April Collins, the founder of Collins Law, LLC, recently appeared on PILMMA's Grow Your Law Firm podcast with host Ken Hardison. The episode, titled "From Basement Startup to Firm Growth With April Collins," was released on August 7, 2026. PILMMA, the Personal Injury Lawyer Marketing & Management Association, releases new episodes weekly. In the episode, Collins and Hardison discuss a range of topics critical to law firm growth, including Collins's journey from starting her practice in her basement to buying her own office building, overcoming trust barriers to hiring more staff and an associate attorney, choosing where to invest income, standing out in a competitive market by embracing what makes you unique, making client service a top priority, and embracing AI tools company-wide.
Collins said that PILMMA was a significant factor in developing business skills and growing her firm over the past several years. "The mindset is the first thing that I had to change, and to learn to develop into a businesswoman," Collins said. "I didn't have a business background, I didn't have family members who ever owned big businesses or went to law school, so I had to learn." She said this was challenging in Birmingham, which is a highly competitive market for injury attorneys.
"I had to learn to lean into what makes me different instead of shying away from it," Collins said. "I learned that I can find my own strength, my own superpower in who I am, and to use the authenticity that I have to find the people who want to hire me. Because there are people who want to hire me, there are people who are looking specifically for someone like me."
Collins encouraged lawyers and business owners to adopt a growth mindset as one of the first steps in expanding their business. "If you have a growth mindset, then you're going to grow," Collins said. "And if you don't know [how to do something], find somebody that can help you, because what I've learned for the most part in this space, there are people who will help you. There are people who are here to assist."
To listen to the podcast, visit PILMMA's website or search for "Grow Your Law Firm" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream podcasts.
Collins Law, LLC is a Black-owned injury law firm with offices in Birmingham and Madison, Alabama. The firm is committed to standing up on behalf of those who've been marginalized and feel like they don't have a voice, helping victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other forms of personal injury. Visit our website to learn more.
The implications of Collins's appearance are significant for the legal industry, particularly for personal injury lawyers and small firm owners. Her emphasis on mindset, authenticity, and strategic growth offers a blueprint for overcoming common barriers in competitive markets. By sharing her journey from a basement startup to purchasing her own office building, Collins demonstrates that with the right mindset and support, lawyers can achieve substantial growth. Her advice on embracing AI tools and focusing on client service highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements and prioritizing client satisfaction. Moreover, her success as a Black-owned firm in a competitive market underscores the value of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, inspiring others to leverage their unique strengths. The podcast episode serves as a resource for lawyers seeking practical strategies to grow their practices and stand out in crowded markets.
