Introduction to the Interview
Attorney Taylor E. Trapp Nicholl is the founder of The Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, bringing over half a decade of experience in both plaintiff and defense-based law firms. Her background includes representing both injury victims and insurance companies, which gives her a uniquely comprehensive perspective on personal injury cases, including car accidents, dog bites, and workers’ compensation claims. Beyond personal injury, Ms. Trapp Nicholl is also dedicated to helping clients craft personalized estate plans, taking the time to understand their goals and values in order to provide tailored legal solutions.
We decided to interview Ms. Trapp Nicholl because of her distinctive approach that blends legal insight, open communication, and client-focused advocacy. As a Delaware Today Magazine Top Lawyer award winner, she has garnered a reputation for transparency and for treating each client’s priorities as her own. In this interview, she shares her journey, her client-first philosophy, and practical insights for anyone navigating the legal system.
The Interview
Interviewer: What inspired you to start your own firm, and what challenges did you face during the process?
Taylor: I was inspired after observing how other lawyers operated at the firms where I previously worked. I saw a lot of great things, but also aspects I felt could be improved. I wanted to run a firm according to my own vision—one that puts clients first, maintains open communication, and values work-life balance for both staff and clients.
The biggest challenge for me was overcoming the fear of failure. When it’s your own firm, everything ultimately falls on your shoulders. There isn’t another partner to turn to for guidance when you’re unsure about a situation. Getting past that mental hurdle and trusting that I was prepared was the most significant step.
Interviewer: How did your experience in personal injury law prepare you for running your own firm?
Taylor: I had a solid grasp on personal injury law from practicing it extensively, but that experience also helped me understand what clients truly value in a law firm. Personal injury cases often last a year or two—sometimes longer if they go into litigation—so you build a relationship with clients over a substantial period. They want an open-door policy and regular updates on their cases. Knowing this pushed me to establish proactive communication: we reach out to clients monthly rather than waiting for them to call us.
Interviewer: What was the biggest lesson you learned in your first year of business?
Taylor: The cost of running a business was eye-opening—everything from overhead to marketing expenses. I also realized there’s a stark difference between practicing law and running a business. You’re wearing two hats: one as an attorney and one as an entrepreneur. Additionally, some of the policies and procedures I initially wanted to implement weren’t as simple to establish as I had anticipated. You have to be willing to tweak your systems to ensure you can maintain that open communication with clients in a manageable and efficient way.
Interviewer: What sets your firm apart from other personal injury law firms in the area?
Taylor: We really get to know our clients as people, not just case numbers. If they have kids, we often learn about their activities and interests. We want them to feel seen and supported, not just like a source of revenue. One key differentiator is our proactive communication: we reach out to each client monthly with updates so they always know where their case stands. That way, they’re never left wondering what we’re doing behind the scenes.
Interviewer: How did you build your client base when you opened your own firm?
Taylor: I didn’t bring any clients with me from my previous firm, so I truly started from the ground up. Fortunately, I had built a positive reputation in my community, so word of mouth helped—past clients referred their friends and family after seeing how well I handled their cases. I also invested in advertising, including online media, and made sure to encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews. These strategies combined helped grow my client base fairly quickly.
Interviewer: Why did you choose to specialize in personal injury, and what about it appeals to you?
Taylor: I’m a people person, and personal injury cases allow me to form meaningful relationships with clients over an extended period—often a year or two. Many of my clients come to me at a low point in their lives: they’re injured, unable to work, and overwhelmed. I love being able to step in, reassure them that everything will be okay, and handle the complexities of their case. While compensation is important, my goal is to help clients get back on their feet and move forward in a better position than they were before the accident.
Interviewer: Can you share a memorable case that had a significant impact on you?
Taylor: One case that really stands out involved a client whose husband tragically died in a work-related motor vehicle accident. Because the crash was caused solely by severe weather conditions, there wasn’t another party to sue, so it became a workers’ compensation claim. The widow was devastated—her husband was the primary breadwinner, working two jobs. I guided her through the entire process and ultimately secured a substantial settlement. While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, she was incredibly grateful, and we still stay in touch. After the settlement, I also helped connect her with trusted financial advisors so she could make the most of her compensation going forward.
Interviewer: What common mistakes do you see clients make before they hire a personal injury lawyer?
Taylor: The first is not seeking medical attention immediately. Many people think they just have “whiplash” and wait too long to see a doctor, which complicates their claim. Another mistake is failing to take photos at the accident scene if they’re physically able to. Documentation is crucial, especially if the police report is inaccurate or incomplete. Having clear photos of vehicle positions and damage can be invaluable down the line.
Interviewer: How do you handle cases involving insurance companies that might try to undervalue claims?
Taylor: Frankly, that’s almost every personal injury case. Insurance companies are businesses; their goal is to protect their bottom line. We study how individual companies operate, including the software they use to evaluate claims. Then we highlight the broader picture—medical issues, lost wages, household tasks the client can’t perform, and how the injury has impacted daily life. Insurance software often just looks at medical codes, but we make sure they see the full human story to secure the best possible outcome.
Interviewer: How do you build trust with clients during one of the most stressful times in their lives?
Taylor: By doing exactly what we say we’ll do. From the initial consultation, we outline our process step by step—how we handle the paperwork, communicate with insurance companies, and keep them updated. Then we follow through. We send copies of important documents so they know we’re actively working on their case, and our open-door policy means they can reach us by phone, email, or even text, whichever is most convenient for them.
Interviewer: What steps do you take to ensure clients feel informed and involved throughout the legal process?
Taylor: We give them a clear roadmap of what to expect. We also proactively reach out—usually every month—to check on how treatment is going and to share any case developments. We use multiple communication methods, including traditional phone calls, emails, texts, and instant messaging apps. That way, it’s easy for clients to stay in touch and ask questions whenever they need to.
Interviewer: What do you wish more people knew about personal injury cases before hiring a lawyer?
Taylor: I wish they understood the realistic timeframe and valuation of these cases. Television often portrays legal matters as quick two-week turnarounds with million-dollar settlements. In reality, cases can take months or even years, especially if the client is still receiving medical treatment. Settling too early can be detrimental if you’re still in the midst of your recovery. I also wish people wouldn’t rely on TV or movies to gauge what their claim is worth. Every case is different, and valuations depend on many variables.
Interviewer: From an entrepreneurial perspective, what tools, resources, or habits have been key to managing both the legal and business sides of your firm?
Taylor: Good software is essential, both for accounting and case management. Even if you have just a handful of cases at first, it’s important to have an infrastructure that can scale as you grow. A robust legal case management system helps track deadlines and keep records organized. Failing to track something like a statute of limitations can be a disastrous mistake for any firm, so having the right tools in place is crucial.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to lawyers who want to start their own practice?
Taylor: First, make sure you have a solid grasp of the area of law you want to specialize in. Second, understand that running a firm involves far more than just practicing law. It’s time-consuming in ways you can’t predict until you experience it. That said, if you’re passionate about it, go for it—you’ll never feel fully prepared, but you’ll learn as you go.
Interviewer: Where do you see your firm in five years, and what are your long-term goals?
Taylor: In five years, I’d like to have around seven to ten lawyers who share the same client-centered vision. I hope to expand not just within our county but statewide, continuing to build our reputation for open communication and dedicated service. Ultimately, I want to keep growing so we can serve more people and make a positive impact in our community.
Interviewer: Are there any new legal trends or technologies in personal injury law that you find particularly exciting?
Taylor: AI is starting to make its mark, especially with some insurance companies using it to review medical records. While it can speed things up, it often misses key details—particularly in imaging reports where the important information is buried in the impressions. When I see an insurance company relying too heavily on AI, I step in to correct the record and ensure they’re not undervaluing my client’s injuries.
Interviewer: How do you plan to stay connected with your community as your firm grows?
Taylor: As we expand and have more resources, I’d love to host free legal advice days or clinics for those who need basic services like estate planning but can’t afford them. Right now, we don’t have the manpower to do extensive pro bono work, but it’s definitely a future goal. Serving the community is important to me, and I want to give back in more substantial ways as we grow.
Interviewer: What motivates you to keep going on tough days?
Taylor: Two things: my clients and my employees. I get to know my clients personally, and I understand how vital it is for them to have an advocate. Sometimes all they need is a phone call to reassure them everything is on track. As a firm owner, I also recognize my staff relies on me for their livelihoods. Knowing people depend on the firm for their paychecks motivates me to make sound decisions every day.
Interviewer: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of running a law firm?
Taylor: Work-life balance has always been important to me. That’s part of why I started my own practice—to create an environment with efficient processes and systems so everything isn’t chaotic all the time. When the workflow is organized, it reduces stress and allows everyone—myself included—to have a life outside the office. Good procedures mean fewer emergencies that spill into personal time.
Interviewer: What is a career highlight or achievement you’re most proud of?
Taylor: A couple come to mind. One was being handpicked by Justice Traynor of the Delaware Supreme Court to give the new attorney speech to all the recent admittees. It was an honor to guide and inspire brand-new lawyers. Another highlight was attending a black-tie gala at the U.S. Supreme Court. Being in that environment, surrounded by so many influential legal professionals, was surreal and reminded me of how far I’ve come.
Interviewer: If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice when you started your firm, what would it be?
Taylor: Implement processes and systems as early as possible. Once clients start coming in, it’s easy to put off setting up detailed procedures. But having them from the start would have made growth smoother and saved me a lot of time and stress.
Interviewer: What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned since becoming an entrepreneur?
Taylor: Learning how to handle every staffing issue on my own. When you’re just an associate, you can defer to someone else for big decisions. As the owner, everything lands on your desk—managing employees who aren’t meeting expectations, dealing with upset clients, or resolving team conflicts. You have to develop strong leadership and communication skills fast.
Interviewer: Do you have any rituals or habits to help you stay productive and focused?
Taylor: One quirky ritual I have is eating two hot dogs before any court hearing or trial—definitely not a typical breakfast food! On a more practical level, every Monday I write down my weekly goals in three categories: must-do items, tasks that can wait, and long-term projects. This helps me prioritize and stay on track.
Interviewer: Finally, how can prospective clients get in touch with your firm if they have questions or need assistance?
Taylor: The best way is to visit our website at www.TrappNicholl.com where you can find more information about our practice areas and fill out a contact form. You can also call us directly at 302-253-8232. We pride ourselves on being responsive and would be happy to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.