Why Every Successful Law Firm Depends on a Strong Team

Lawyers sometimes have a reputation as cutthroat. Selfish. Cold.

The best law firms overcome that reputation by prioritizing clients. They work as a team to maintain communication with clients, treat them with compassion, and fight for them — no matter what.

David Craig, a truck wreck lawyer with nearly 40 years of experience, recently joined an episode of “The Success Partner” Podcast, where he discussed the culture of teamwork at Craig, Kelley & Faultless.

Here is why many clients are pleasantly surprised when they work with our firm.

“Dogs, French Toast & Legal Excellence: Law Practice Culture”

During his conversation with Daya Naef, host of “The Success Partner,” David Craig discussed the priorities he holds as the managing partner of personal injury law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless.

What sets Craig, Kelley & Faultless apart from other firms? The strong culture of teamwork the firm has maintained for nearly 26 years.

When he and two other attorneys founded the law firm, David knew he wanted it to be different: a place of mutual respect, openness and collaboration. The attorneys would work together on cases, harnessing each of their strengths to serve clients to the best of their ability.

Every person in the firm — paralegals, intake professionals, law clerks and legal assistants — would play a vital role in the firm’s success. Here’s what David has to say about law practice culture after 38 years in the field.

Building a Successful Law Firm Through Teamwork and Trust

“You spend so much time at work, especially as an attorney, that it’s really important to enjoy what you do and the people that you’re with,” David said.

The main goal of any successful law firm is to help clients. It’s that simple.

As managing partner of his firm, David realized that he could empower his team by making a positive difference in their lives, too. The office could be a comfortable space to be. It could forge meaningful connections between employees and empower them to help clients.

David said, for him, this looked like:

• Welcoming family into the office. The founding partners’ children grew up around the firm. In fact, two of them are attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless all these years later.
• Bringing pets to work. There are often two or three dogs throughout the office. David’s dog, Scout, hangs out in his office and greets visitors.
• Dressing comfortably. On an average day, the team members at Craig, Kelley & Faultless wear jeans and CKF-branded hoodies.
• Providing employees with snacks and meals. A nourished brain is a sharp brain. The office is stocked with snacks and drinks, and the facility manager cooks breakfast every Monday and lunch every Thursday.

It is a testament to team culture that many of the firm’s employees have been with Craig, Kelley & Faultless for more than a decade. In fact, some have left the firm and returned. Almost all of the 10 attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless worked at the firm as law clerks during their schooling.

Hiring Empathetic and Skilled Legal Professionals

When hiring new team members, David looks beyond their resumes.

Sure, smarts matter. The lawyers at his firm graduated from law school with high distinction and are quick learners.

But it’s more than that.

Prospective attorneys, paralegals and other team members must be kind and personable. They must be empathic and dedicated.

Personal injury and wrongful death law firms help people who are suffering from extreme injuries or grieving loved ones. For many clients, this is the most difficult period of their lives. They are overwhelmed: swamped by chronic pain, medical bills, lost wages and uncertainty. It is crucial that their legal team supports them through this process.

This work is challenging but fulfilling.

“If your goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives, you never hit your goal,” David said. “You’re never burnt out. Every morning, you get up and you’re excited to go to work because you can make a difference today in somebody’s life.”

Why Trial Experience Matters for Truck Accident Attorneys

For young lawyers, one of the best ways to learn is to do.

Though lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless have found their niche in trucking, David said it is important that they gain a well-rounded experience. The firm represents personal injury clients from other wrecks, slip-and-falls, and dog bites.

These cases give the attorneys trial experience. Most commercial motor vehicle wreck cases end with a settlement and never go to trial. However, it is David’s belief that good truck accident attorneys should have experience trying cases. It gives them an edge and sharpens their critical thinking skills.

It is important that legal professionals continue to learn throughout their careers. They should attend conferences, seminars and networking events. When a lawyer finds their niche, they should learn as much as possible about that area of law.

A few years ago, David and several of the firm’s attorneys traveled to Montana, where they spent time studying the mechanics of semi tractor-trailers and learning to drive them.

The hands-on experience showed the lawyers the roads from a truck driver’s perspective. They felt the weight of the trucks and saw how difficult it was to steer them. They struggled to back the rigs into spots. Now, when they take truckers’ depositions, they can envision what they are talking about — because they sat in the driver’s seat themselves.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless sees its attorneys honored year after year in esteemed publications like Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more.

David said it is satisfying to see the firm’s attorneys excel, “to watch them try, and watch them grow.”

“And you think, ‘Man, they’re going to be so much better than I am,’” he said.

How to Know You’ve Chosen the Right Personal Injury Law Firm

Every client has different needs, personalities and values. At Craig, Kelley and Faultless, we strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where clients can feel supported. After a catastrophic wreck, victims want to know that they are backed by the right legal team.

Whether it’s with a hot cup of coffee, a cuddly dog or a listening ear, we want to offer our clients comfort during this challenging time.

If your lawyers aren’t honest, empathetic, open and communicative, they may not be right for you. In this profession, it can be easy to have a big ego. But the best lawyers remember why they began practicing law in the first place: to help people.

Speak With a Trusted Truck Accident Attorney Today

The personal injury team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless has decades of experience representing the victims of serious motor vehicle crashes.

If you have been struck and injured by the reckless driver of a semi-truck, box truck, bus or other commercial motor vehicle, we may be able to help you. Our attorneys represent clients anywhere in the country and are licensed to practice in Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Iowa.

Contact us for a free case consultation at (800) 746-0226 or with our online form.

David W. Craig is a nationally recognized truck accident lawyer who sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. He was the recipient of the National Thurgood Marshall “Fighting for Justice” Award for his work helping victims of truck wrecks. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.