Attorney At Law Magazine interviewed Big Auto Accident Lawyers CEO and Managing partner Nic Edgson about his career and “big” plans for his firm.
AALM Tell about your football experience. What shaped you as a person?
NE : Sports are my passion. My life has been shaped by the lessons, skills, and discipline I learned as an athlete. Early on, I realized that hard work and dedication are directly related to results. This mentality and effort enabled me to play football at college and the Canadian Football League.
Football isn’t a simple game. Football teaches so many important life skills. You will learn how to communicate, work together, be responsible, trust your teammates and dedicate yourself to the team’s goal. The discipline and ability to bounce back after defeat is a reflection of life’s challenges.
AALM : What led you to the practice of law? What is your practice in personal injury?
NE My dad is an attorney. He taught me that being an attorney was something I could be proud of, and gave me the freedom to work wherever I wanted. It also allowed me to provide for my family. I was inspired by his ability to support our family and to be successful. This led me to choose a career that would allow me to do the same. After playing football, the next step was to study law.
In the early days of my career as a lawyer, I represented a family of seven who were killed in a truck-on-truck collision. As the father of five sons, I am also a family with seven members. I saw the law with a more human perspective after experiencing such devastation. This experience made me realize how quickly a vehicle accident and death can devastate a whole family.
I can also work with contingent fees instead of the traditional hourly rate when representing clients in personal injury claims. Many clients worry that every call, email or message they send will cost more money. I can spend the time and effort needed to get the best result for my clients without worrying about fees up front.
AALM What is the difference between your current practice and what you imagined in law school?
NE When I entered law school I was interested in business. But when I graduated, I found myself forced to work for a traditional billable hour law firm. After more than a decade, I can see how my interest in law and business has merged. It is fascinating to be the managing attorney and chief executive officer.
AALM Tell about your federal judicial clerkship. What did you learn from your federal judicial clerkship?
NE This was an amazing experience. It allowed me to see both sides of the bench. You can see how the judge interprets and reads pleadings. You can see their mental processes to solve a problem or arrive at a reasonable solution. Early on, I learned to make my point quickly. Your arguments only need to be heard by the judge once. You lose credibility if you mention it a second time, or even worse, a third.
I am very grateful for the time I spent with Judge Kent Jordan and Sherry Fallson. The experience of guiding young lawyers through judicial clerkships has shaped my career.
Big Auto Accident Lawyers: Why did you first choose Big Auto Accident Attorneys as your attorney?
NE Simple answer: I joined and built the team because I was excited and fascinated. Since its conception, I have been a big fan of Alternative Business Structure. It was very appealing to me the idea of managing a business-centric law firm, one that is innovative, focused and efficient. Most traditional law firms operate in an antiquated way that does not serve either the client or business’s best interests. The opportunity to work for a firm at the forefront in an innovative business concept was one I couldn’t pass up.
Big Auto is supported by many intelligent and successful people. It doesn’t matter if it’s the members of our managing board, the executive team, the vendors, the co-counseling firm, the referral firms, etc. We all work together to benefit our clients. It’s been fun to build.
AALM Since joining Big Auto Accident Attorneys, in June, you have been appointed CEO and managing attorney. What are your plans for the firm’s future?
NE: Growth. Expansion. Process. We are growing quickly and already have a significant impact on our community. It is exciting to help the Phoenix community and other communities across the country. Our clients will benefit from our increased support and care as our team grows. I look forward to Big Auto Accident Lawyers being THE source of help for those in need.
AALM What are some of the things that inspire you professionally?
NE My life has been blessed by great mentors. From a friend, I learned to value all mentors in your life. Some of my best and most influential mentors might not have known they were mentoring me.
The book “Fireproof” by Mike Morse & John Nachazel, titled: “A Five-Step model to take your law firm from unpredictable to wildly profitable”, was a major influence on my legal career. This book showed how data, clarity and teamwork could lead to professional and financial success. When I first read the book, I had no idea that I would work with the authors in the future. Their book and mentoring have been crucial in the foundation of my business strategy.
Are there any changes that you would make to your career?
NE I don’t believe that mistakes are made by accident. You can learn from them and grow in your career. My time spent with my family is an area that I want to constantly improve. I am fortunate that the board members of Big Auto who all had successful careers prior to joining Big Auto shared career advice with my when I took on this role.
You will regret not attending a meeting, but it will be worth the effort. You’ll regret missing an important milestone in the life of your child. Priority number one is to be present. No matter if it’s at a game, an activity or a family dinner.
AALM What are your goals? What is your next major milestone?
NE My professional attention and time is devoted to the growth and success Big Auto Accident Attorneys. I want to make this firm the first choice for innovative solutions for people injured in auto and truck accidents.
I want to make sure that we are known for our work, for helping others and for being a more than a mere law firm.
I want my team to be able to achieve their career goals and to feel heard.
Big Auto’s recognition for its value to the community, helping people as more than just a law office would be a major milestone.
AALM What are your hobbies and interests outside of your legal career? Do you still play soccer?
NE My kids and I enjoy playing on the field or in our backyard. This means that kids from the entire neighborhood will often come over to play backyard baseball, basketball or football. I love coaching, mentoring and nurturing the youth of our communities. When time permits, I also enjoy traveling with my wife Katie and date nights.
The post Nichol Edgson: A Big Plan for the Future first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.