In this episode of Sports ‘N Torts, I sit down with Doug Rohan, founder of Rohan Law in East Cobb, Georgia. Doug shares his journey from Miami to Tallahassee to Atlanta, building a thriving criminal defense and workers’ compensation law firm over the past 15 years. With a Cuban-American background, fluency in Spanish, and a passion for grassroots marketing, Doug has carved out a unique niche in the legal community.

The conversation dives into Doug’s experiences as a law firm owner, the lessons he’s learned about management and marketing, his perspective on criminal defense cases (including DUIs and post-conviction relief), and his passion for connecting with clients. They also touch on creative branding, the importance of trust-building, and Doug’s die-hard love for Florida State football.

This episode offers inspiration for lawyers running their own practices, insight into criminal defense work, and a lively discussion about sports, family, and life.

Topics Discussed

• Doug’s Background & Family Life
  • Growing up in Miami with Cuban heritage and speaking Spanish.
  • Meeting his wife at Florida State in the marching band.
  • Raising three daughters and celebrating his 50th birthday.
  
  
• Building Rohan Law
  • Transitioning from big firm work to workers’ compensation and eventually founding his own firm.
  • The recession forcing him to develop business-building “muscles” he didn’t know he had.
  • Diversifying into criminal defense, workplace accidents, and personal injury referrals.
  
  
• Law Firm Management & Growth
  • Learning business skills not taught in law school.
  • Hiring associates and staff, overcoming the fear of expanding.
  • Importance of delegating tasks to the lowest competent level.
  • Running the firm like a true entrepreneur with CFO/COO support.
  
  
• Criminal Defense Insights
  • Early days of “fake it till you make it” criminal practice.
  • How clients and families react in high-stakes cases.
  • The realities of DUI cases, breath tests, and implied consent in Georgia.
  • Post-conviction relief: helping clients clear old records for immigration or employment.
  • Importance of trust from day one and spotting red-flag clients early.
  
  
• Marketing & Client Development
  • Grassroots marketing in Hispanic and African-American communities.
  • Using Facebook and social media early to connect with clients.
  • Creative branding, including “Lawyers with Attitude” and his signature bow tie look.
  • Swag that stands out: visors, chip clips, ice packs, and bottle openers.
  • His unique “GAS Caller” role — a team member dedicated to following up with past clients (“Give A ****”).
  
  
• Sports Talk
  • Doug’s lifelong FSU fandom, from the Charlie Ward years to today.
  • Surviving the pain of the 2024 playoff snub and hope for the future.
  • Thoughts on Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn, Deion Sanders, and Florida State’s outlook.
  
  

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.