On October 1, 1996, what was then known as Brewster S. Rawls and Associates commenced business operations. The circumstances were not exactly auspicious. Our offices were an active construction site – the space was still some weeks away from being finished – and most of the furniture consisted of folding tables and chairs.
About six weeks before, I was fired by the firm at which I was a named partner. It was not an amicable parting of the ways. It was unpleasant.
Fortunately, I had plenty of work. I had come to that firm with enough work to support myself and my paralegal, Cari Mikalson. Less than three years later, my practice had grown exponentially. I was keeping three other lawyers busy, as well as several more non-lawyer colleagues. All of those clients came with me. All of those people doing the work joined me at the new firm. Cari is still here. I doubt I could have done all of this without her.
By year 20, the firm had grown to 18 lawyers and over 50 total employees. It would not have been an exaggeration to say we were a premier Virginia medical malpractice defense firm.
We had disruptions and changes. Those were not easy, but we persevered.
Now at year 30, we have six lawyers. It would not be an exaggeration to say we are a premier Virginia medical malpractice plaintiffs’ firm. We are doing better than we ever did when we had three times the number of attorneys.
Sure. I am bragging.
For a bit of context, our representation of patients and families dates to 1999. At that time and in addition to our defense work, we started taking Federal Tort Claims Act malpractice cases all over the country. We represented veterans and military families. We still do – and it would definitely not be an exaggeration to say that we are, in fact, the premier FTCA firm in the country.
Yet, the reality is that from day one we have strived to do excellent legal work and take care of our clients. Our record is not perfect – no one’s is – but our focus has always been consistent.
We’ve been a firm that has never been afraid to try cases.
This firm is a good place to work. It’s the kind of environment where we don’t have to worry much about people’s comings and goings. The idea of doing what is right for the client permeates our culture. I’ve had the privilege of working with some awesome people, including Tracee Kyle, our office manager, who has kept this place running for 26 years. Like Cari, I doubt I could have done this without her.
The path from that chaotic start until today has had it share of twists and turns. We’ve had crises, some of which were serious. We’ve made mistakes – including no small number by me. But, through that time we’ve had huge successes too. Hundreds if not thousands of clients have been well-served.
Thirty years is a big milestone. I am proud of that – and I am so grateful for those colleagues and clients who have made it possible.
