Austin, TX personal injury attorney Scott Hendler shares why he became a lawyer as well as the one piece of advice he repeatedly gives to his clients. He reflects that the motivation for his career is rooted in one of his earliest childhood memories: sitting with his mother as she read from the newspaper about the civil rights marches in the South, and the police dogs and fire hoses turned on young, peaceful protesters. He remembers asking her how one changes such injustice, and her answer stayed with him forever: “You become a lawyer. Lawyers change things. Lawyers are the instruments of justice.” That guiding principle shaped his path, even as he briefly considered careers as a Navy fighter pilot or a firefighter-paramedic, before returning to law to serve as a warrior for those who need representation, to defend rights, protect interests, right wrongs, and ensure justice for those who deserve it most.

He emphasizes to his clients that patience is critical. In high-stakes cases, whether personal injury or wrongful death, defendants often attempt to drag out proceedings to create pressure and fatigue. The client who exercises patience allows the legal team to do its work, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery. During settlement conferences, he advises clients that these initial meetings are rarely the final resolution. Defendants often test a client’s eagerness or impatience. By demonstrating the power of patience, a client can maximize the recovery and secure compensation truly justified by the injury or loss.