By: Matthew Kayser
Individuals who’ve been shaped by adversity yet choose to rise and give back with a lifetime of purpose-driven work are often inspiring. They understand struggle not as a burden but as a perspective that refines their view of what truly matters. Jerry Pitkin is one of these individuals. He is a respected attorney and the founder of Pitkin Law, a firm that represents people dealing with the aftermath of personal injury and other legal challenges.
Raised in a rural setting, Jerry grew up learning lessons that aren’t often found in textbooks. His father, who had only a sixth-grade education, was one of the wisest people he ever knew. His mother, a schoolteacher, instilled the importance of education and perseverance. “Life on the farm wasn’t easy,” Jerry shares. “Without realizing it at the time, our family lived with less, but we never went without food, love, or support. We were always rich in those things.”
“What had once felt fulfilling to me started to feel less meaningful,” Jerry explains. “The business of law began to feel more like a business. Metrics like advertising returns, staff productivity, and case values started to take precedence over the people behind each file.”
For Jerry, that growing disconnect became difficult to ignore. He reached a point where financial success, rather than feeling like a reward, began to feel more like a weight. He no longer recognized the person he was becoming. This realization prompted a shift in his perspective. Jerry decided to stop prioritizing external metrics and instead focus on one key question: “What do people really need?”
With this change came a renewed sense of purpose. Jerry began listening more attentively, engaging more thoughtfully, and reconnecting with the reason he chose law in the first place: to serve others. “When I started focusing on my clients’ needs and stopped focusing solely on money, I started to feel more like myself again,” he recalls.
Another key turning point came during his time as a father of two. He recognized that, eventually, the world takes on a larger responsibility for one’s children. “You can’t protect them the way you once could,” he says. This realization shifted the standard by which he treated others: with the same respect, honesty, and care he’d hope others would offer his own children—ultimately aiming to leave a legacy.
Jerry also understands life’s fragility. Seeing friends and colleagues face serious health challenges brought home an important truth: the most valuable things in life can’t be bought. Kindness, health, and emotional well-being are among the truest measures of a meaningful life.
In his personal philosophy, Jerry highlights the importance of living with courage and authenticity. His message to others is: “Be who you are meant to be.” It’s hard-won advice from someone who had to temporarily lose his way to rediscover it. Whether it’s preparing for the LSAT or walking away from a profitable but unfulfilling business model, courage is the thread that connects it all.
Today, Jerry’s children, Paige, who just completed law school, and Drake, who has just started his legal journey, serve as a reflection of the values Jerry and his wife have passed on. Both children worked at Pitkin Law before deciding to pursue law on their own.
Pitkin Law, based in Florida and serving communities across the region, reflects everything Jerry stands for. The firm focuses on personal injury cases, such as car accidents, trucking collisions, slip-and-fall accidents, and property damage. The firm’s mission is to help guide people through some of the most challenging times of their lives. Clients walk in with pain, confusion, and financial strain; the firm responds with clarity, compassion, and dedicated advocacy. From free consultations to assisting with medical treatment and financial recovery, the firm’s aim is always to prioritize people.
Jerry Pitkin’s story is not one of immediate success or flawless decisions. Rather, it’s a narrative of personal evolution, of choosing service over self-interest, and of putting in the hard work to align his life with what matters most. His legacy is still being shaped, and it will ultimately be measured by the lives he touches, the lessons he imparts, and the example he sets for others to follow.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.
