Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a small, ambitious startup to an acclaimed personal injury law firm serving clients across the Midwest. Founded on June 23, 1999, by David Craig, William "B.J." Kelley, and Scott Faultless, the firm has grown from a modest beginning into a nationally recognized practice with over 40 employees and 10 attorneys.
The firm's inception was rooted in a shared vision among its founders to provide compassionate and respectful legal representation in the field of personal injury law. David Craig, who had already been practicing law for over a decade by 1999, felt a deep dissatisfaction with the prevailing reputation of personal injury lawyers and wanted to create a firm that emphasized empathy and respect. "It wasn't a question of if, but when we'd succeed," Craig said, reflecting on the firm's early days.
Scott Faultless, who joined Craig in this venture while preparing to welcome his fourth child, echoed this sentiment. He stressed the importance of timing and the willingness to take risks, even when financial stability was uncertain. "If we were ever going to do it, we had to do it then," Faultless remarked.
B.J. Kelley, the third co-founder, brought additional experience and a shared passion for public service to the team. Despite the initial uncertainty and his wife's fears, Kelley believed in the strength of their combined expertise and intuition. "We left with nothing but our experience, our brains, and our intuition," he recalled.
The firm's early operations were modest, with Scott working from the Craigs' dining room table and B.J. operating out of a converted pole barn in Batesville. Dana Craig, David's wife, played a crucial role in managing the day-to-day tasks, from answering phones to placing ads. The initial years were challenging, involving significant personal and financial sacrifices. Yet, the founders' commitment to their vision never wavered.
Today, Craig, Kelley & Faultless has grown significantly, with partners Christopher Barry, Alexander Craig, and Whitney Coker joining the original founders. The firm has established itself as a leading resource for victims of large truck and commercial motor vehicle accidents, driven by a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of its clients, employees, and the wider community.
The firm's success is attributed to its core values: treating others with respect, continuous growth, and a people-first approach. This philosophy has fostered long-term relationships with clients and employees, many of whom have been with the firm for decades. The firm's commitment to community service is evident through its safety events, educational initiatives on safe driving, and support for local community events.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, Scott Faultless highlighted the rewarding nature of their work, particularly the moments of gratitude and the joy of helping others. "I just enjoy helping people, plain and simple," he said.
As Craig, Kelley & Faultless looks to the future, the firm remains steadfast in its mission to provide client-focused representation and to continue making a positive impact in the communities it serves. For the founders and their team, the greatest reward lies in the difference they make in the lives of those they help.
