When we think of David-versus-Goliath battles in the legal world, “Erin Brockovich”, the 2000 cinematic blockbuster starring Julia Roberts, often comes to mind. In this famous film, a small law firm takes on the might of a giant corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), with only a fraction of the financial and human resources. The firm represents residents in Hinkley, California, a town devastated by groundwater contamination caused by PG&E’s negligent handling of toxic chromium. With relentless effort, the team dives into years of records and uncovers evidence of corporate wrongdoing, even when facing daunting odds and pushback from the corporation’s big-name attorneys. Against all expectations, the firm wins a landmark settlement of $333 million for the affected residents, showcasing that commitment and personalized attention can sometimes make a small firm stronger than the corporate giants they’re up against.
Based on a true story, the film’s plot highlights a critical truth: sometimes, smaller firms have unique advantages over large law firms, especially when it comes to personal injury cases. Here are three ways this can play out in real life and why hiring a local, smaller firm could be the right choice for those seeking justice.
Personalized attention that drives results
In “Erin Brockovich”, it’s the one-on-one connections that make the difference. Brockovich’s personal involvement with the residents of Hinkley—listening to their stories, learning about their lives and developing a deep understanding of the impact PG&E’s negligence had on their health—fuels the firm’s case. This individualized approach helps the firm gather powerful testimonies and evidence, which ultimately drives the case to success.
In real life, smaller firms often work more closely with their clients, building relationships that enable them to understand each client’s unique needs and concerns. For a personal injury case, this can mean better representation and advocacy tailored specifically to the person’s experience. At larger firms, clients can sometimes feel like “just another case.” But with a smaller firm, clients frequently have direct access to their attorney and a team that is familiar with all the details of their case. This level of personalized attention often inspires a higher commitment and deeper understanding that can lead to stronger advocacy and ultimately, better outcomes.
More flexibility and adaptability
Large law firms are often bound by strict procedures and bureaucracy, which can slow things down and limit adaptability. In contrast, smaller firms have the flexibility to pivot and respond to case developments more quickly. In “Erin Brockovich”, the small law firm leverages this flexibility to dig deeper and follow every lead, even if it means working late hours and revisiting details that the opposing team overlooked.
For real clients, this adaptability can be a game-changer. Smaller firms are less likely to operate in a one-size-fits-all manner and can adjust their strategies as the case progresses, responding nimbly to new information or unexpected challenges. For instance, in a car accident case where new evidence emerges midway through a trial or settlement talks, a smaller firm might have the agility to re-strategize quickly, while a larger firm might struggle to alter its course. This responsiveness can make a significant difference, especially in complex personal injury cases that involve various parties or unpredictable developments.
Dedication to the community and local insight
One of the underlying themes of “Erin Brockovich” is the power of community. The law firm and Brockovich become part of the community they’re fighting for, understanding its needs and values on a personal level. This connection can be a tremendous advantage, especially when advocating in front of local judges or juries who may relate more to a local firm that shares their roots.
In the real world, local firms bring a similar community focus. They understand the local laws, regulations and court systems, and may have established relationships with local experts, judges and other legal professionals. A personal injury attorney who practices locally is often more familiar with the tendencies of the courts and the concerns of local residents, which can give their clients a distinct advantage. Larger firms, which may be based in distant cities, may lack these community connections and insights, making it harder for them to advocate in a way that resonates with local juries.
When facing the stress and complexity of a personal injury case, working with a local firm like South Georgia’s Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner can make a world of difference. We take pride in providing each client with personal attention and in-depth case strategies tailored specifically to their needs. With roots going back more than seven decades, we understand the Douglas and surrounding communities and are dedicated to helping our neighbors seek the justice they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence or deliberate act, consider the benefits of working with a small, committed local firm. Contact Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner at 912-384-2287 or request a free case review online.
Photo: Erin Brockovich speaking at the 2016 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo, Phoenix, AZ. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons