Massachusetts personal injury attorney Zachary Ballin continues the legacy of seeking justice for his clients – particularly first responders – that his father established with their firm.
AALM: What about your father’s practice inspired you to pursue a career in law?
ZB: It was clear to me from a young age that going into personal injury law was very different than owning a business of some other kind in that he was making a meaningful difference in clients’ lives—often during some of their most challenging moments. It became hard to imagine owning a store or some other business where that was not such a major part of the work. As soon as I started working in the business and participating in mock trial and things like that in middle school and high school, it was clear that it was a fit for me.
AALM: Growing up around lawyers, what are some of the traits/practices you witnessed that you strive to emulate in your career.
ZB: My dad always taught me that preparation was everything. He always said the work was all ahead of trial and depositions getting to an understanding of every aspect of liability and reviewing medical records, but then the trial was a game of the greatest kind. He approached every negotiation with the same intensity of preparation. The other side of the coin is that just doing the work is only half the battle. You have to be empathetic and truly understand your clients who are often dealing with physical, emotional and financial stress after an injury. We are a lot more than just lawyers for these clients.
AALM: Did you know you wanted to pursue a career in personal injury law upon enrolling in law school? Did you consider following any other paths?
ZB: I was certainly leaning toward personal injury law when I started at New England School of Law—my father’s influence was a strong guiding force. However, I remained open to other areas. I took classes in criminal defense and corporate law, curious to see if something else might resonate. Ultimately, the hands-on work I did in torts and trial advocacy confirmed that personal injury law was where I felt I could make the biggest difference. Helping people put their lives back together after an injury felt profoundly rewarding, so I committed to this path.
AALM: Having the ability to work for your father’s firm, what are some of the best lessons you’ve learned from him?
ZB: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from my father is the importance of strategy. He taught me to view litigation almost like a chess match: you don’t make a move without a purpose. Another critical lesson is relationship-building—our clients are more than case numbers; they’re people who need someone to stand up for them. My father also emphasized continuous learning. The law is constantly evolving, so staying updated with changes in statutes, case law and trial strategies is essential to providing the best representation possible.
AALM: You have represented many first responders injured in the line of duty. How are these cases different than other personal injury matters?
ZB: First responder cases often involve complex legal issues, like workers’ compensation laws, that intertwine with personal injury claims. With cases like these, there’s also a heightened emotional component—the impact extends beyond the injured officer or firefighter to the entire community. Media scrutiny can add another layer of complexity, and I frequently rely on expert witnesses who understand the nuances of first responders’ roles. Because of this, these cases demand not just legal skill, but also sensitivity, patience, and a deep respect for what these individuals endure in their line of work.
One that stands out is a case involving a retired police officer who was injured by a drunk driver who resisted arrest. Despite his years of service, the insurance company was unwilling to fully compensate him for his injuries. We took the case to trial and ultimately secured a $1,949,652.87 verdict for him. That case reinforced my commitment to standing up for first responders and showed me that thorough preparation and persistence can overcome even the toughest opposition. It also highlighted how crucial it is for injured clients—especially those who’ve served their communities—to have strong advocates in their corner.
AALM: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change?
ZB: If I could go back and advise my younger self, I’d stress the importance of work-life balance a bit more. Early in my career, I threw myself into cases around the clock, and while it honed my skills, it also left me burned out at times. I might have also sought more mentorship from attorneys outside of our firm to gain additional perspectives. Still, every challenge helped me grow as both a lawyer and a person, so I try not to dwell on regrets.
AALM: Looking ahead, what more do you hope to accomplish in your career? What’s the next milestone?
ZB: My goal is to continue taking on challenging cases—especially those involving injured first responders—and to expand our firm’s ability to help individuals who might otherwise feel overlooked. Mentoring younger attorneys is another priority. By sharing experiences and insights, I hope to strengthen our profession’s commitment to serving clients ethically and effectively. In terms of milestones, I’d love to see the firm grow its impact in the community—perhaps through more pro bono work, deeper involvement in bar associations, and continued education on personal injury law.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
ZB: Only that I’m incredibly grateful to my father for setting the standard of excellence and compassion that guides my work every day. I also want to thank our clients for trusting us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m committed to continuing the legacy of fighting for justice that my father started at Ballin Law. If anyone reading this has questions or needs guidance, I encourage them to reach out—nobody should navigate the legal system alone.
For more information, visit ballinlaw.com.
