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On this episode of The Jeff Gross Show on WWDB 860, host Jeff Gross and co-host Joe Dougherty welcome attorney Adam Barrist, founder of The Barrist Firm. The conversation ranges from the excitement around Saquon Barkley joining the Eagles to the culture of civility in workers’ compensation law, the importance of specialization in personal injury and workers’ comp cases, and the critical role of communication and trust between attorneys and clients. Both Gross and Barrist share insights on building reputations in the courtroom, why dabbling in law can harm clients, and how accessibility sets great attorneys apart.

Host: Jeff Gross, Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Gross & Kenny, LLP
Guest: Adam Barrist, Founder of The Barrist Firm
Co-Host: Joe Dougherty

Kicking Off with Eagles Talk

Joe Dougherty: All right, ladies and gentlemen around the Delaware Valley, welcome to The Jeff Gross Show on WWDB Talk 860. We’ve got a phenomenal show today. Jeff’s guest is Adam Barrist, founder of The Barrist Firm.

Jeff Gross: I’m doing well, Joe. Thanks. And welcome, Adam.

Adam Barrist: Thanks for having me, Jeff.

The conversation kicked off with a familiar Philadelphia topic—the Eagles. Although the outcome of the game against Carolina wasn’t yet known at the time of recording, the group dove into what Saquon Barkley means for the team.

Jeff: “I’ve never seen traits like his. He’s got the moves, the speed, and the strength—like something out of a movie.”

Adam: “He’s a freak in the best way. A special talent. If he stays healthy, this offense could be unstoppable.”

From the Gridiron to the Courtroom

The discussion shifted from football to the courtroom. Adam shared a story about his first deposition in 2002, where opposing counsel teased him about his surname sounding like “barrister.”

Adam: “I’ve never been able to put that down. Now, with our new office in Media, we’re building something unique—a private British-style pub called The Barrister. It’s not open to the public, but it’s a nod to the collegiality I wish existed more in law.”

The Culture of Civility in Workers’ Compensation

Jeff: “In workers’ comp, our bar is known as the most civil and collegial. We’re zealous advocates, but we treat each other with respect. That makes resolving cases smoother and more amicable.”

Adam: “In personal injury, it’s different. There’s not that same level of camaraderie. But that’s part of the battle. Our clients depend on us to go to war for them, and we take that seriously.”

Why Specialization Matters

Both attorneys underscored the dangers of dabblers—generalists who handle cases outside their expertise.

Jeff: “Workers’ comp is extremely specialized. It’s complicated, constantly changing, and even the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recognizes it as an expert field. You can’t just dabble.”

Adam: “Same with personal injury. There are too many nuances. Clients should look for someone who focuses only on personal injury cases—auto accidents, slip-and-falls, wrongful death. Anything less puts their case at risk.”

Communication and Trust

A recurring theme was client trust, built through communication.

Adam: “I give every client my cell phone number. They should always have direct access to their attorney.”

Jeff: “Me too. If clients can’t reach you, that trust breaks. Communication is the key to success.”

Joe: “It takes time to earn trust but only seconds to lose it. Clients come in vulnerable—they’ve been injured, beaten down by insurance companies. That trust is everything.”

Reputation in the Courtroom

Finally, both attorneys reflected on what adversaries and insurers know about them.

Jeff: “I do what I say I’m going to do. If I threaten a penalty petition, I file it. Reliability builds trust—even with opposing counsel and judges.”

Adam: “Same here. If I issue a time-limit demand and the insurer lowballs us, I file suit. They need to know my promises aren’t threats—they’re commitments.”

Closing Thoughts

This episode of The Jeff Gross Show highlighted more than just football or funny stories. It showcased the values that make great attorneys: specialization, preparation, communication, and above all, trust.