How To Start a Law Firm Right After Graduation featuring James Mattox III

James Mattox III explains why he opened a law firm immediately after law school and how law school removes limitations from each student.

James Mattox III, a Southern University Law Center graduate, explains why he practices personal injury law and the benefits of trusting your law firm co-founder.

How To Start a Law Firm Right After Graduation featuring James Mattox III

About This Episode

James Mattox III intended to become a parole officer before a college professor encouraged him to impact more lives by becoming a lawyer. James Mattox III started law school without knowing anyone who looked like him or came from a small town. Now, James Mattox III is co-founder of the law firm that specializes in personal injury, bankruptcy, and Texas family law.

‍

Listen to learn:

‍

Advice for cofounding a law firm
Why bankruptcy and personal injury law pair are complementary practices
The benefits of virtual law firms for new lawyers

‍

We also discuss:

‍

How bankruptcy and personal injury law interact
Best career choices if you have a JD and want to own a business
How an encouraging teacher can change your life
The importance of getting honest advice when choosing a law school

‍

James Mattox III is licensed to practice law in Texas. Learn more about James Mattox III:

‍

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carwreck_professor/

‍

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattoxlawfirm

‍

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themattoxlawfirm/

‍

Website: https://www.themattoxlawfirm.com

‍

You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

‍

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarealawyer/

‍

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

‍

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

‍

‍

Recent Episodes

Building a Legal Tech Startup from Law School

Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy.

Read and listen here

How To Grow a Thriving Multi-Practice Law Firm feat. Daniel Rosenberg

Daniel Rosenberg is a seasoned trial lawyer and the co-founder of a thriving civil litigation firm. With roots in criminal defense and a career built in courtrooms, Daniel shares how he went from retail entrepreneur to legal leader and why flexibility, grit, and courtroom instinct are the skills that drive his success. This episode is all about staying ready, even when your office is your car.

Read and listen here

How to Find New Purpose After a Legal Career feat. A.X. Foster

A.X. Foster is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese.

Read and listen here

How to Take the Leap from Big Law to Solo Practice feat. Gary Martoccio

Gary Martoccio is an employment lawyer and solo practitioner who left a large firm after 12 years to build his own plaintiffs-side practice. In this episode, Gary shares what it’s like to advocate for employees, run your own firm, and earn multiple state licenses through bar exams and reciprocity. If you’re curious about employment law or considering going solo, this episode gives a real-world perspective you won’t find in law school.

Read and listen here

How to Balance Law, Life, and Leadership feat. Rhonda Coleman Wandel

Rhonda Coleman Wandel is a commercial attorney, podcast host, and founder of RCW Strategies LLC, a legal consulting firm serving visionary companies and legal teams. In this episode, she shares her bold transition from education to law, her path through in-house legal roles, and why she recently stepped into entrepreneurship after years at companies like Accenture and Google. From Memphis to Chicago, single motherhood to legal leadership, Rhonda’s story is about clarity, courage, and walking your own path.

Read and listen here

How To Blend Legal Teaching With Theater and Parenting feat. Keith Shannon and Kara Shannon

Keith Shannon is a former lawyer, legal educator, and lifelong theater fan. Kara Shannon is his daughter and creative collaborator. In this episode, Kyla speaks with the father-daughter duo about their journey from legal careers and musical soundtracks to launching Fourth Row Center, a podcast celebrating Broadway and family bonds. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that success can look like connection, creativity, and choosing joy on your own terms.

Read and listen here

How to Combine Law and AI Without Losing Your Mind feat. Austin Brittenham

Austin Brittenham is a first-generation lawyer, legal tech founder, and the creator of 2nd Chair, an AI-powered tool designed to help solo and small firm lawyers work faster and smarter. In this episode, Austin and Kyla talk about space law, law school culture, and what it really means to use your legal education creatively. From debating in high school to launching two startups, Austin proves that you don’t have to follow the traditional legal path to make a meaningful impact.

Read and listen here

How to Turn a Dream Job Into a Lifelong Mission feat. Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese

Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese is a certified career and leadership coach with 34 years of FBI experience under her belt. From counterintelligence to white collar crime, her federal career was vast and dynamic. In this powerful episode, Dr. Rhonda shares how her dream of working for the FBI led to a fulfilling career in public service and how her new chapter as a coach helps others step into their purpose with confidence.

Read and listen here

How to Navigate a Business Breakup Like a Pro feat. Margeaux Thomas

Margeaux Thomas is a litigator and founder of The Thomas Law Office, P.C., a firm that focuses on "business divorces" – complex breakups between business partners. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from Ohio to the DMV, what drew her to commercial litigation, and how she built a thriving law firm dedicated to helping small businesses through conflict. She also talks about growing up around quiet entrepreneurship and why personality type plays a big role in choosing your legal niche.

Read and listen here

How to Grow a Law Firm Without Burning Out feat. Lem Garcia

Lem Garcia is a personal injury attorney and the founder of Lem Garcia Law in California. In this episode, Lem shares how he went from answering Craigslist job ads to running a 20-person law firm. With humility, insight, and honesty, Lem walks us through what it takes to start a firm from nothing and why self-belief and strategic thinking are key to long-term success.

Read and listen here

How to Serve Your Community With Every Case feat. Vernon Thomas

Vernon Thomas is a military attorney, community servant, and judicial candidate for the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. In this heartfelt conversation, Vernon and Kyla reflect on his legal journey—from public defender and prosecutor to staff attorney and JAG officer—and how each role shaped his approach to justice. With lessons from his father, mentorship from respected judges, and deep Southern roots, Vernon is driven by more than ambition—he’s driven by service.

Read and listen here

How to Adapt Your Career for the AI Era feat. Steven Cunningham

Steven Cunningham is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Simple Academy, a company that helps teams boost performance and productivity using AI tools. In this episode, Steven talks about what it means to pivot early, lean into innovation, and reimagine what legal training can prepare you to do. Whether you're AI-curious or career-curious, Steven Cunningham’s story offers both inspiration and practical insights.

Read and listen here