Guest Blog: Excerpts from the Houston Business Journal

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE HOUSTON TRIAL LAWYER TONY BUZBEE ON WHY CLIENTS PAY HIS $1,200-AN-HOUR-RATE

Earlier this month, Tony Buzbee, managing attorney at The Buzbee Law Firm, sat down with the Houston Business Journal to talk about his work, life and how he’s managed to build his success.

Below you will find excerpts from the Q & A by HBJ Reporter Jack Witthaus.
The excerpts contain three Q & A’s which were selected from the full article by three (unnamed) attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm.

HOW DO YOU THINK PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY VIEW YOU?

People realize I’m really smart and there’s a method to my madness. I typically work on contingency, but some people pay the hourly rate. My hourly rate is around $1,200 an hour. Why would anyone pay that when they could get a lawyer at V&E (law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP) for about $500 an hour? The feedback I get is that they choose me because they want an attorney who can kick ass.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH BEING A BOSS?

I have a really good team of lawyers. But if I don’t like someone, I just get rid of them. Life is too short. They can go find any job anywhere else.

WHY HAVE YOU BEEN SUCCESSFUL?

When I show up, the jury expects a show. That’s what I give them and that’s why I win. I don’t take it lightly the people who trust us with their fate. Even though I’m putting on a show, I’m not shooting from the hip. It’s well thought out. I’ve tried every case in my head multiple times before I enter the courtroom.

The full article can be found in the May 2nd edition of the Houston Business Journal.