In a legal market increasingly dominated by national advertising, one Baltimore personal injury firm is betting that local presence and personal service still matter. Richard R. Klein, lead attorney at Attorney Big Al - The Law Office of Richard Klein, says his firm's future rests on answering calls with a human voice and treating clients like neighbors, not numbers.
"The Attorney Big Al name means something in the communities we serve, because we're actually here," Klein said. "We're a real local firm, and we treat you like family." That approach, he argues, sets his firm apart from national operations that spend heavily on advertising but may leave injured people feeling like a statistic. "When you call one of those national operations, you're a number on their bottom line," Klein said. "When you call us, you're a neighbor."
The firm serves Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, representing people hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare, bus, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. Klein emphasizes that many of his clients come from underserved communities and have been ignored or talked down to in the past. "I'm committed to fighting for their rights," he said. "Everyone deserves a lawyer who picks up the phone."
Klein's vision for the firm's next chapter focuses on three commitments: being easy to reach, keeping clients informed about case developments, and telling people the truth about Maryland law. That last point is particularly important because Maryland is one of the few states that still follows contributory negligence, meaning an injured person found even slightly at fault can be barred from recovering any damages. Maryland also generally gives injured people three years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit.
"Insurance companies know Maryland's rules better than anybody," Klein said. "If they can pin even a sliver of blame on you, they'll try. That's why I tell people to get help early, before they've given a statement or signed anything."
There is some positive news on Maryland roads. Preliminary data from the Office of Gov. Wes Moore shows traffic deaths fell to 480 in 2025, down from 582 in 2024—the first time the total dropped below 500 since 2014. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths also declined, from 173 to 116. "That's real progress, and the people working on road safety deserve credit for it," Klein said. "But 480 is still 480 families. Behind every one of those numbers is somebody's kid, parent or neighbor."
For those involved in a crash, the firm recommends staying calm, moving to a safe spot, taking photos, exchanging information, seeking medical care immediately, and talking to a lawyer before speaking with the other driver's insurance company. Klein also stresses community involvement; the firm has sponsored back-to-school supply giveaways and plans to continue showing up in local neighborhoods.
"We're a real local firm," Klein said. "Baltimore is home. I chose this city, and the people who call us are our neighbors. We treat you like family—not like a number." For more information, visit Attorney Big Al - The Law Office of Richard Klein or learn more about Richard R. Klein. The firm's office is located in Baltimore.
