In the early 1990s, the legal industry cautiously embraced change and lawyer advertising was just beginning. There was a clear challenge for how our insurance defense firm could expand its reach. The answer lay in leveraging reputation and nurturing long-standing relationships with insurance executives. Fast forward to 1994, armed with a bold vision and the commitment of files from a single carrier, our founders took a daring step to establish a presence across Tennessee.
While we were firmly rooted in Shelby County, the decision to extend our influence to Hamilton, Davidson, and Knox counties brought unique challenges. Questions surfaced: How would local firms react to an external presence? What would the judiciary think of a “Memphis firm” representing clients in Johnson City? How would local bar associations welcome us?
Thanks to the dedication of our founders and the enthusiasm of young attorneys — some of whom are now equity partners at Spicer Rudstrom — we succeeded. Our journey has been marked by lessons learned, with failures overshadowed by numerous successes. We pioneered innovative compensation models for attorneys, attracted lawyers familiar with our new markets, and established strong local ties. Our relentless pursuit of excellence and client satisfaction has been our guiding principle.
Over the past 30 years, the legal landscape has transformed. While we led the way in multi-office expansions, others followed suit with varying degrees of success. Today, multi-office law firms are commonplace. The industry has shifted, with major carriers favoring staff counsel models, and remote work becoming the norm. Many local claims offices have closed, and longstanding contacts have either retired or adapted to new working methods.
Spicer Rudstrom has evolved in tandem. We have embraced remote and hybrid work and strategically relocated two offices from downtown hubs to more client-centric locations. Our active participation in trade organizations underscores our commitment to educating carriers, in-house counsel, and fellow attorneys.
Through it all, one thing remains unchanged — our pride in delivering exceptional service to our clients. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here’s to the next 30 years of growth and success!