Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, founded in 2005 by Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe, has grown from a modest law firm in Arizona to one of the nation’s leading personal injury practices. With a mission to provide top-tier legal representation and client-focused service, the firm has expanded to multiple states, recovered billions for clients, and established a reputation for aggressive advocacy and community involvement. This article explores the firm’s history, growth, services, and impact, highlighting why Lerner and Rowe stands out in the legal landscape.
The Founding Story
Glen Lerner, driven by a passion for advocating for the “little guy,” grew up in challenging circumstances, witnessing the justice system firsthand through visits to his father in prison. This experience shaped his commitment to fighting for justice against powerful corporations. Kevin Rowe, a cum laude graduate from the University of Washington and Southwestern University School of Law, brought operational expertise and a shared vision of client advocacy. Together, they established Lerner and Rowe in 2005, initially focusing on personal injury cases in Arizona. Their partnership combined Lerner’s visionary leadership with Rowe’s operational acumen, laying the foundation for a firm that prioritizes both results and client care.
Growth and Expansion
From its Arizona roots, Lerner and Rowe has grown into a national powerhouse, operating in states including Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Washington, Oregon, California, Alabama, and Michigan. Rebranded as Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in 2019, the firm now employs over 60 attorneys and 450 support staff across 27 locations. Their aggressive marketing strategy, backed by a $20 million annual budget, includes memorable slogans like “One Call, That’s All” and high-visibility campaigns on billboards, TV, and social media. This marketing prowess, coupled with strategic partnerships like their collaboration with Esquire Bank, has fueled a 26% increase in case fees and a 22% rise in marketing expenses in a single year, significantly boosting profitability.
The firm’s innovative approach to expansion includes acquiring stakes in existing practices, such as their partnership with New Orleans attorney Mike Brandner, which grew his firm eightfold in 24 months. This model leverages Lerner and Rowe’s management expertise to scale operations efficiently while maintaining high client satisfaction. Their ability to adapt and diversify into areas like bankruptcy, criminal defense, and social security disability further underscores their business acumen.
Services and Client-Centered Approach
Lerner and Rowe specializes in catastrophic single-event injuries, handling cases such as car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Their “No Fee Until We Win” policy ensures clients face no upfront costs, aligning the firm’s success with client outcomes. With over 240 years of combined litigation experience, their legal team has recovered over $2 billion for clients, including $1 billion in the last four years alone. Notable settlements include $10 million for a motorcyclist and $4.23 million for a driver negligence case.
Beyond legal expertise, the firm emphasizes emotional support, aiming to “carry the emotional burden” for clients during recovery. This client-first philosophy is reflected in their 4.9-star rating and thousands of positive reviews, with clients praising attorneys and staff for their professionalism and compassion. The firm’s multilingual team, fluent in English and Spanish, ensures accessibility for diverse communities.
Community Involvement
A hallmark of Lerner and Rowe’s identity is their commitment to philanthropy through the Lerner and Rowe Gives Back Foundation, founded by Kevin Rowe. The foundation supports communities with direct aid to the homeless, hungry, and abused, as well as contributions to animal welfare. Rowe’s dedication to giving back is rooted in his early involvement in fundraising for youth sports, and the foundation donates every penny raised to local causes. The firm’s attorneys and staff also volunteer extensively, reinforcing their role as community stewards.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their success, Lerner and Rowe has faced challenges. In 2008, Glen Lerner received a public reprimand from the Nevada Supreme Court for assisting Kevin Rowe in unauthorized practice in Nevada, as Rowe was not licensed there at the time. This incident, stemming from Rowe handling prelitigation negotiations, highlighted the complexities of multi-state operations. However, the firm addressed the issue, and Rowe is now licensed in six states, with no further disciplinary actions noted. Additionally, some employee reviews have criticized management and high caseloads, though positive reviews highlight a supportive work environment and growth opportunities.
Conclusion
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys exemplifies how vision, strategic growth, and client dedication can transform a law firm into a national leader. From their humble beginnings to recovering billions for over 150,000 clients, Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have built a legacy of advocacy and compassion. Their innovative financing partnerships, aggressive marketing, and commitment to community service set them apart in the competitive legal field. While not without challenges, their focus on delivering results and supporting clients emotionally and financially ensures their continued prominence. For those seeking justice after an injury, Lerner and Rowe remains a trusted ally, proving that with one call, they truly deliver it all.
