[quote style=”boxed”]Don’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t do something. If you’re passionate and have a good idea, it’s worth looking into. There will always be people who try to hold you back or don’t think you have a good idea. Sometimes, you need to trust your instincts.[/quote]
Michael Acosta is an attorney who practices law in the areas of pharmaceutical litigation, personal injury, premises liability, auto and truck accidents, toxic torts, property and air contamination, and wrongful death. He is licensed to practice in the courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
What are you working on right now?
We’re always working on a variety of things. Some of our clients include those affected by the Aurora theater shooting in Colorado. We’re also working with businesses in the tri-state area to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, but that doesn’t slow our daily focus of helping those who have been impacted by the use of pharmaceutical drugs.
Why did you decide to start your own law firm, Acosta & Williams, LLC?
I have always been a doer, and I saw an opportunity to help more people by starting my own practice. Our firm works nationally, but we have maintained our dedication to our local community. I want to make sure everyone is given the attention they deserve. These are lives we’re dealing with, and we want to help them.
What does your typical day look like?
My schedule is constantly changing, but I start each day by spending time with my son and exercising before I head into the office. I am always reviewing client documents and talking with families throughout the country. Communication is very important in what we do — both with our clients and internally.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am a doer, so when my partner and I have an idea, we take action. We collaborate with other members of our team, but once we’ve decided on something, there is very little hesitation. I’m constantly assessing what we can do to improve, or whether we need to reevaluate and start over.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Health is important to me, and it seems like there’s a trend developing toward living a healthier lifestyle. It starts with the food we eat, but I think more people are starting to realize the importance of exercise. In a digital age, we have everything at our fingertips, and it’s easy to take shortcuts. Now, I see companies adding gym benefits and exchanging traditional desks for desks on treadmills. I understand it wouldn’t work everywhere, but it’s a good start.
What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?
Doing data entry at a law firm was my worst job. I learned that I wanted to be a leader. I wanted to use my expertise to help others, grow a business, and create jobs.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would enter mass tort litigation from the beginning. It gives me the opportunity to help more people.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Don’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t do something. If you’re passionate and have a good idea, it’s worth looking into. There will always be people who try to hold you back or don’t think you have a good idea. Sometimes, you need to trust your instincts.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Spending money on marketing is a great investment, but it’s important to spend your budget wisely so you get the most out of it. Come up with a great, cost-efficient marketing platform that can help a wide variety of people, and you’re golden.
Tell us a secret.
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my family and play golf.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“The Da Vinci Code” is my recommendation. It tells you anything is possible.
If you weren’t working at Acosta & Williams, what would you be doing?
I’d be working at a law firm, handling personal injury cases. It’s a great way to help people who have been wronged.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
Yesterday, my son, Jaxon, told us that he didn’t like chicken. He’s only 7 months old, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have a “hero,” but I have great respect for my father and his work ethic.
How do you incorporate your passion in your professional career?
I am committed to helping people through hard work.
If you could work on any court case in history, what would it be and why?
I’d work on solving the murder of John F. Kennedy. The pursuit of the truth would be a great adventure.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.