From Law Clerk to Law Firm Owner: Jon Groth Reflects on 25 Years in Personal Injury Law
Success rarely follows a straight line.
For Jon Groth, founder of Groth Law Firm, the journey from law student to successful personal injury attorney involved unexpected twists, calculated risks, countless hours of preparation, and a commitment to helping injury victims throughout Wisconsin.
In a recent episode of Groth Gets It, Jon sat down with law clerk Nathan Wlodarski to discuss his career path, lessons learned in the courtroom, and what it takes to build a law firm that lasts.
Starting as a Law Clerk
Like many attorneys, Jon’s legal career began long before he earned his law degree.
His first clerkship was at a personal injury law firm in Illinois, where he gained early exposure to injury litigation and client advocacy. Later, he worked at a general practice firm in Wisconsin, where he was given opportunities to handle a wide range of legal matters.
That hands-on experience proved invaluable.
While law school teaches students how to analyze legal issues, clerkships expose future attorneys to the realities of practicing law. Jon quickly learned that legal work extends beyond courtrooms and case law.
“The law is also a business,” Jon explained.
That realization became one of the most important lessons of his early career.
What Law School Doesn’t Teach
One of the most interesting parts of Jon’s conversation with Nathan centered on the gap between legal education and legal practice.
Law school provides a strong foundation in legal reasoning, research, and writing. However, many students graduate without understanding how law firms actually operate.
Managing staff, developing processes, marketing services, maintaining client relationships, and overseeing finances are all essential components of running a successful practice.
Jon recalled taking a class focused on managing a law firm, but much of what he learned came through real-world experience.
Understanding office dynamics, communication styles, and firm culture often requires firsthand exposure.
For aspiring attorneys, clerkships offer a unique opportunity to observe these realities before entering practice full-time.
Discovering a Passion for Personal Injury Law
Interestingly, personal injury law was not always Jon’s intended career path.
When he first entered law school, he considered pursuing criminal law. Later, he explored international law and even studied abroad in Kyoto, Japan.
However, after gaining exposure to tort law and trial advocacy courses, his interests shifted.
He discovered that he enjoyed litigation, courtroom strategy, and helping individuals navigate difficult situations following serious injuries.
That combination eventually led him toward a career in personal injury law, where he has spent more than two decades representing injury victims throughout Wisconsin.
Taking the Leap: Starting Groth Law Firm
Perhaps the most challenging moment of Jon’s career came when he decided to start his own firm.
At the time, he had a young family and the security of a steady paycheck. Leaving that stability behind required significant faith and preparation.
The early days were far from glamorous.
Jon worked from his basement office while meeting clients at temporary office spaces and borrowed conference rooms. He handled every aspect of the business himself, from legal work to administration.
There were no guarantees.
Personal injury law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorneys only get paid when cases resolve successfully. Even after a settlement is reached, payment delays can create uncertainty.
To prepare for those challenges, Jon and his family focused on maintaining financial flexibility and preserving resources.
The first year was particularly stressful.
However, as referrals increased and new cases arrived, it became clear that the firm was gaining traction.
Building a Team
Growth created a new set of challenges.
As the number of cases increased, Jon realized he could no longer manage every responsibility alone.
The first hires included part-time support staff, followed by law clerks and additional legal professionals.
Looking back, Jon believes one of the most valuable lessons he learned was the importance of investing in people.
Strong team members create the capacity necessary for sustainable growth.
They also allow firm leaders to focus on strategic planning rather than becoming trapped in day-to-day operations.
This shift from working “in the business” to working “on the business” proved transformational for Groth Law Firm’s long-term success.
Arguing Before the Wisconsin Supreme Court
Among the highlights of Jon’s legal career are his appearances before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Preparing for oral arguments at the state’s highest court requires an extraordinary level of dedication.
Jon described spending weeks—and sometimes months—researching cases, organizing materials, and preparing for every possible question the justices might ask.
Each argument demanded complete mastery of both the facts and the law.
For attorneys, opportunities to argue before a Supreme Court are rare. The experience reinforced the importance of preparation, discipline, and attention to detail.
Those same principles continue to guide Jon’s approach to every case he handles.
A Lesson for Young Lawyers
Nathan asked Jon whether there are common mistakes he sees among young attorneys entering personal injury law.
Jon’s answer was both simple and insightful.
“Resist the urge to be reasonable.”
In personal injury cases, attorneys are advocates.
Their responsibility is to fully represent the interests of injured clients—not to minimize claims or negotiate against themselves.
Young lawyers sometimes underestimate case values or unconsciously adopt perspectives that favor insurance companies.
Effective advocacy requires confidence, thorough preparation, and a commitment to pursuing fair compensation.
For injury victims, having an attorney who understands this distinction can make a significant difference in case outcomes.
Learning Through Losses
Every trial lawyer experiences setbacks.
Jon recalled a slip-and-fall case that still stands out years later.
Despite witness testimony confirming the presence of water on the floor and evidence suggesting the property owner knew about the hazard, the jury ultimately ruled against his client.
Afterward, jurors explained that the absence of photographs influenced their decision.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: whenever possible, document everything.
Photographs, videos, and other forms of evidence can significantly strengthen a case.
Even strong testimony may not always carry the same impact as visual proof.
Trial Preparation Matters
When asked how he determines whether a case should settle or proceed to trial, Jon offered a straightforward answer.
Every case should be prepared as though it will go to trial.
Comprehensive preparation creates leverage during negotiations and positions attorneys for success if settlement discussions fail.
The only exceptions typically involve situations where insurance coverage limits make trial impractical.
Otherwise, preparation remains essential.
This philosophy reflects a broader truth about litigation: successful outcomes often depend on work performed long before anyone enters a courtroom.
Changes in Wisconsin Personal Injury Law
Over the past 25 years, Wisconsin’s legal landscape has evolved considerably.
Jon identified insurance-related legislative changes as some of the most significant developments.
Lower policy limits and restrictions affecting insurance coverage have altered how many cases are handled.
At the same time, healthcare costs have continued to rise dramatically.
Medical treatment, emergency transportation, imaging studies, and rehabilitation services can quickly generate substantial expenses following a serious injury.
These realities create additional challenges for injury victims seeking fair compensation.
Understanding these legal and financial factors remains a critical part of effective representation.
Looking Ahead
As Groth Law Firm celebrates more than 16 years in business, Jon remains focused on the future.
When asked what he hopes the firm will be known for 20 years from now, his answer centered on service and advocacy.
He wants Groth Law Firm to be recognized for delivering exceptional client experiences and outstanding legal representation.
While technology, artificial intelligence, and industry changes may reshape the legal profession, the firm’s mission remains constant.
Helping injured people navigate difficult situations and pursue justice continues to drive everything the firm does.
Final Thoughts
The path from law clerk to law firm owner is rarely predictable.
Jon Groth’s journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance, preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
From arguing before the Wisconsin Supreme Court to building a thriving personal injury practice, each step contributed to the firm that exists today.
For law students, young attorneys, and aspiring entrepreneurs, his story offers a valuable reminder:
Success often comes from taking calculated risks, investing in people, and remaining committed to serving others.
And sometimes, the most important lesson is simply to keep moving forward—even when the path ahead isn’t entirely clear.