In the heart of Florida’s law, a person in need can find thousands of certified experts to help them fight legal battles. With such an enormous supply, however, choosing the right person to work with may be challenging. Hence why Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire’s law firm practices best methods that will make it easy for people to choose them. Located in the heart of Tampa, all three of the previously mentioned lawyers have been in Florida for most of their lives.

Marcus Fernandez is one of the three attorneys who has served Florida residents for the previous ten years. Although he initially wanted to study history, going a step further to attain a law degree appealed to him more. While in college. Mr. Fernandez completed a few internships that cemented his passion for court cases and complicated settlements. Now, he has become a part of the elite group of Tampa’s personal injury attorneys who rarely lose cases.

Besides work that pertains to personal injury, Marcus Fernandez is also a car accident attorney that helps Tampa’s hurt drivers. He mostly focuses on clients who need help filing insurance claims or lawsuits against drivers who caused an accident. Once he completes his chargeable hours and client follow-ups, Fernandez directs his attention to community events. At the moment, he is a member of the advisory board for Make-a-Wish foundation, Tampa Catholic High School, and Villa Madonna School. He also holds notable extracurricular positions, such as the vice-chair for ABA Law Student Division.

How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?

I received a formal offer from Manuel and Rob who were planning to open a slip-and-fall attorney office in Tampa. At that time, I was working for a nationwide firm, and their invitation was an escape from the corporate world that I hoped would come. We got started by creating a lot of outlines about the types of law that we will practice since we all bring different expertise. The inspiration originated from the idea to be our bosses and develop a business from scratch.

How do you make money?

Through a combination of billable hours, one-time fees, and percentage-based settlement contracts. For example, some clients hire me and pay my hourly rate. Others, however, may not have the funds to pay immediately but come seeking large settlements that are likely to be awarded. In those cases, I agree to work for them virtually for free and then take a percentage of the settlement when it is obtained.

How long did it take for you to become profitable?

All of us were able to start our practice on a high note since we know this area very well. So, it did not take long at all.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

Not that I can recall. I always anticipated that at least one of us would succeed which, in turn, will help the other two get exposure. The reality was much better as all of us started getting clients soon after we opened our door to the public.

How did you get your first customer?

We initially had a free meeting with new clients who needed help in the area of personal injury. Once demand started growing, we were getting booked left and right to give out free advice to strangers. Eventually, one of those strangers just decided to hire our firm to help with their injury lawsuit.

What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?

Online advertisements have proven to be a powerful tool. We noticed that social media marketing also attracts a lot of younger people who need us in the long-term.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

Having to decline cases is never easy. Still, it is impossible for the three of us to accept every single customer who comes in.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

We support one another and have never been afraid to point out the mistakes that we notice. When I am doing something wrong, per se, I can rest assured that both Rob and Manuel will let me know.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

The day that we officially started our firm was the best day of my life. Opening the door for everyone to come in felt like a fantastic accomplishment. Especially since a lot of start-ups never even get past the initial brainstorming stages.

What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?

We are hoping to keep growing at this pace. Eventually, we might look into bringing another partner to the firm. For now, our position is favorable, and everyone is satisfied.

What business books have inspired you?

“Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and “In Search of Excellence” by Robert H. Waterman Jr. and Tom Peters.

What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?

We upgraded our TV in the lobby and clients seemed to love it!

Is there a company that you wish to be as successful as?

Definitely. I would like to believe that we can achieve the level of success that Sullivan and Cromwell or Cravath, Swaine, and Moore have. Of course, we need a lot more time and effort to get there, but it is not impossible!

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