Aaron J. Luck
Partner
Attorney Aaron Luck is a partner with McPhillips Shinbaum, LLP. Aaron’s primary practice areas include personal injury, auto negligence, wrongful death, contract law, and dram shop cases.
Born into a Marine Corps family in Wisconsin, Aaron spent his early life traveling the world with his parents. He lived in Asia and Europe during his school years. After attending Auburn, Aaron served in the Marine Corps for two years. His brother, Josh, retired from the Marine Corps as a Harrier pilot after 20 years of service. After graduating from Jones School of Law, Aaron joined the firm in 1997. Aaron has become well known for obtaining tremendous results for clients. He served as co-counsel in Daniels v. East Alabama Paving, a case which resulted in a verdict of more than $7 million.
Aaron is happily married to his wife Amy. They have two children, Lacy and Adam.
Admissions
- Alabama, 1997
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
Education
- Thomas G. Jones School of Law, Faulkner University, J.D., 1997
- Officer Candidate School, U.S. Marine Corps, 1992
- Auburn University, B.S., 1991
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Montgomery County Bar Association
- Alabama Trial Lawyers Association
“I’m particularly fond of the saying ‘All’s well that ends well.’ It reminds me to keep perspective and focus on positive outcomes, even when the journey is difficult.”
Q&A
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My inspiration actually came from my wife’s family. There are many lawyers in her family, and seeing their passion and impact really drew me to the profession. It opened my eyes to the possibilities a career in law could offer.
What sets you apart in your area of legal expertise?
I’d say it’s my work ethic and approach to cases. I’m not lazy, and I don’t just take on cases that I know will settle easily. I’m willing to put in the hard work for my clients, even when the path isn’t clear-cut. Some attorneys might shy away from challenging cases, but I see them as opportunities to make a real difference.
Could you describe the journey that brought you where you are today?
A pivotal moment in my journey was meeting Mr. McPhillips while I was still in law school. That connection led me to focus on personal injury law. I chose this area because of the nature of the work and the rewards it offers – not just financially, but in terms of the impact we can have on people’s lives when they’re going through difficult times. It’s just a very rewarding area to be involved in.
What do you consider your most significant achievement?
One case that stands out involved a young boy who had been mistreated. It was a horrible situation, and he had been to several other attorneys who would not take his case. We were able to secure a very positive outcome for him in a short period of time, which was very satisfying. Cases involving children always feel particularly significant because of the long-term impact they can have.
Can you share a case or client experience that had a profound impact on you and/or your career?
Two cases come to mind. The first involved a young boy who had nearly drowned after being found at the bottom of a pool and suffered a brain injury. His father was a plumber, and we were able to help retrofit his van so he could care for his son while he worked. It was a unique solution that really improved their quality of life. The other case involved a young girl with lupus. I took my daughter with me to see her just to show her how bad some people have it. Both of these cases reminded me of the real-world impact our work can have on families facing difficult circumstances.
If you weren’t an attorney, what alternative career path might you have pursued?
I think I would have pursued a career as an engineer. I’ve always enjoyed building and fixing things that a lot of people said were unfixable. There’s a problem-solving aspect to engineering that I find appealing, much like in law, but with a more hands-on approach.
What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys who are going through law school right now?
When you finish law school, go find the most experienced secretary available and listen to everything they tell you. It might sound simple, but having a skilled, experienced support staff can make a world of difference in your practice. They often know the ins and outs of daily operations better than anyone.
What’s one thing about the legal profession that might surprise people?
I think many people would be surprised to learn how little time we actually spend in court. The majority of our work happens in the office – researching, writing, negotiating, and preparing cases. If you had to count the hours, you would maybe be in court two weeks out of the year. The courtroom drama you see on TV is a small part of what we do.
Outside of practicing law, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I’m a glutton for punishment. I’m very involved in officiating sports – so I get yelled at both at work and in my free time. I referee wrestling, football, basketball, and baseball.
What source of inspiration or motivation has been the most significant driving force in your professional career and in your personal life?
I find inspiration in the everyday challenges and opportunities that come with practicing law. Each case is a chance to make a difference, and that’s what drives me forward.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes, I’m particularly fond of the saying ‘All’s well that ends well.’ It reminds me to keep perspective and focus on positive outcomes, even when the journey is difficult.