being involved in an auto accident is normally not something you are fully prepared for. Factor in injury, and the anxiety and stress levels multiply tremendously. Attorney Jennifer Porter and paralegal Allison Alvey kept all the uncertainty at bay. Their expertise and guidance throughout this process were done with professionalism and thorough attention to detail. Their sound advice was invaluable in navigating each step with confidence. I greatly appreciate the dedication and support Attorney Porter and her team provided in achieving a successful resolution.

Jennifer Porter Law has a 5.0 star Google rating with 137 reviews and counting. If we have helped you, please consider sharing your experience.

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JenniferPorterLaw.com

Maggie’s Praline Pumpkin Dessert

Growing up, my mom made this dessert every fall, and it was something I eagerly looked forward to year after year. Now, making it myself has become my way of welcoming the season, filling my home with the same comforting smells and memories. I love sharing it with friends and family, and I hope it brings you as much joy and excitement for the season as it does for me.

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9‑inch baking pan. Mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spice, then pour into the pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Add the nuts. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. Bake until a knife comes out clean—about 50‑60 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Serve warm or chilled, with whipped cream and extra pumpkin spice if desired. Store in the refrigerator until needed.

INGREDIENTS Pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin‑pie spice, a box of yellow or spice cake mix, chopped pecans or walnuts, and melted butter. Top with whipped cream if you like. Prep & bake time: About 1 hour 45 minutes (20 minutes prep; bake ~50‑60 minutes) Serves: 12

Did you make it? Take a picture and send it to us. We may use it in our upcoming social media posts! We’ll also send you a surprise gift! Email your photos to maria@jenniferporterlaw.com

We Moved This Summer! This past summer, Jennifer Porter Law was thrilled to move into our new office

“I need help.” You let us walk alongside you, and that’s something I never take for granted. —continued from page 1 A Season of Gratitude

location—a space designed to reflect the warmth, professionalism, and forward thinking approach we bring to our clients. The move represents more than just new walls; it’s a milestone in our

And I’m grateful for my team. They bring not only sharp skills but also compassion to every case. Their dedication and heart make all the difference—for me, and for our clients. As we move through the holidays, I am thankful for family, tradition, clients, and the team that makes this work possible. I wish you the same moments of peace, joy, and gratitude with the people you love most.

growth as a firm and a renewed commitment to serving our community. With room for our expanding team, updated technology, and a welcoming environment for clients, we’re excited about the future. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service in our new home for many years to come.

Planning for the Future, Protecting What Matters Most Don’t put off estate planning until it’s too late. Call Jennifer Porter Law at 571-532-9070 or visit www.jenniferporterlaw.com to schedule your consultation today.

The Game Plan Newsletter is a publication of Jennifer Porter Law. To subscribe, email contactus@jenniferporterlaw.com This publication is for information purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety. Design and publication by Zine (www.zinemarketing.com). Copyright 2025 by Jennifer Porter Law.

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Fairfax (Now Springfield) Office 8001 Braddock Road, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22151 Norfolk Office 999 Waterside Dr #2525 Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (571) 532-9070

We’ve

moved!

Guiding the Next Generation at the New Trial Lawyers Conference I was delighted to serve as a presenter at the recent New Trial Lawyers Conference, hosted by the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Partnering with my talented co-presenter, Allyson Kitchel, we led an engaging session on the fundamentals of case investigation—walking through the process from that very first client intake call all the way to final disbursement. It sparked a great discussion with a sharp and eager group of young lawyers. The setting—inside the beautiful Virginia Museum of History & Culture— made the day even more memorable. It was a privilege to contribute and connect with the next generation of trial lawyers.

THANK YOU FOR THE REFERRALS

We’re grateful for the trust you place in us. Your referrals are the highest compliment— and every time you send someone our way, you’re helping them find a team who truly cares. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Gratitude From Our Team We asked everyone on our team what gratitude looks like this year:

Allison: “I am grateful for the personal and professional growth I have experienced so far this year, as well as the wonderful team we have!” Emily: “I’m grateful for growing closer in my faith and family, and for the opportunities each day brings to grow.” position and to be welcomed so warmly by my new team. Their support has made me feel confident and ready to dive into this new chapter.” Maggie: “I'm incredibly thankful to have started this new

Stephanie: “I'm grateful for my family and friends, my health, and all the professional support I receive from my wonderful co-workers, peers, and local community.” Michelle: “ I'm grateful for the unwavering support of my family and friends, the opportunity to assist my clients through difficult times, and the joy and energy brought by our adorable office mascot, Corey.”

Jennifer: “I am grateful for my family. Especially with the loss of my dad this past summer, my family unit is precious. I am also truly grateful for our JPL team and the way we work together to meet our clients’ needs.” Maria G: “Grateful for the everyday moments, the people who lift us up without knowing, and the chance to always try your best any day – big or small – always try to make something different each day.”

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