Episode 4.3: Trial By Fire: Surviving Mass Torts, COVID, and the Business of Law
In this episode of The Heart of Law, host Mirena Umizaj Dumas sits down with Houston trial lawyer and founder of the Amaro Law Firm, R. James Amaro, for a candid conversation about trial work, entrepreneurship, resilience, and the rapidly changing landscape of personal injury law.
From surviving the fallout of the BP oil spill to tripling his firm during COVID, James opens up about what it truly takes to build and sustain a high-performing litigation practice in today’s environment.
They dive into:
Why thriving through COVID meant doubling down, not scaling back
How his firm grew to nearly 100 team members and a building with his name on it
Learning marketing, finance, and operations because the business demanded it
How direct-to-consumer intake and credible reviews fueled growth
The real risk of mass torts and what he calls “mass tort PTSD”
The future of law firms amid private equity and AI
Why he still signs every contract himself to stay connected to the business
James also reflects on becoming a father through IVF shortly before the pandemic and balancing rapid growth with a deep commitment to family, faith, service, and client advocacy. He shares why protecting injured families through the hardest moments in their lives remains his driving purpose.
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ABOUT OUR GUEST
R. James Amaro is a nationally recognized Houston trial lawyer and the founder of the Amaro Law Firm, which he established in 2005 after beginning his career in insurance defense. Representing victims of the BP refinery explosion in Texas City was an early turning point that set the course for his work. Since then, he has represented thousands of individuals and businesses in personal injury, commercial litigation, and insurance disputes, including major cases following Hurricane Ike and the BP Deepwater Horizon Spill.
James brings experience shaped by engineering and entrepreneurship, along with federal judicial writing during law school. This background helped him build a firm focused on tenacity, efficiency, and client loyalty in the pursuit of just compensation.
Service and community remain central in his life. James and his wife, Angelica, founded the nonprofit Baseball for Babies, which supports initiatives that help families and children. When he’s not working for his clients, he is focused on family, faith, and giving back.
• Learn more about the Amaro Law Firm: https://amarolawfirm.com/
• Watch more episodes & subscribe: The Heart of Law Podcast on YouTube
