Georgina Montgomary

Rutter Mills -

Interview

Welcome to our interview with Georgina Montgomery from Rutter Mills. Georgina brings nearly a decade of experience working for insurance companies, which provides her with a unique perspective in her current role, advocating for injured clients. Today, she shares how her professional background has shaped her approach to personal injury law and discusses the strategic insights she has gained.

Georgina, can you share how your experience working for insurance companies for almost a decade has shaped your approach to representing injured clients today?

When I started working in insurance defense, I learned how to cut holes in plaintiff’s cases, find weaknesses, and make arguments to devalue damages. Now, when I approach a case, I still look for the problems and find the weaknesses, but the purpose looks a lot different. I use that analysis to help anticipate where the defense is going to strike and strengthen my arguments. Knowing where weaknesses are also helps me navigate the terrain for my clients. Instead of devaluing, I try to identify particular damages that are important and unique to each client and highlight value.

Reflecting on your years in the legal field, what inspired you to shift from representing defendants and insurance companies to advocating for injured clients?

When I started working in insurance defense, I often thought I was helping individuals who made mistakes- and don’t we all make mistakes from time to time! What I later realized was that I was primarily just helping insurance companies save money off policies. I wanted to go where I could really help individuals- people who were often going through some of the most trying times of their lives- to the best of my ability.

How do you leverage your in-depth knowledge of the insurance claim and litigation process to advocate for your clients more effectively?

I tell my clients early and often that I will plan on trying their case. I tell them that I will continue to talk to them like we are most definitely going to trial. I want them to be as comfortable as possible with that prospect. I then try to walk through each step of the litigation process with an eye toward the evidentiary needs at trial. Planning on a trial keeps my clients in the driver’s seat. I certainly understand that sometimes the circumstances are right to settle a case, and when those circumstances present themselves, I try to provide as much information as I can to help clients make informed decisions. While I cannot force the defense to make a good offer, I can force the defense to trial. And if we have to force the issue, we will be ready.

Can you describe a particularly challenging case you’ve handled and how your unique background contributed to a successful outcome for your client?

One of my favorite cases felt impossible early on. It was a single-vehicle accident involving a truck connected by a trailer hitch to an open-bed trailer. My client’s theory was that the trailer was somehow improperly connected to the hitch. When the trailer hit bumps in the road, it disconnected and caused the truck to jack-knife and then roll. Since no one was present except the defendant when the truck was connected (and not surprisingly, he said he did it properly), it was an uphill battle to prove negligence. It didn’t help that the attorney defending the case made the experience less enjoyable. But I liked my client and believed him. I also hate to lose, and I am very bad at letting things go. I was able to find professionals in the field (not professional witnesses) who were willing to help me ask the right questions and identify what evidence I needed. Not only was I able to find evidence that my client’s version of events was likely what happened, but I also found witnesses who testified the defendant ultimately admitted to the bad connection.

As a woman in the field of law, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to establish yourself in this competitive profession?

I have no idea if the challenges I have faced are because I am a woman or not. I do know that I have very much enjoyed a solid win, in and out of the courtroom, after being initially underestimated.

How do you navigate the emotional and financial complexities your clients face during difficult times to provide not only legal but also empathetic support?

Listen. It’s that easy. Fully listen long before you ever start trying to problem-solve.

As a woman in the legal profession, what advice would you give to young female lawyers aspiring to make a significant impact in the field of personal injury law?

My advice is to get to know your clients and then build your case like you are going to trial from day one. Find good consultants who can help you understand the different aspects of your case early on. Be curious and ask questions—all the questions!