Miami lawyer Jesse Soffer found his calling for personal injury law – the ability to be a voice for someone who’s been hurt – as soon as he entered law school. Since, he’s spent his career fighting for fairness and accountability.
AALM: How is your career different today than you envisioned it in law school?
JS: Back in law school, I had a traditional vision of what my career would look like – I imagined climbing the ranks at an established firm. The reality is quite different, and in the best ways. I never imagined I running my own firm this early. In law school, you mostly think about the law in terms of cases and statutes, but you don’t necessarily picture yourself also being a business owner, managing a team, and building a brand. My role isn’t just arguing in court (though I do plenty of that); it’s also about guiding a firm, making strategic decisions, and wearing a lot of hats I didn’t know I’d have to wear.
AALM: Tell us about some of your mentors and the best lessons they taught you.
JS: I’ve been fortunate to have several incredible mentors who guided me at various stages of my career. In law school, one of my mentors was a professor who oversaw the Street Law program, one of the most formative experiences of my early legal career. From her, I learned the importance of integrity and community engagement – that our value as attorneys isn’t just in winning cases, but in how we use our skills to better our community.
When I began practicing at a large personal injury firm, I was taken under the wing of a senior trial attorney, who had decades of experience in the courtroom. The best lesson he taught me was the importance of preparation and perseverance. His work ethic was incredible – late nights poring over evidence, meticulously preparing witnesses – and it paid off. He used to say, “The case is often won long before you step into the courtroom.” That advice has been a cornerstone of how I approach my cases.
Their lessons have shaped how I practice. I try to pay it forward by mentoring young lawyers and law students whenever I get the chance.
AALM: What compelled you to launch The Soffer Firm?
JS: Working at a large personal injury firm was a great learning experience. I had the chance to work on a high volume of cases and see how a big operation runs. But after a few years, I felt a strong pull to create something of my own. I wanted to build a firm that reflected my personal values and vision of client service.
In my firm, we implement a “clients first” philosophy in every aspect of the practice. That means being selective about the cases we take so we can devote the time and resources each client truly deserves. It also means being available to clients personally.
Ultimately, I launched The Soffer Firm because I wanted the challenge and reward of building something from the ground up. I knew it would be hard work – and it was, especially in the beginning. Looking back, I’m grateful I took that leap. It’s allowed me to practice law the way I believe it should be practiced: with personal commitment, flexibility, and a heart for the people I’m helping.
AALM: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change?
JS: When I look back on the last decade of running my own firm, I see a journey filled with successes and plenty of learning experiences. There are certainly a few things I might do differently if I knew then what I know now. In the early years of The Soffer Firm, I tried to wear every hat – attorney, marketer, office manager, you name it. I learned the hard way that trying to do everything yourself is a quick path to burnout. Trusting others and building a solid team is crucial.
Another thing I might change is being too cautious at times. As a young lawyer running a new firm, I sometimes played it safe – passed on a challenging case I wasn’t sure I was ready for, or I hesitated to expand the firm when opportunities arose. Looking back, I see those as missed opportunities. Every time I stepped out of my comfort zone, it paid dividends in growth and experience.
In the grand scheme, I’m proud of where we are. The bumps and wrong turns have ultimately made me and the firm stronger.
AALM: Are there any cases that have stood out to you or a common trend or thread that has stuck with you?
JS: A few cases over the years have really left a mark on me. One in particular that stands out was a catastrophic injury case – a client who was severely hurt in an accident that easily could have been prevented. It was a tough, hard-fought case. We took it all the way to a verdict. In the end, the jury returned a result that not only put my client on the path to being taken care of financially, but it also sent a clear message to the defendant about accountability. That case made it onto a Top 100 Verdicts list, which was a professional honor, but what sticks with me more is the client’s reaction. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their face – that’s something I’ll never forget. It reaffirmed exactly why I do what I do.
Over the years I’ve learned that no two cases are the same, but many share a similar emotional core: clients who are in a tough spot and need someone to fight for them. These outcomes help people put their lives back together. That, more than any dollar amount or accolade, is what stays with me after a case is over.
AALM: What goals are you still hoping to accomplish in your professional career?
JS: Professionally, I’m working to-
ward expanding the reach of The Soffer Firm. Over the next few years, I’d like to grow our team with more talented attorneys and staff. I’m considering opening a second office, perhaps in another part of South Florida, or partnering with firms in other regions. The idea is to maintain the same client-first, compassionate ethos, just on a larger scale.
A milestone I have my eye on is achieving board certification in civil trial law and eventually being recognized among the top trial lawyers in Florida, not just under 40 but overall. That’s not so much for the title itself, but as a reflection that I’ve consistently performed at a high level for my clients.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
JS: I haven’t done any of this alone. I’m lucky to have a fantastic team who share the same dedication to our clients. Without them, achieving those big verdicts and managing the day-to-day challenges would be impossible. And of course, I’m thankful to my family and friends for their support.
Lastly, I’d like to say to anyone reading this – remember the human side of what we do. Law, especially personal injury law, isn’t just about statutes and courtrooms; it’s about people’s lives. Keeping that perspective is key. It’s something I remind myself of often.
For more information, visit sofferfirm.com.
