In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Joshua Stein sits down with Stephen Fowler, founder and managing partner of The Fowler Firm, to talk about what it means to build a modern law practice rooted in education, community, and authenticity.

Fowler shares how his JD/MBA from the University of Georgia shaped his approach to law and business, his journey from struggling to find a job to leading a respected Atlanta personal injury firm, and how he integrates family, faith, and service into everything he does. From discussing content creation and social media strategy to the importance of client communication, community outreach, and even his passion for Atlanta sports, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight for lawyers, entrepreneurs, and sports fans alike.

1. Early Life & Education

• Growing up in Southwest Atlanta and Lithonia, then attending the University of Miami and UGA Law School.
• How diversity in education shaped his worldview and ability to relate to all kinds of clients.
• Earning a dual JD/MBA and how business school taught him people skills, management, and planning — “law school teaches you law, business school teaches you people.”

2. Founding The Fowler Firm

• Launching his firm in the aftermath of the 2008 downturn and building it one client at a time.
• Lessons learned from rejection — using the “chip on the shoulder” as motivation.
• Philosophy: Treat each client like family and every case like it’s going to trial.
• Creating a strong firm culture built on communication, accountability, and empathy.

3. The Business of Law

• Balancing the dual role of litigator and CEO.
• Weekly all-hands case reviews to ensure no client feels neglected.
• How Fowler’s finance and marketing background helps him manage budgets, evaluate ROI, and make data-driven decisions.
• Advice for lawyers: know how to do every job in your firm before leading others.

4. Family & Firm Dynamics

• The Fowler Firm as a family business — with his father, Dr. Reginald Fowler, serving as in-house medical consultant, and his wife and sisters contributing to events and marketing.
• How having a retired physician on staff gives the firm a medical edge in evaluating PI and malpractice cases.
• Balancing personal and professional life while involving family in meaningful ways.

5. Marketing, Media & Social Presence

• How Fowler leverages his MBA in marketing to build a strong and authentic online brand.
• Strategy behind his Instagram page — mixing personal, firm, and community content.
• Insights into content days, posting cadence, and keeping it real on social.
• The importance of relatability: “Our non-law posts get the most engagement because people want to connect with the person, not just the lawyer.”
• Thoughts on billboards, word-of-mouth, and tracking ROI in legal marketing.

6. Community Outreach & Giving Back

• Fowler’s definition of success: what you pour into and give back to others.
• Partnerships with local high school football teams in Lithonia and Columbia.
• Hosting annual Christmas charity events for families in need — “Our whole office ends up in tears.”
• The joy of giving clients unique experiences, like Hawks floor seats, after their cases resolve.
• Teaching the next generation to value education and opportunity.

7. Media Engagement & Professional Growth

• Preparing for TV and radio interviews (including his segment on 680 The Fan) and learning the value of sound bites.
• Balancing professionalism and storytelling when engaging with the media.
• The importance of attending and participating in GTLA and AAJ conferences — and not being afraid to network.

8. Technology & The Future of PI Law

• How Fowler’s firm is exploring AI tools for demand letters, discovery, and case organization.
• His take: “If you’re not using AI, you’re already behind the curve — but it should never replace judgment or empathy.”

9. Sports Talk

• Loyalty to the Atlanta Falcons, UGA Bulldogs, and Miami Hurricanes.
• Favorite sports memories — including the heartbreak of the 28–3 Super Bowl loss.
• Thoughts on the Falcons’ roster, Raheem Morris, Bijan Robinson, and building a winning culture.
• Why sports can teach lawyers about resilience, teamwork, and patience.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Education + Empathy = Effective Advocacy: Fowler’s dual JD/MBA background and community roots shape a client-centered approach.
• Family Integration: Turning personal strengths and relationships into firm-wide advantages.
• Authenticity in Marketing: The best marketing is genuine storytelling and consistency.
• Community First: Giving back isn’t about ROI — it’s about purpose.
• Adaptability: Whether through AI, social media, or leadership, staying relevant requires curiosity and humility.