Some holidays call for a history lesson. Others call for pierogi.
Polish Independence Day calls for both.
Every November 11, Poland celebrates its independence, resilience, and traditions. Here at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, we have another reason to celebrate: Attorney Nicole Szablak.
Nicole is a personal injury attorney, a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, and fluent in both Polish and English.
In honor of Polish Independence Day, I asked Nicole a few questions about her heritage, her family, and what makes her proud to be Polish-American.
Her answers were entertaining, insightful, and occasionally involved threats from her grandmother.Polish Independence Day: A Celebration of ResilienceOn November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partition.
For Nicole, the fact that Poland survived as a nation is a tremendous source of pride.
“I think a lot of people take pride in being Polish just for the sole fact that the country even exists,” she explained.
Despite repeated invasions and occupations, Polish people preserved their language, culture, and traditions.
As a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, Nicole appreciates her connection to both countries. She also admits her Polish passport has one particularly nice benefit: occasionally bypassing those VERY long American passport lines when entering European Union countries.
I can certainly appreciate that.Polish Christmas Traditions: There’s Always Room for One MoreWhen I asked Nicole about her favorite Polish tradition, she immediately mentioned Christmas Eve.
In Polish families, Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, is a major celebration.
Nicole’s family sets an extra plate and silverware at the table in case an unexpected guest arrives. It’s a beautiful tradition that emphasizes hospitality and generosity.
Her family also shares opłatek, a traditional Christmas wafer, while exchanging wishes for the coming year.
And there’s another advantage Nicole enjoyed growing up: Polish children traditionally open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve.
While her American friends waited until Christmas morning, Nicole was already playing with her new toys.
Advantage: Poland.Pierogi, Polish Traditions, and One Very Important RuleYou can’t talk about Polish culture without discussing the food.
Nicole’s favorites include pierogi (dumplings), schabowy (breaded pork cutlets), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and bigos (a traditional stew).
Different holidays bring different dishes. Her family, for example, follows the Christmas Eve tradition of avoiding meat.
But Nicole warned me about one particularly important Polish rule.
“In Poland, it is illegal to say that you are full.”
Before anyone calls the authorities, she’s joking.
Mostly.
Apparently, refusing another helping of food is a serious offense against Babcia—Polish for grandmother.
As an attorney, I generally recommend following the rules. In this case, I’d recommend another serving of pierogi.One Polish Word Everyone Should LearnWhen I asked Nicole which Polish word everyone at our firm should know, she chose:
Dziękuję.
It means “thank you.”
It’s a fitting choice for a holiday honoring the generations of Polish families
Polish Independence Day calls for both.
Every November 11, Poland celebrates its independence, resilience, and traditions. Here at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, we have another reason to celebrate: Attorney Nicole Szablak.
Nicole is a personal injury attorney, a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, and fluent in both Polish and English.
In honor of Polish Independence Day, I asked Nicole a few questions about her heritage, her family, and what makes her proud to be Polish-American.
Her answers were entertaining, insightful, and occasionally involved threats from her grandmother.Polish Independence Day: A Celebration of ResilienceOn November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partition.
For Nicole, the fact that Poland survived as a nation is a tremendous source of pride.
“I think a lot of people take pride in being Polish just for the sole fact that the country even exists,” she explained.
Despite repeated invasions and occupations, Polish people preserved their language, culture, and traditions.
As a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, Nicole appreciates her connection to both countries. She also admits her Polish passport has one particularly nice benefit: occasionally bypassing those VERY long American passport lines when entering European Union countries.
I can certainly appreciate that.Polish Christmas Traditions: There’s Always Room for One MoreWhen I asked Nicole about her favorite Polish tradition, she immediately mentioned Christmas Eve.
In Polish families, Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, is a major celebration.
Nicole’s family sets an extra plate and silverware at the table in case an unexpected guest arrives. It’s a beautiful tradition that emphasizes hospitality and generosity.
Her family also shares opłatek, a traditional Christmas wafer, while exchanging wishes for the coming year.
And there’s another advantage Nicole enjoyed growing up: Polish children traditionally open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve.
While her American friends waited until Christmas morning, Nicole was already playing with her new toys.
Advantage: Poland.Pierogi, Polish Traditions, and One Very Important RuleYou can’t talk about Polish culture without discussing the food.
Nicole’s favorites include pierogi (dumplings), schabowy (breaded pork cutlets), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and bigos (a traditional stew).
Different holidays bring different dishes. Her family, for example, follows the Christmas Eve tradition of avoiding meat.
But Nicole warned me about one particularly important Polish rule.
“In Poland, it is illegal to say that you are full.”
Before anyone calls the authorities, she’s joking.
Mostly.
Apparently, refusing another helping of food is a serious offense against Babcia—Polish for grandmother.
As an attorney, I generally recommend following the rules. In this case, I’d recommend another serving of pierogi.One Polish Word Everyone Should LearnWhen I asked Nicole which Polish word everyone at our firm should know, she chose:
Dziękuję.
It means “thank you.”
It’s a fitting choice for a holiday honoring the generations of Polish families
[1:32 PM]
image.png
[1:32 PM]
@Nicole Szablak give it a once over and make any corrections you deem necessary.
[1:33 PM]
I am going to film the video and will get this out on social media after my video is done
Nicole Szablak [1:34 PM]
looks good!
marc [1:35 PM]
hold off
[1:35 PM]
something got lost
[1:35 PM]
Polish Independence Day: Meet Nicole Szablak, Our Polish-Speaking Personal Injury Attorney
Some holidays call for a history lesson. Others call for pierogi.
Polish Independence Day calls for both.
Every November 11, Poland celebrates its independence, resilience, and traditions. Here at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, we have another reason to celebrate: Attorney Nicole Szablak.
Nicole is a personal injury attorney, a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, and fluent in both Polish and English.
In honor of Polish Independence Day, I asked Nicole a few questions about her heritage, her family, and what makes her proud to be Polish-American.
Her answers were entertaining, insightful, and occasionally involved threats from her grandmother.
Polish Independence Day calls for both.
Every November 11, Poland celebrates its independence, resilience, and traditions. Here at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, we have another reason to celebrate: Attorney Nicole Szablak.
Nicole is a personal injury attorney, a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, and fluent in both Polish and English.
In honor of Polish Independence Day, I asked Nicole a few questions about her heritage, her family, and what makes her proud to be Polish-American.
Her answers were entertaining, insightful, and occasionally involved threats from her grandmother.
Polish Independence Day: A Celebration of Resilience
On November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partition.
For Nicole, the fact that Poland survived as a nation is a tremendous source of pride.
“I think a lot of people take pride in being Polish just for the sole fact that the country even exists,” she explained.
Despite repeated invasions and occupations, Polish people preserved their language, culture, and traditions.
As a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, Nicole appreciates her connection to both countries. She also admits her Polish passport has one particularly nice benefit: occasionally bypassing those VERY long American passport lines when entering European Union countries.
I can certainly appreciate that.
For Nicole, the fact that Poland survived as a nation is a tremendous source of pride.
“I think a lot of people take pride in being Polish just for the sole fact that the country even exists,” she explained.
Despite repeated invasions and occupations, Polish people preserved their language, culture, and traditions.
As a dual U.S. and Polish citizen, Nicole appreciates her connection to both countries. She also admits her Polish passport has one particularly nice benefit: occasionally bypassing those VERY long American passport lines when entering European Union countries.
I can certainly appreciate that.
Polish Christmas Traditions: There’s Always Room for One More
When I asked Nicole about her favorite Polish tradition, she immediately mentioned Christmas Eve.
In Polish families, Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, is a major celebration.
Nicole’s family sets an extra plate and silverware at the table in case an unexpected guest arrives. It’s a beautiful tradition that emphasizes hospitality and generosity.
Her family also shares opłatek, a traditional Christmas wafer, while exchanging wishes for the coming year.
And there’s another advantage Nicole enjoyed growing up: Polish children traditionally open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve.
While her American friends waited until Christmas morning, Nicole was already playing with her new toys.
Advantage: Poland.
In Polish families, Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, is a major celebration.
Nicole’s family sets an extra plate and silverware at the table in case an unexpected guest arrives. It’s a beautiful tradition that emphasizes hospitality and generosity.
Her family also shares opłatek, a traditional Christmas wafer, while exchanging wishes for the coming year.
And there’s another advantage Nicole enjoyed growing up: Polish children traditionally open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve.
While her American friends waited until Christmas morning, Nicole was already playing with her new toys.
Advantage: Poland.
Pierogi, Polish Traditions, and One Very Important Rule
You can’t talk about Polish culture without discussing the food.
Nicole’s favorites include pierogi (dumplings), schabowy (breaded pork cutlets), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and bigos (a traditional stew).
Different holidays bring different dishes. Her family, for example, follows the Christmas Eve tradition of avoiding meat.
But Nicole warned me about one particularly important Polish rule.
“In Poland, it is illegal to say that you are full.”
Before anyone calls the authorities, she’s joking.
Mostly.
Apparently, refusing another helping of food is a serious offense against Babcia—Polish for grandmother.
As an attorney, I generally recommend following the rules. In this case, I’d recommend another serving of pierogi.
Nicole’s favorites include pierogi (dumplings), schabowy (breaded pork cutlets), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and bigos (a traditional stew).
Different holidays bring different dishes. Her family, for example, follows the Christmas Eve tradition of avoiding meat.
But Nicole warned me about one particularly important Polish rule.
“In Poland, it is illegal to say that you are full.”
Before anyone calls the authorities, she’s joking.
Mostly.
Apparently, refusing another helping of food is a serious offense against Babcia—Polish for grandmother.
As an attorney, I generally recommend following the rules. In this case, I’d recommend another serving of pierogi.
One Polish Word Everyone Should Learn
When I asked Nicole which Polish word everyone at our firm should know, she chose:
Dziękuję.
It means “thank you.”
It’s a fitting choice for a holiday honoring the generations of Polish families who preserved their language and traditions.
And it’s something we’re happy to say to Nicole.
Dziękuję.
It means “thank you.”
It’s a fitting choice for a holiday honoring the generations of Polish families who preserved their language and traditions.
And it’s something we’re happy to say to Nicole.
Meet Nicole Szablak: An Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney Who Speaks Polish
Nicole’s Polish heritage is an important part of who she is. But there’s another reason we’re proud to have her on our team.
Nicole Szablak is a Polish-speaking personal injury attorney at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Nicole represents people who have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Her work involves navigating injury claims, dealing with insurance companies, and helping clients understand their legal options.
For someone recovering from an accident, the legal process can be stressful.
Now imagine trying to explain your injuries, medical treatment, and financial concerns in a language you’re not entirely comfortable speaking.
That’s where Nicole’s fluency in Polish and English can make a real difference.
Polish-speaking clients can communicate directly with Nicole in their native language, ask questions, and better understand the personal injury claims process.
When you’ve been injured, you deserve to understand what’s happening with your case. Language shouldn’t be another obstacle.
Nicole Szablak is a Polish-speaking personal injury attorney at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Nicole represents people who have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Her work involves navigating injury claims, dealing with insurance companies, and helping clients understand their legal options.
For someone recovering from an accident, the legal process can be stressful.
Now imagine trying to explain your injuries, medical treatment, and financial concerns in a language you’re not entirely comfortable speaking.
That’s where Nicole’s fluency in Polish and English can make a real difference.
Polish-speaking clients can communicate directly with Nicole in their native language, ask questions, and better understand the personal injury claims process.
When you’ve been injured, you deserve to understand what’s happening with your case. Language shouldn’t be another obstacle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicole Szablak
Is there a Polish-speaking personal injury attorney in Indianapolis?
Yes. Attorney Nicole Szablak practices personal injury law at the Marc Lopez Law Firm in Indianapolis. She speaks fluent Polish and English and is a dual U.S. and Polish citizen.
Can I discuss my personal injury case in Polish?
Yes. Polish-speaking clients can contact the Marc Lopez Law Firm and ask to speak with Nicole about their personal injury matter.
How can I contact Attorney Nicole Szablak?
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 317-632-3642 or visit Attorney Nicole Szablak’s profile.
Celebrating Polish Heritage and the People Who Keep It Alive
When I asked Nicole what Poland does better than anyone else, she didn’t choose pierogi, Christmas presents, or European passport lines.
She chose tradition.
For Nicole, there’s something comforting about how Polish families preserve their customs from generation to generation, regardless of what history throws their way.
That’s something worth celebrating.
So this Polish Independence Day, we’re wishing Nicole, her family, and the entire Polish-American community a wonderful holiday!
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Święta Niepodległości!
Happy Polish Independence Day!
And Nicole, from everyone at the Marc Lopez Law Firm: Dziękujemy! Thank you!
She chose tradition.
For Nicole, there’s something comforting about how Polish families preserve their customs from generation to generation, regardless of what history throws their way.
That’s something worth celebrating.
So this Polish Independence Day, we’re wishing Nicole, her family, and the entire Polish-American community a wonderful holiday!
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Święta Niepodległości!
Happy Polish Independence Day!
And Nicole, from everyone at the Marc Lopez Law Firm: Dziękujemy! Thank you!
Looking for a Polish-speaking personal injury attorney in Indianapolis?
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence and would prefer discussing your case in Polish, contact Attorney Nicole Szablak at the Marc Lopez Law Firm.
Call 317-632-3642 or learn more about Nicole Szablak.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence and would prefer discussing your case in Polish, contact Attorney Nicole Szablak at the Marc Lopez Law Firm.
Call 317-632-3642 or learn more about Nicole Szablak.