Reflections on 25 Years of Practicing Personal Injury Law

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we asked three of our longstanding partners to share insights on their careers as personal injury lawyers and their experiences working at Howie, Sacks & Henry over the years:

Mike Henry , Founding Partner

1. Insights: "The more experience I have, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. Hard work, strong advocacy, truth, and fairness remain the cornerstones of successful outcomes for our clients."
2. A Case That Stands Out: "In the early 2000s, I tried three cases that became the first successful ones following the introduction of No-Fault insurance. Each case—addressing employability, scarring, and daily life impacts—reinforced the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving justice for clients."
3. Advice to My Younger Self: "Be fearless and willing to go to court. Hard work and toughness—combined with fairness—will lead to success. Trust your instincts and do what you believe is right."
4. What Howie, Sacks & Henry means to me: "I think of the firm as my child, having been a founding partner, and I take great pride in all we have accomplished together. I am especially grateful to my team, who feel like family. We work side by side to support injured accident victims with the same care and compassion we would extend to a loved one in need."

Adam Wagman , Managing Partner (2008-2013)

1. Insights: "Every case matters deeply to the clients we represent. Whether big or small in legal terms, each case represents one of the most critical issues in our clients’ lives. It’s vital to provide a level of service and commitment that reflects this importance. Personal injury law is about people—clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, referral sources, and more. Success comes from valuing these relationships and collaborating with a team."
2. A Case That Stands Out: "There are so many that I will never forget. But the ‘Sign Case’ remains unforgettable. A wind-blown A-frame advertising sign caused a traumatic brain injury to my client, a physician. This high-stakes trial showcased some of my best advocacy and cross-examinations. The case’s significant financial outcome was deeply gratifying, not just for the win but for the impact it had on wonderful clients."
3. Advice to My Younger Self: "Read everything, meet everyone, and join everywhere. Success requires passion for the profession, which is fueled by knowledge, connection, and involvement. Dedicate yourself to learning, networking, and striving to be the best lawyer you can be."
4. What Howie, Sacks & Henry means to me: "In one word: Pride. I am incredibly proud of the firm we built from the ground up, our remarkable growth over the past 25 years, and our reputation for professionalism and the highest quality of legal work. I am grateful to be surrounded by the most caring group of partners, lawyers, clerks, and staff that any law firm could hope for. Most importantly, I take great pride in having helped so many people during these 25 years."

David Levy , Managing Partner (2014-2022, Current)

1. Insights: "Loving the work and believing in your clients is essential. Personal injury law presents unique challenges and risks, and finding the work meaningful helps overcome these. Surrounding yourself with a trusted team—partners, associates, and staff—fosters longevity, stability, and success."
2. A Case That Stands Out: "One memorable case involved a dispute over housing modifications for a client with mobility impairments. The insurer initially offered an inadequate cash settlement, but after persistent advocacy, they agreed to complete the necessary modifications. Years later, the client still updates me, reminding me of the lasting impact we had on her quality of life."
3. Advice to My Younger Self: "Two key pieces of advice: First, work closely with senior lawyers to learn the nuances of the field. Informal learning from experienced colleagues is invaluable. Second, remember that a career is a marathon, not a sprint. Invest in your future by prioritizing learning, mentorship, and relationship-building over short-term gains."
4. What Howie, Sacks & Henry means to me: "Working here is about being part of a legacy of excellence and compassion. It's about contributing to a culture that values client advocacy and professional growth."

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