What does it take to grow a powerhouse personal injury firm in one of the country’s most unique legal environments?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Laborde, Partner at Laborde Earles, to hear how his firm scaled from scratch to statewide recognition. From the BP oil spill litigation to $12M+ verdicts, David shares pivotal growth moments, strategic bets on trial work, and the systems that keep quality high while volume climbs.

Whether you’re navigating mass torts, scaling your own practice, or trying to discern real legal tech from the hype, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons.

Tune in to learn:

• From Small Town to Statewide Force – David shares how he built one of Louisiana’s top injury firms & the defining moments that shaped their path.
• How a Disaster Became a Launchpad – How the BP oil spill litigation transformed Laborde Earles’ trajectory and positioned them for rapid growth.
• Scaling with Standards – Learn how the firm keeps quality high as it grows through strategic case selection, weekly attorney meetings, and tight trial prep protocols.
• The Louisiana Legal Advantage – Discover what makes Louisiana’s civil law system so unique & why attorneys nationwide refer cases to Laborde Earles.
• AI Hype vs. Reality – David breaks down the legal tech boom: what’s working, what’s not, and the vendor mistakes every law firm should avoid.

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Start Local, Grow Big – Strategic trial wins and high-profile cases like the BP oil spill helped Laborde Earles expand rapidly from a local firm to a regional powerhouse.
• Scale Without Compromise – Weekly attorney reviews and selective case intake can help your firm maintain quality as it grows.
• Know Your Jurisdiction – Louisiana’s unique civil law system offers both opportunities and challenges—key for out-of-state attorneys considering referrals.
• Tech with Caution – While AI can enhance efficiency, David warns against falling for overhyped legal tech—vet carefully, and invest only in what truly works.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://onmyside.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-laborde-b371421b

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!