Ep 170: From Bow Ties and Branding to the Business of Law: Doug Rohan on Criminal Defense and FSU

In this episode of Sports ‘N Torts, I sit down with Doug Rohan, founder of Rohan Law in East Cobb, Georgia. Doug shares his journey from Miami to Tallahassee to Atlanta, building a thriving criminal defense and workers’ compensation law firm over the past 15 years. With a Cuban-American background, fluency in Spanish, and a passion for grassroots marketing, Doug has carved out a unique niche in the legal community.

The conversation dives into Doug’s experiences as a law firm owner, the lessons he’s learned about management and marketing, his perspective on criminal defense cases (including DUIs and post-conviction relief), and his passion for connecting with clients. They also touch on creative branding, the importance of trust-building, and Doug’s die-hard love for Florida State football.

This episode offers inspiration for lawyers running their own practices, insight into criminal defense work, and a lively discussion about sports, family, and life.

Topics Discussed

  • Doug’s Background & Family Life
    • Growing up in Miami with Cuban heritage and speaking Spanish.
    • Meeting his wife at Florida State in the marching band.
    • Raising three daughters and celebrating his 50th birthday.

  • Building Rohan Law
    • Transitioning from big firm work to workers’ compensation and eventually founding his own firm.
    • The recession forcing him to develop business-building “muscles” he didn’t know he had.
    • Diversifying into criminal defense, workplace accidents, and personal injury referrals.

  • Law Firm Management & Growth
    • Learning business skills not taught in law school.
    • Hiring associates and staff, overcoming the fear of expanding.
    • Importance of delegating tasks to the lowest competent level.
    • Running the firm like a true entrepreneur with CFO/COO support.

  • Criminal Defense Insights
    • Early days of “fake it till you make it” criminal practice.
    • How clients and families react in high-stakes cases.
    • The realities of DUI cases, breath tests, and implied consent in Georgia.
    • Post-conviction relief: helping clients clear old records for immigration or employment.
    • Importance of trust from day one and spotting red-flag clients early.

  • Marketing & Client Development
    • Grassroots marketing in Hispanic and African-American communities.
    • Using Facebook and social media early to connect with clients.
    • Creative branding, including “Lawyers with Attitude” and his signature bow tie look.
    • Swag that stands out: visors, chip clips, ice packs, and bottle openers.
    • His unique “GAS Caller” role — a team member dedicated to following up with past clients (“Give A ****”).

  • Sports Talk
    • Doug’s lifelong FSU fandom, from the Charlie Ward years to today.
    • Surviving the pain of the 2024 playoff snub and hope for the future.
    • Thoughts on Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn, Deion Sanders, and Florida State’s outlook.

✅ This episode blends law, business, sports, and storytelling — perfect for listeners interested in the human side of practicing law and running a firm while keeping passion alive outside the office.

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm – a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA – www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Beyond the Fall:

Insights from Decades on Both Sides of Slip and Fall Litigation