April Collins, founder of Collins Law, LLC, recently appeared on PILMMA's Grow Your Law Firm podcast with host Ken Hardison, sharing insights that underscore the critical role of mindset and adaptability in scaling a personal injury practice. The episode, titled "From Basement Startup to Firm Growth With April Collins," was released on August 7, 2026, and offers a blueprint for attorneys seeking to expand their firms in competitive markets. Collins's story is particularly resonant because she built her practice from her basement to owning her own office building, a trajectory that highlights the importance of strategic decision-making and personal development in the legal business.
During the podcast, Collins emphasized that her first major hurdle was not legal acumen but a mental shift. "The mindset is the first thing that I had to change, and to learn to develop into a businesswoman," she said. "I didn't have a business background, I didn't have family members who ever owned big businesses or went to law school, so I had to learn." This admission is significant because it challenges the notion that business success requires an inherited pedigree. Instead, Collins's experience suggests that lawyers can acquire business skills through deliberate effort and external support, such as the resources offered by PILMMA. Her emphasis on a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed—provides a counterpoint to the fixed-mindset thinking that often traps solo practitioners in stagnation.
Collins also addressed the challenge of standing out in Birmingham, a saturated market for injury attorneys. "I had to learn to lean into what makes me different instead of shying away from it," she said. "I learned that I can find my own strength, my own superpower in who I am, and to use the authenticity that I have to find the people who want to hire me." This approach has broader implications: in an era where legal marketing is increasingly commoditized, authenticity can be a differentiator. By embracing her unique identity as a Black woman leading a firm committed to marginalized clients, Collins has carved a niche that resonates with underserved communities. Her firm, Collins Law, LLC, is a Black-owned injury law firm with offices in Birmingham and Madison, Alabama, dedicated to helping victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other personal injuries.
Beyond mindset, Collins discussed practical aspects of firm growth, including overcoming trust barriers to hiring staff and an associate attorney, choosing where to invest income, and embracing AI tools company-wide. These topics reflect the operational realities of scaling a law firm. Trust barriers often stem from a founder's reluctance to delegate, which can cap growth. Collins's willingness to hire suggests that overcoming this barrier is essential for expansion. Similarly, her decision to adopt AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach to efficiency, allowing attorneys to focus on client service—a priority she stressed. For listeners, the episode provides actionable advice: seek help, adopt a growth mindset, and leverage technology without losing the personal touch that defines excellent client care.
Collins credited PILMMA as a significant factor in her development. "If you have a growth mindset, then you're going to grow," she said. "And if you don't know [how to do something], find somebody that can help you, because what I've learned for the most part in this space, there are people who will help you." This sentiment underscores the value of professional networks and mentorship in the legal industry. For those interested in hearing the full conversation, the episode is available on PILMMA's website or via major podcast platforms. More information about Collins and her firm can be found at April Collins. Her journey illustrates that with the right mindset and support, attorneys can transform their practices and better serve their communities.
