In this interview with Adam Lotkin, a highly respected attorney at Rutter Mills, we delve into the motivations and strategies behind his successful legal career. From his early inspiration of helping the underdog, instilled by his father, to his relentless approach in securing justice for his clients, Adam shares insights into how he handles high-stakes personal injury cases. With decades of experience and a winning track record, Adam has become known for his ability to challenge insurance companies and fight for fair compensation, no matter how complex the case.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I grew up in a family that had a passion for helping the underdog. My father is an attorney, so he instilled that same passion for the law in me. I loved solving puzzles and pushing myself to look at things differently and you need that as a lawyer. Being a lawyer has allowed me to use those skills to help people get justice. I saw early on as a Congressional intern that to effect real, lasting change in the system, I needed to be a lawyer, a social engineer of sorts.
You've been recognized for securing top settlements for your clients. What strategies do you use to ensure successful outcomes?
To have any negotiating power or leverage against the insurance companies as a trial attorney, you need to have 2 things: First, you need a solid case. Building a strong case only happens when you prepare each one as if it will go to trial. You also need a winning track record with jury trials. If you're a boxer going into the ring with 3 heavyweight titles, the other side knows you mean business; the same mindset applies to litigation. Fortunately, I have been winning cases for decades and the insurance companies know I won't stop fighting for my clients until they get what they deserve.
How do you manage high-stakes cases where insurance companies are resistant to settling fairly?
We are a very client-centric firm. I stay in close contact with my clients. I set their expectations from the start and remain transparent throughout the process. That's how I earn their trust. Not every case is going to be 7 figures, but I can guarantee I'm to keep fighting until they get fair compensation. When the insurance companies try to settle with lowball offers, my clients have the confidence they need to let me push back. They trust my intuition and preparation to try their case if the offer is not more than fair.
Can you share a particularly challenging case and how you overcame the obstacles to achieve a win?
I handle a lot of complex cases, but one that stays with me was a bicyclist who had been hit by a dump truck in broad daylight. In Virginia, we run up against contributory negligence as a huge impediment to successful outcomes. Most firms would have turned the case down, but I went to the hospital to meet this young man, and I saw his pain. He needed someone with my experience on his side. I went out to the scene of the accident and looked at it from every angle. Doing that allowed me to prove the truck driver was solely at fault. At the first mediation, the insurance company offered more than $3 million, but with the extent of his injuries, I knew he deserved more. Ultimately, the case settled before trial for $5,000,000.
How has the landscape of personal injury law evolved since you started, especially with regard to cases involving insurance disputes?
Insurance companies are all about the numbers. That's not new, but now they are relying more and more on AI-generated risk calculations to make decisions. The human factor is gone for them. They are also moving more to in-house counsel and taking more cases to court. They know not every firm is willing to go to trial. Luckily, our firm is willing and ready. I thrive in the courtroom and that trial experience allows you to settle at a premium in future cases.
What role does teamwork play at Rutter Mills in handling complex litigation, and how do you ensure communication and collaboration are top-notch?
When we get into litigating complex cases, we often have two attorneys on the case so there is always more than one way of looking at the situation and more than one attorney and staff focusing on the case.
How do you approach client relationships, especially during emotionally charged cases, to ensure they feel supported throughout the legal process?
I find the most important thing is to spend time with clients. You meet their family, spend time in their homes. It allows you to see some of the long-term, intangible effects an injury can have on them and their family. I make sure they know their case is my priority. Do I get emotionally invested? You bet and I think I'm a better lawyer because of it. I'm asking people to trust me with their future, so I build that bridge to earn that trust.
