A Conversation with Carla Williams
Attorney
Where did you grow up and how has it taken you to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in southeast Alabama. We had one police officer, one bank, a population of about 1,500 people, and two small grocery stores. It was a place where you knew all of your neighbors, the doors were never locked, and you always greeted people with a smile and a wave. Imagine the old TV show, "Mayberry R.F.D.," and that was what it was like. I truly believe that my upbringing shaped my friendly personality and puts people at ease in my presence. My natural friendliness allows open and honest dialogue, which has enabled me to excel in my personal and professional relationships.
I heard you bring in the most employee referrals (besides Carter, of course) to the firm. I would imagine your friendliness has something to do with it.
I enjoy what I do and where I work, and I guess it rubs off on people. People are always saying, "Carla, how do you know so many people?" Every time I am out around people, I am introducing myself, finding out about them, and sharing with them what I do and where I work. I really enjoy helping people, and I think people remember how comfortable they are around me so that if they or someone they know ends up needing a lawyer, they think of me.
As a kid, did you always want to be a lawyer
When I was young, I always told people one day I was going to be a doctor. Although I ended up pursuing a career in law, I feel that my dreams have been realized because ultimately what I was really saying was that I wanted to be in a profession helping people.
I hear a lot from your firm about customer service and helping people. Typically, law firms aren't known for customer service. Why does Carter Mario Injury Lawyers think this is important?
Our firm realizes that people have a choice when choosing a lawyer, and we need to work hard like any other top business to make sure we provide not only the best product, but also the best experience. Did you know that our firm recently appeared in a top customer service best-selling business book called What's the Secret? by John DiJulius. It listed us as one of the top customer service businesses in the country and devoted three pages as to what we do differently! Everyone who works for us, from the file clerk up, buys into this service culture. I believe that one of the biggest failures of lawyers is their lack of understanding of the service clients desire and deserve. Clients want a zealous advocate, but they also deserve communication and respect as a human being. Our customer service mantra is my biggest source of pride when I talk about this firm.
How are you able to call every client on a monthly basis and why is that important?
I am able to call my clients on a monthly basis due to our wonderful case management system that prompts me to make my calls on a timely basis. By calling my clients so often, I am able to develop a rapport that enables them to develop trust in my judgment and abilities as their attorney. It is also extremely important to me to always be aware of everything going on with my clients and their treatment. This knowledge enables me to handle their case with the utmost care.
If you could tell a client one thing, what would it be?
I would tell the clients to always be completely honest with me about their medical history. If I am fully informed on every level about a client's past medical history, then I am better able to serve that client and fight for his rights as an injured individual. Too many times we find out that a client had a previous injury that he did not disclose up front. Clients often think that no one will find out or that it is not important. That is never the case.
What is the most important thing you have learned from representing people?
I have learned that people are basically the same regardless of gender, race, or background. We all have similar ideals when it comes to what's important in life, and we all want to be treated with respect and dignity.
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The Connecticut injury lawyers at Carter Mario represent clients with injuries stemming from auto accidents, dog bites, drug injuries, fire and burn injuries, medical malpractice, Social Security Disability denials, slip and fall accidents, truck accidents, workers’ compensation denials, as well as the families of wrongful death victims.
