April Collins, founder of Collins Law, LLC, recently appeared on PILMMA's Grow Your Law Firm podcast with host Ken Hardison. The episode, titled 'From Basement Startup to Firm Growth With April Collins,' was released on August 7, 2026. PILMMA, the Personal Injury Lawyer Marketing & Management Association, releases new episodes weekly. In the episode, Collins and Hardison discussed a range of topics including Collins's journey from starting her practice in her basement to buying her own office building, overcoming trust barriers to hiring more staff, choosing where to invest income, standing out in a competitive market, making client service a top priority, and embracing AI tools company-wide.
Collins credited PILMMA as a significant factor in developing her business skills and growing her firm over the past several years. 'The mindset is the first thing that I had to change, and to learn to develop into a businesswoman,' Collins 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.' She noted that this was particularly challenging in Birmingham, a highly competitive market for injury attorneys. 'I had to learn to lean into what makes me different instead of shying away from it,' Collins 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. Because there are people who want to hire me, there are people who are looking specifically for someone like me.'
Collins encouraged lawyers and business owners to adopt a growth mindset as one of the first steps in expanding their business. 'If you have a growth mindset, then you're going to grow,' Collins 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. There are people who are here to assist.'
To listen to the podcast, visit PILMMA's website or search for 'Grow Your Law Firm' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream podcasts. For more information about April Collins, April Collins is featured on her firm's team page.
Collins Law, LLC is a Black-owned injury law firm with offices in Birmingham and Madison, Alabama. The firm is committed to standing up on behalf of those who've been marginalized and feel like they don't have a voice, helping victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other forms of personal injury. Visit our website to learn more about the firm's services.
This news matters because Collins's story highlights the challenges and opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs in the legal industry. Her emphasis on mindset, authenticity, and leveraging resources like PILMMA provides a roadmap for other small business owners, particularly in competitive markets. As the legal profession continues to evolve, her insights on embracing AI and prioritizing client service may influence how firms adapt to changing client expectations and technological advancements.
