20 Years Serving NC Personal Injury Clients
Three years ago the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin was named one of the 5000 fastest growing privately-owned companies in the U.S. On September 1st, the firm celebrates 20 years representing NC clients.
On September 1st, 1997, the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin opened its first location in Durham. Triangle locals may remember the distinctive black and white “We Mean Business” TV commercials that launched the firm into the public eye.
The firm experienced exponential growth and 10 years later led the charge in one of the largest civil-rights cases in U.S. history – a battle against the United States government, which resulted in a $1.25 billion* settlement for more than 18,000 African American Farmers who had been discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This earned the firm national recognition. The year following the settlement, the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin was named to Inc. 5000’s list of the fastest growing privately-owned companies in the U.S.
Today, as the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest law firms in North Carolina. They have nearly 200 employees, including 43 lawyers, and 15 offices across the state. They estimate they have earned over $750 million* for more than 30,000 clients since that first day in 1997 – not including the class action settlement.
Farrin attributes the firm’s success to its employees and their willingness to challenge the status quo.
“When I began hiring people, I gave them the latitude to innovate and be creative in their efforts and their thinking. I believe this innovative spirit has helped us win many cases for our clients, and subsequently expand in ways I’d never imagined.”
One example of the firm’s ability to innovate lies in two proprietary software programs they developed. They received two patents in conjunction with the software programs, which are scheduled for release by year’s end.
In an interview with Attorney at Law magazine Farrin said, “What may be unique about us is that while we value the craft of lawyering and are very serious about it, we spend a whole lot of time also mastering the business craft.”
The result is something that firms across the nation have been eager to try to replicate. Many have toured Farrin headquarters and had meetings in further efforts to grasp how the firm is able to continue to push the envelope of the traditional law firm business model.
Farrin believes continued growth is dependent on striving to do the very best possible for each and every client, and investing in his people and the community at large.
Firm employees report non-traditional benefits like free Fitbits, nutritional counseling and other health incentives, periodic speakers on topics from wellness to financial management to handling stress, and a plethora of volunteer opportunities. The firm offers employees a variety of committees of interest and importance – a Green Team, a Social Services Committee, a Wellness Committee, and a Latino Outreach Committee – all geared toward finding ways the firm can better their community and their staff.
Employees plan to celebrate the firm’s 20th anniversary by purchasing 20 trees to plant in a Durham park.
*Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Re: Historic litigation against the U.S. government, the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin led a team of firms to recover $1.25 billion for African-American farmers from the U. S. government for discrimination.