Harvey Lancaster is a Partner at Lancaster Gill PC, a law firm that represents clients in various matters, including those dealing with criminal charges, individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries, and cases related to contract law. Harvey, an Indiana University Bloomington’s Groups Scholars Program graduate, earned his JD from IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Following law school, he litigated numerous personal injury and medical malpractice claims for prominent firms. Later, Harvey turned his full attention toward representing victims of injustice and educating them on their rights under the law. Leveraging his previous experience in retail management and the service industry, he combines a deep understanding of the criminal mind and jury psychology with corporate law, helping Hoosiers navigate the justice system.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [1:34] Harvey Lancaster highlights Indianapolis’ unique attributes   
• [5:34] Harvey’s pivot from business major to pursuing criminal justice 
• [10:30] How did Harvey’s service industry skills impact his legal career?  
• [12:56] The transformative role of Indiana University Bloomington’s Groups Scholars Program  
• [15:25] Building trust with vulnerable personal injury clients  
• [16:28] Common misconceptions about personal injury law  
• [19:39] Balancing pragmatism and justice when dealing with insurance giants  
• [41:53] A sneak peek into Harvey’s upcoming community-focused podcast 

In this episode…

As an attorney, building trust with clients who find themselves overwhelmed by the legal system can be challenging. How do you navigate the complexities of a courtroom, ensuring justice while contending with the unpredictable nature of juries? 

Personal injury attorney Harvey Lancaster shares his journey and strategies for tackling these issues. Harvey’s background in retail and the service industry honed his people skills, which are crucial in courtroom battles and client relations. He emphasizes the importance of likability and trustworthiness, drawing parallels between serving customers and convincing jurors. With case studies of how he combats misconceptions, he sheds light on the often misunderstood world of personal injury law. Harvey’s anecdotes about his passions outside the courtroom, such as his love for music and family, offer a powerful glimpse into the resilience, values, and passion that define his career and character.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes chats with Harvey Lancaster, Partner at Lancaster Gill PC, about navigating the legal landscape in Indianapolis. Harvey provides insights into his career’s challenges, recounts a memorable trial experience, and illustrates the impact of standing up for clients against formidable insurance companies. Tune in for insights into balancing pragmatism with client advocacy, managing setbacks, and the importance of shedding ego for the sake of justice.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Alex Limontes: LinkedIn | Bio | Facebook 
• Hurst Limontes LLC
• Harvey Lancaster on LinkedIn
• Lancaster Gill PC

Quotable Moments:

• “In the service industry, you won’t make money if people don’t like you. People have to like you.”
• “Just taking the legal burden off their plate helps a lot. Let them focus on recovery; we’ll handle the law.”
• “I tell my clients, ‘Even if I don’t know exactly what you’re going through, this firm is one you can trust.'”
• “If you let your ego get in the way, you risk your client’s recovery. Balance is about understanding your role.”
• “Growing up on the East Side, college wasn’t in my plan, but the Groups Scholars Program changed everything for me.”

Action Steps:

1. Develop empathy and understanding: Building trust with clients who may feel overwhelmed or disillusioned is crucial. By empathetically understanding their perspectives and experiences, you can create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued, strengthening attorney-client relationships.
2. Hone your persuasive communication: Effective communication is key in both jury trials and client interactions. Harvey Lancaster discusses the importance of convincing juries and communicating trust to clients. Practicing persuasive techniques can enhance your ability to influence outcomes positively.
3. Understand and adapt to client needs: Tailor your approach to meet each client’s unique needs by learning about their backgrounds and concerns. Harvey explains the significance of adapting legal strategies to individual cases, which improves client satisfaction and case outcomes.
4. Focus on personal development: Continuously work on personal growth, as reflected in Harvey’s various service industries experiences. Leveraging skills from diverse backgrounds can enhance your adaptability and effectiveness in a legal environment.
5. Balance ego and advocacy: Harvey discusses the importance of not letting ego interfere with client representation. Recognizing when to prioritize client needs over personal pride ensures your legal advocacy remains client-focused and ethically sound.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.