We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Rawlins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I passed the bar and became an attorney, I already had numerous years of experience in both civil law/litigation and personal injury. My first job at a firm in Southern California was great to start until people started calling asking for money. I quickly realized that there was an issue with the firm. My boss was not paying vendors, clients, doctors, and my pay check had bounced and was late. I realized that this was not a place that I wanted to be. Not only was it against my morals, ethics, and beliefs, but I was never able to get a straight answer. I worked so hard to get my law license and from this point decided that I did not want to work for anyone else again. I know it was a horrible experience as my first job as an attorney, but I learned a lot, I learned what I did not want and where I wanted to go. So, I left, got on my hands and knees with my husband, prayed, and started my own firm. The rest is history. That way having my firm, I could do what I wanted to do: provide honest, ethical, compassionate representation for those who were injured in a car crash or other type of accident/injury. I would be in control of the cases I took on, the cases I can take on for a reduced fee, for pro bono. I had the ability to have my say in every part of the business. Starting my own firm provided me the freedom and flexibility, but also I would be rewarded for my work ethic, my grit, my passion, my fight, and for the amount of hours/time that I spent working on and in the business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have a personal injury law firm which is locally based in San Diego, but we accept cases throughout all of California. We handle injury/accident cases such as car crashes, slip and falls, dog bites, uber/lyft accidents, semi-truck crashes and other personal injury cases. I specialize in car crashes, hence, that is why I am Car Crash Ash! I am excited about growing the firm. Recently, I got my license in Texas and have plans to expand to other states as well.
I wanted to be a lawyer since age 6, but nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. I grew up in a small town in western Massachusetts. I packed everything up, shipped it across country to pass the California bar, which took me multiple attempts as I was working during this process.
Working multiple jobs most of my life while studying has always made me disciplined, focused, and hungry. Nothing in life has been handed to me, which is why having my own practice and starting it from the ground up, myself, has been a true blessing.
My brand, Rawlins Law, APC and Car Crash Ash is unique in that we are female owned. Clients are given my personal cell phone number. I am involved on every single case and no matter the size or value of the case, every single client matters to me!
I will not be outworked and provide efficient, effective, aggressive representation with a focus on the client/customer service. Being an attorney and advocate is not a job for me, but a true passion and an honor to be able to help individuals for a living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In LA, there are so many spots to see and things to do! It depends on what someone’s interests are. California is an amazing state in that it has it all: beaches, mountains, coastlines, and so many different things to do. Beverly Hills/Hollywood area is beautiful
LA to see a Lakers game
I like to spend my free time golfing!
If they are here for a week long trip, drive down the coast from LA to San Diego and stop on the way to check out a variety of restaurants. The Mexican food in Southern California is amazing. I love Sushi.
Spicy margaritas and craft cocktails are my favorite drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family! I would not be the woman and attorney that I am today if it wasn’t for my family. My parents are the absolute best and credit to them for raising me and my sister. They have instilled in me hard work, appreciation, gratitude, and faith. Being surround by my amazing parents and beautiful sister has been a blessing. They are all supportive, encouraging, and loving. I could not be me without them and love them dearly.

My Husband!
Trent is a prayer warrior. From the beginning days, we got on our hands and knees and gave the business to the Lord! He always encourages me and believes in me no matter what the challenge is, what case I take on, and all of my crazy entrepreneur ideas.

Many teachers, mentors, coaches in the past that have inspired me, encouraged me, pushed me to work harder, be better, and others who doubted me have inspired me to prove them wrong!

Website: https://therawlinsfirm.com/

Instagram: rawlinslawapc/carcrashash

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carcrashash/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rawlinslawapc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznnF82rwXRFpQfhwAbcJrA

Image Credits
Jeff Bennion

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