Inspiring Conversations with Michael Kaufman of Kaufman Injury Law

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Kaufman.

Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up right here in Atlanta, surrounded by a big network of schools, youth groups, and sports teams. As a native and lifelong resident, my networks today are still filled with people I grew up with. I can hardly walk down the Beltline or go to a restaurant without running into an old school friend or teammate.

Looking back, I realize I was always in the middle of things. I liked to be the person others turned to when there was a problem to solve or a conflict to untangle. Even though I grew up in a comfortable environment, I was drawn to defending people who didn’t have the same advantages — the underdog, the overlooked, the “little guy.” Growing up working at my father’s personal injury firm instilled a deep sense of justice in me. I witnessed what it was like for people whose lives were torn apart by greedy corporations and careless individuals, and I was fascinated by my father’s ability to not only comfort them in their most trying times but also help them rebuild their lives after a tragedy.

That instinct followed me into law school, where I took an active role in student government and affairs, mentored and tutored law students with disabilities, competed in national mock trial competitions, and created organizations that inspired people to be advocates for justice. I created a speaker series that brought some of Georgia’s most influential lawyers to campus, many of whom later became major supporters of the school. In the classroom, I found myself fascinated by tort law. It was the one field that clearly pitted ordinary people against the machinery of power: the insurance companies, the corporations, the wealthy interests. It spoke to the part of me that had always wanted to level the playing field.

My work at the District Attorney’s Office, the Supreme Court of Georgia, and a prominent medical malpractice firm was the bridge between theory and practice. It showed me that the law could be used as a tool to protect real people with real problems. That experience cemented my path. Through the people I met, the trials I saw, and the impact on people’s lives I witnessed, I learned early on that I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an advocate for real people in need.

Today, I advocate for injured people who are often up against some of the most powerful entities in our economy — big business, insurance companies, trade groups, and even the government. My clients come to me during some of the most challenging moments in their lives, and the work we do together often determines whether they can keep a roof over their heads, provide for their families, or access the medical care they need.

It’s humbling and deeply motivating. Every time we help someone rebuild after tragedy, we’re not just changing one life — we’re helping families stay together and communities stay strong. There’s real satisfaction in knowing that our work contributes to justice in the truest sense: making sure that the system serves everyone, not just the powerful.

Family has always been the foundation of who I am. I was fortunate to grow up in a close family where both of my parents influenced me in very different but equally important ways. My dad built Kaufman Injury Law from the ground up, and I’ve always admired his drive, his work ethic, and his commitment to helping people. But in many ways, I take after my mom even more. She’s one of the kindest, funniest, and most empathetic people I know — a great listener who makes everyone feel heard and valued. From her, I learned how powerful compassion can be. From my dad, I learned how to channel that compassion into action.

Now, as a husband to Sophie and a father of two young kids, those lessons mean more to me than ever. My family keeps me grounded and gives me perspective. Every case I take on, every client I fight for, I can’t help but see through the lens of family — the fear, the hope, the determination to protect the people you love. That’s what drives me every single day, both as a lawyer and as a person.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that can be incredibly painful and unpredictable. I was first diagnosed in college, but it took a while to even get to that point. I remember going to bed one night at the University of Alabama feeling completely fine, and waking up the next morning in unbearable pain. For weeks, I was losing weight and getting sicker, and no one could figure out what was wrong.

The funny thing is, I first heard the term “Crohn’s disease” from an episode of Entourage. The character Johnny Drama described the exact symptoms I was having. I told my doctor I thought that’s what I had, and he told me I was wrong. Turns out, I was right. Eventually, I found a doctor who diagnosed me properly, but by then I had already been through some scary experiences. My parents wanted to pull me out of school so they could care for me, but instead, I transferred to the University of Georgia so I could stay closer to home and still finish my education (and be closer to Sophie).

That time in my life really changed me. It taught me resilience, perspective, and empathy. I know what it’s like to be scared, in pain, and not to feel heard. That experience helps me connect with my clients on a deeper level because I truly understand what it means to fight for your life and your peace of mind. My personal experiences have given me the tools to tell my clients’ stories in a way that few other lawyers can.

We’ve been impressed with Kaufman Injury Law, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kaufman Injury Law is more than just a family-owned practice — it’s a reflection of our values and the way we believe personal injury law should be done. Since my father founded the firm in 1977, our focus has always been on people first. We don’t measure success by volume or advertising reach; we measure it by the quality of our relationships and the results we achieve for each client. As Managing Attorney, I’ve worked hard to build a culture that’s both compassionate and high-performing — one where every team member takes ownership, communicates openly, and truly cares about the people we serve.

We’re known for achieving top-tier results, regularly obtaining policy limits and significant settlements and verdicts. But what matters most to us is how we get there. Our attorneys and paralegals carry manageable caseloads so they can give every client the individualized attention their case deserves. We investigate thoroughly, communicate constantly, and treat every file like it’s the only one we have. That approach has earned us the trust of our clients and our peers, reflected in thousands of successful resolutions, hundreds of millions recovered, and an extraordinary record of client satisfaction.

At the heart of it all, we believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. We fight relentlessly for our clients, but we do it with integrity, empathy, and teamwork. That’s the culture that defines Kaufman Injury Law, and it’s what makes me proud to lead it every day.

My leadership philosophy is pretty simple: create an environment where people are proud of the work they do and supported in becoming their best selves. At Kaufman Injury Law, we talk a lot about accountability, teamwork, and growth, and we live those values every day. I want our team to see problems as opportunities, to take ownership, and to constantly look for ways to improve. We invest heavily in training, technology, and communication because I believe the best results come from a team that feels empowered and connected.

My goal is to build a culture where people feel inspired, not micromanaged; trusted, not watched. When our team feels confident and supported, our clients feel it too. That’s how we’ve built a successful firm that people genuinely love being a part of.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There’s no question that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me. My wife, Sophie, deserves the most credit. She’s my biggest supporter and my grounding force. She understands the demands of this profession and somehow manages to keep our home filled with laughter, love, and balance, even when things get chaotic. Watching her juggle so much with grace inspires me every single day.

My parents have also been incredible influences. My dad built this firm from scratch and showed me what it means to work hard, lead with integrity, and never stop fighting for what’s right. My mom shaped the other side of who I am. she’s empathetic, funny, and a wonderful listener. From her, I learned how to truly connect with people, which is the heart of what I do as a lawyer.

I’ve also been lucky to have friends and colleagues who push me to grow and hold me accountable. The people I work with at Kaufman Injury Law are some of the most dedicated professionals I’ve ever known. They care deeply about our clients and about each other. Having a team like that and a circle of friends who remind me to stay grounded keeps me motivated and grateful every day.

Pricing:

• Free case evaluations
• $0 up-front. No fee until we win your case.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaufmanlawatlanta.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaufmaninjurylaw/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaufmanInjuryLaw