In 2023 and 2024, The Carlson Law Firm made national headlines with two courtroom victories: Taitt v. Iran, which secured $807 million, and Gunn v. Iran, which awarded nearly $2 billion. Both cases sought justice for U.S. service members and their families.

For managing partner Craig Carlson, these milestones reflect a lifelong commitment to service, one that began long before he became an attorney.

Carlson’s background

Carlson’s journey into law began as a young teenager when his family faced losing their farm to eminent domain. Unable to afford legal help, 12-year-old Craig stood before a local council, fought for their land and won. That early stand for fairness set him on a lifelong path of advocacy.

Determined to pursue law, he joined the military’s Reserve Officers' Training Corps program to fund college, later serving as a judge advocate general, or JAG, officer. Both Craig and his wife, Vicki Carlson, are veterans who built their lives, and their firm, in the heavily military community of Killeen.

That foundation of service continues to shape The Carlson Law Firm’s values nearly 50 years later.

“[Being veteran-owned-and-operated] is the core of what we do,” Carlson said. “Those values [of service] were instilled in many of our attorneys and even legal assistants. ... It’s part of who we are.”

From its founding, Carlson has led by example. Described by his team as a servant leader, he’s known for showing up shoulder to shoulder with his staff at community events.

That leadership philosophy has guided the firm’s expansion to 20 offices nationwide, many near military communities. Their attorneys are known for standing by their clients, veterans and civilians alike, with the same determination that has defined the firm from its earliest days.

“Our attorneys have our clients’ backs,” COO Lisa Griffin said. “We’re one of the firms that will go to trial for a client [because] ... we want to make sure people get the maximum compensation they deserve after being injured.”

How does The Carlson Law Firm serve the veteran community?

Through Carlson Cares, the firm organizes dozens of community initiatives each year, from food drives to family outreach programs.

One of their most beloved traditions is the Veteran Food Truck Rally, which recently celebrated its ninth year. The event provided free lunch to more than 550 veterans and their families, complete with giveaways, community resources and even a car show.

“We’re boots on the ground, so to speak,” Griffin said. “People call us because they know we’re there alongside them.”

This year’s Christmas Miracle program will once again focus on military families, including one veteran household receiving a year’s worth of groceries through monthly gift cards, as well as Christmas gifts, bedding and more. Other initiatives include support for Frontline Heroes Outdoors, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and food security programs in Killeen and Pflugerville.

Justice, compassion and community

From billion-dollar international cases to local acts of service, The Carlson Law Firm’s impact reaches far and wide. Whether in the courtroom or the community, their mission remains the same: to serve with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Click here for more information about The Carlson Law Firm and its veteran-focused advocacy.

The above story was produced by 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.