Michael C. Rowland

I became a lawyer because: I believe this is my life purpose. There are a lot of negative stereotypes about lawyers, but I believe it is a noble calling to serve others and help them with their burdens.

What I like most about the law is: Being an advocate for those who can't speak or fight for themselves. It is an opportunity to help people level the playing field. As a lawyer, you help your clients obtain justice, or mercy, as the situation may require.

My most rewarding case...is difficult to pinpoint because each day and each case provides new rewards for me. We have settled many personal injury cases for tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands, but sometimes the most rewarding cases can be the small ones. For example, I recently settled a Personal Injury case for just a few thousand dollars, but this was very satisfying because the insurance company initially wrongfully denied my client's claim. He came to me with a small, but valid claim that many attorneys would refuse to pursue. I felt my client had been unjustly treated so I agreed to take the case to litigation for him. The insurance company soon decided they needed to settle that case-the same case they initially denied. It wasn't a great deal of money to either my client or my firm, but it was a matter of making sure my clients are treated right, and that was very satisfying.

In my criminal practice I enjoy, on almost a daily basis, helping people straighten out their driver's license so they can drive legally. It is amazing how difficult it makes life for people to go without a valid license. Once people get their license back they tend to be very excited and much more responsible with their privileges because they truly understand the value of that license. This is also very rewarding to me.

I founded Rowland & Yauger because...I wanted to develop a small town practice in an area where I grew up and deliver quality legal services to my friends and neighbors in a place where I want to live and raise my family.

What makes Rowland & Yauger different from other lawyers? We want to contribute to our community, we grew up here and want to make a difference here. We are accessible and down to earth. We are aggressive and intelligent trial lawyers with a blue collar work ethic.

Someone I really admire is...my father. He is an outstanding surgeon and has a very busy practice, but he has always made time for family and made us a priority along with his faith in God. He is a great example to me, and I hope to carry on his values so that I may pass them on to my children.

When not at work, I enjoy: Being with my family. Next to my faith, nothing is more important than my family and being the best husband and father that I can be.