Check Out Austin Kurtz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Kurtz.

Hi Austin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in the Valley of the Sun and have always had a strong connection to Arizona. I studied business at Arizona State University before heading to law school in California at UCLA Law, where I became licensed to practice in Arizona, California, and Colorado. Early on, I thought I wanted to pursue sports law—I was fascinated by the business and competition behind athletics—but once I got a closer look at that world, I realized it didn’t align with my long-term vision or values. My turning point came when I took on what many considered an unwinnable wrongful death case against the State of Arizona. It was the kind of case that most young lawyers are told to avoid, but I believed in it. After a long fight, the case settled for roughly $1.6 million near trial, and that experience cemented for me that personal injury law was where I belonged. I loved being able to help real people through their hardest moments and seeing firsthand how a great result could change a family’s life.

After working with many reputable lawyers in town, I partnered with my friend and colleague Brian Riley to start what’s now Kurtz Riley Law Group, or KRLG. From day one, our vision was to build something different—something bold, tech-driven, and client-centered. We didn’t want to be the kind of firm that just waited for business to come in; we wanted to create systems that could scale, form strong referral networks, and make the client experience as smooth and efficient as possible. We integrated technology to streamline every stage of a case, but we also focused on building a culture that felt approachable, fun, and authentic. At KRLG, we take the work seriously but not ourselves—we’re competitive, creative, and always looking for new ways to connect with people.

Today, I lead our litigation strategy and operations while continuing to focus on client advocacy, innovation, and firm growth. Looking back, what’s gotten me here is really a mix of persistence, adaptability, and a deep belief that good lawyering is about more than just knowing the law—it’s about connecting with people, telling their story, and fighting like hell to get them justice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a law firm from scratch meant long nights, financial risk, and learning how to manage both the business and the people side of the practice at the same time. Early on, we faced the usual startup challenges—balancing growth with quality, earning trust in a competitive market, and figuring out how to scale without losing our personal touch. There were moments when cases didn’t go as planned or systems failed, but every setback forced us to adapt, improve, and build something stronger. Those challenges ultimately shaped the culture of KRLG—resilient, innovative, and relentless.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve blended creativity, community, and purpose through events like Barristers Bar Battle and Putt-Putt Palooza. The Barristers Bar Battle started as a fun way to bring the legal community together, and it’s grown into a major charity event—raising over $200,000 to date and on track to exceed $250,000 this year alone. BBB is a charity event benefiting Almost There Rescue (an awesome organization) and has 8 lawyers compete in a cocktail competition to see who makes the best cocktail. Putt-Putt Palooza grew out of that same spirit—creating something lighthearted and community-focused that still ties back to our firm’s mission of helping people. PPP benefits Fore the Kids and raised over $200K this year alone.

Both events showcase our belief that marketing doesn’t have to be traditional or transactional; it can be a way to build genuine connections, give back, and show that lawyers can have fun while doing good. These events have become part of our firm’s identity—where creativity meets cause and community.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity and consistency win over everything else. Whether it’s in building a firm, leading a team, or connecting with clients, people can tell when you genuinely care. Early on, I thought success would come from doing more—more cases, more marketing, more growth—but over time I realized it’s really about doing things the right way, every time. Staying true to your values, treating people well, and delivering results with integrity creates a foundation that lasts. In our world, reputation is everything—and the best way to build it is by showing up the same way for every client, every case, and every opportunity, no matter how big or small.

Pricing:

• 100% free consult on your injury case

Contact Info:

• Website: https://KurtzRiley.com
• Instagram: @K_R_L_G

Image Credits
Jessica Juniper Instagram @Jessica.Juniper