‘I didn’t feel like I was standing alone’: Meet the attorney who helped a domestic violence survivor fight a wrongful insurance dispute

How did Knotts discover her calling in personal injury law?

Knotts' path to becoming an attorney began with a third-grade school play called Santa Claus on Trial.

The mock courtroom sparked her curiosity about legal professions, and as she grew older, supportive teachers encouraged her interest, leading her to participate in debate and eventually attend law school.

While she initially knew she wanted to practice law, it wasn't until she became involved in her community and took a tort law course that she found her passion.

“My community involvement geared me more towards personal injury law as a practice, because I wanted to connect with real people going through real problems,” Knotts said. “So, during law school, I took a tort law class, and it clicked for me. I knew that was what I wanted to do, so I started applying for jobs.”

Whether someone has suffered life-changing injuries or is recovering from what appears to be a minor car accident, she believes every client deserves the same level of care and attention.

That mindset led her to The Carlson Law Firm. While finishing law school, she applied to the firm because its reputation for serving the community aligned with her own values. After interviewing shortly before graduation, she accepted a position in the personal injury department and started work the Monday after taking the bar exam.

Twenty-one years later, she has spent her entire legal career helping clients rebuild after unexpected setbacks.

How does Knotts build trust with clients?

Much of Knotts' work involves helping people after car crashes, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall accidents and dog bites. While catastrophic cases often receive the most attention, everyday accidents can be just as disruptive.

Medical bills, missed work, vehicle repairs and insurance questions can quickly overwhelm someone trying to recover. Her goal is to shoulder those burdens so clients can focus on healing instead of navigating the legal process alone.

She starts this process by building trust with clients, often sharing stories about her own family to build a relationship and ease their anxiety.

"I want my clients to know that they can trust what I say, that when I say I'm going to do something, I will do it, and that I will honor my commitments to them," Knotts said.

What does ‘courtroom proven, compassion driven’ mean?

For Knotts, The Carlson Law Firm’s motto, “courtroom proven, compassion driven,” reflects the balance every personal injury attorney must strike between fierce advocacy and compassion.

She said clients should know their attorney is prepared to take a case to trial when necessary, but only if that's truly what's best for the person they represent.

"We will fight for you," Knotts said. "If taking the case all the way to trial is what's needed to get what's fair for you and to get you taken care of, then we will do that."

The motto also means that every client should know someone is standing beside them through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives, fighting for the outcome that best helps them move forward.

One example Knotts shared was of a car accident victim, who was not at fault for the collision. The client was a survivor of domestic violence, and the insurance company was attempting to blame her medical problems on that past experience.

“She fought so hard to move past that stage of her life, and then she had it thrown back at her,” Knotts said. “I was able to stand beside her, represent her in court and fight for her. I remember that by the end of the trial, she told me, ‘I didn't want to have to take this case to trial, but I felt confident with you there by my side. I didn't feel like I was standing alone.’”

How has community involvement shaped Knotts’ approach to law?

Outside the courtroom, Knotts has become deeply involved throughout Bryan-College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley.

Since moving to the area 16 years ago, she has participated in the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Brazos program, served with the American Business Women's Association, spoken nationally after being named the organization's 2018 American Businesswoman, and volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations.

She is also the Vice President of the North Zulch ISD School Board, serves on Acara Hospice Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and recently completed the prestigious Leadership TASB program, becoming a Master Trustee.

Those experiences help her better understand the diverse challenges people face every day.

"I think [my community involvement] provides me an opportunity to better understand what our clients are going through, and to be able to better connect with them," Knotts said.

What has kept Knotts at The Carlson Law Firm for 21 years?

Knotts credits The Carlson Law Firm’s leadership, commitment to its employees and longstanding investment in the community as reasons she has never wanted to practice anywhere else. She believes that culture ultimately benefits clients because attorneys who feel supported are better equipped to support others.

As The Carlson Law Firm celebrates its 50th anniversary, Knotts said its longevity represents more than experience; it reflects decades of earning trust, maintaining integrity and becoming part of the communities it serves.

Looking ahead, she hopes the firm's name continues to be synonymous with compassionate legal representation in Bryan-College Station, built not only on courtroom success but on meaningful relationships with the people who call the community home.

Prospective clients can call 979-260-5688 any time to speak with a team member.

Those interested in learning more about The Carlson Law Firm can find resources here:

• Website: https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/locations/bryan/

• Address: 1121 Briarcrest Dr. Ste. 200, Bryan

• Hours of operation: open 24/7

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.