Ashley Rawlins, a.k.a. Car Crash Ash from Rawlins Law. Rawlins, a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer with a wealth of experience, is an expert in the field.
AALM How did you start your career as a lawyer?
AR Since I was six years old, I have wanted to become a lawyer. I’ve always enjoyed arguing, standing up for what is just and right, myself and others.
What does it mean for you to be the family’s first lawyer? Has anyone in your family followed you?
AR Most families have an attorney, either as a parent or another family member. Although it would be nice to have that, I felt that not having this motivated me even further because I had a difficult path. To me, it means a great deal to be an attorney. My family has not followed my path.
AALM :Have you had any mentors in your profession who have helped you gain your footing? What were the most important lessons that they taught you?
AR I’ve had great mentors that have helped me immensely. Growing up, my teachers and other attorneys helped to shape and encourage me as a person/attorney. A teacher who played a major role in my life inspired me to create my tiger-shaped logo. He told me to always do what I love and ride my tigers.
AALM What’s the story behind “Car Crash Ash?”
AR The majority of my practice is car accidents, so Rawlins Law represents the brand and Car Crash Ash represents the personality. I don’t want to be seen as a bad attorney. I want people to see me for who I am. I am approachable, compassionate, and creative.
AALM : What has been your most rewarding experience in the legal profession so far?
AR Helping injured people is the most rewarding part of my career. Most attorneys and law offices only focus on large cases. But for me, my greatest rewards come from car accidents where clients express their gratitude for our firm’s help, or cases that were really challenging and that I won for the client. Or cases where other firms had turned down the case and I was able to get a settlement. It is rewarding to me to have my own law firm, and be able help people. I also get to choose which cases we take on.
AALMTell Us About A Case That Changed Your Career, The Way You Practice Law or Shifted Your Perspective?
AR Behind each case, there is an injured person. Someone who needs help and has a story. Each client is important to me, no matter how big or small their case may be. That’s the way I practice. I feel honored to be able help others and that God has created me to do this.
AALMWhat sets apart your legal practice from others? How do you distinguish yourself in an overcrowded field?
AR: I am myself. I am what God has made me. I am sincere, authentic, transparent and honest. I don’t just talk the walk. I don’t like to overpromise, but I will fight for every client and be there throughout the entire process.
AALM What advice would you give to someone looking to open their own law firm, and what should they keep in mind when doing so?
AR Opening your own law firm is a challenge. If you’re doing it for good reasons, then go ahead. It’s not enough to be an attorney to run a law office. The business side of law is vast – from running the firm to marketing, advertising and hiring.
AALM : How are you involved with the local community
AR I am a member of numerous legal organizations, and have served on the boards for legal and community organizations. I am trying to get more involved in events that are local and reflect my values.
AALMHow can you maintain a work-life balance while balancing the demands of your legal career and personal life?
AR Balance, a word I struggle with. You can’t call what you love work if you don’t enjoy it. For me, it’s hard to shut down or completely leave the work because I may have something a client needs after hours. I am always available to help if someone is injured during the weekend or after hours. Other than that, I schedule time to meet my fitness/health goals and for me to spend with my family and self-care.
AALM :What would surprise our readers to know about you?
AR As a child, I was a sportsman. I played softball, basketball, and soccer. I am a sports fanatic, super competitive, and I hate to lose. Also, I graduated with two bachelor’s degree in four years.
Looking back at your career, what would you change?
AR: No! I do not regret anything and think that adversity made me more determined and a better attorney.
The article Ashley Rawlins, The Origins of Car Crash Ash first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.
