Garza Law Firm: Law & Service

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The Garza Law Firm is bringing the servant’s heart to the forefront as they work to support their neighbors in East Tennessee

Marcos Garza, founder of the Garza Law Firm is a busy man… but never too busy. Which is just one of the reasons why his firm is unlike most. It also becomes clear just moments into a conversation that his approach to law is quite different from that of other firms. His firm isn’t just about legal outcomes—although the firm certainly enjoys more than its fair share of positive ones—it’s about people, service, and a profound sense of community responsibility. 

Garza’s journey began not in a courtroom, but in service, a thread that runs through every chapter of his life, from earning a Master’s in Social Work to serving in the Marine Corps, and now, leading one of Tennessee’s most respected law firms. From car wrecks and motorcycle accidents to complex criminal cases, Garza Law has earned a reputation as the most trusted defense and personal injury law firm in Knoxville. 

“My first job as an attorney was in the Marine Corps,” Garza recalls. “I handled everything from divorces to contract disputes—basically, whatever Marines needed. I was serving those who serve. And I didn’t realize it at the time, but that sense of service would shape everything I would go on to do.”

Garza’s firm, now with nearly 100 employees, is built not only on legal skill but on a culture that prioritizes empathy and selflessness. “It was always about service,” he says. “At one time, I cared about GPAs and law review, and now, honestly, I don’t even ask about that unless it’s on the resume. I spend two and a half hours in initial interviews trying to peel back the onion and find out—do they have a servant’s heart?”

This pursuit of people with not only skill but heart has defined the Garza Law Firm’s internal culture and external success. “If you find people who are smart enough—and most are—and they’re selfless enough to be part of this culture, then 80 percent of your work is done,” Garza explains. “The rest takes care of itself.”

Building the Right Team

Garza is quick to shift the spotlight from himself to his team, emphasizing that the firm’s success is a direct result of its people.

Brent Morris came to Garza from a corporate culture, where he was tasked with assessing case worth and how to reduce the amount of money paid out in claims. “Brent has discovered a renewed sense of purpose here,” says Garza. “It’s like he has hit a second stride. There’s something rewarding about serving individual people rather than just trimming a corporation’s bottom line. Brent thrives on that.”

Philip La Nasa made the leap from defending insurance claims to representing individuals when he came to Garza. “I convinced him to try this side of the fence. Again, there’s a different kind of reward in working for people. Some attorneys love that feedback from clients who are truly grateful. Philip has that heart.” 

Lindsay Killion originally promoted Garza’s motorcycle events, but it was her kind heart that made him realize the impact she could have with clients. “We found that her unique gifts can make the greatest impact as a client coordinator for our Social Security Disability clients,” Garza says. “Her compassion and patience are assets in helping a population of folks who need the steady and kind hand of a true empath.”

Garza shares the example of Daniel Morrell and his dedication to clients. When a client battling addiction missed court, Daniel didn’t shrug it off. “He drove all over West Knoxville looking for him,” Garza recalls. “He felt empowered to do that, and I was proud of it. That’s the kind of commitment I love to see from our attorneys.”

Then there’s Liza Wells, a former DUI prosecutor. Garza wasn’t sure at first if a prosecutor could adapt to his firm’s compassionate culture. But his concerns
faded fast. “Daniel said, ‘She’s just kind.’ And that sold me,” Garza says. “Now, she gets more flowers from clients than any attorney I’ve seen. It’s about how deeply she cares.”

Krista DeSocio, a key player in the firm’s marketing and operations, “came in with a certain energy,” says Garza. “She’s incredibly organized, and she loves the amount of service we do in the community. People with servant hearts don’t just serve clients better—they serve each other better, and they support the community better. Krista embodies that ethos.”

And then there’s Ramsey, Marcos’ other half, whose commitment to culture is shown through hiring the right people and committing to the standardized operations and meticulous financial systems.

“We’ve experienced a lot of growth and success, especially since 2017 when Ramsey came on in a more active role,” Garza says, adding that she joined the firm in an official capacity after years in the HR industry. “She is protective of the organization and the people here, always ensuring everyone is well taken care of and respected, and she is meticulous and detail-oriented when it comes to our books and financial systems. Ramsey is wholly committed to our people and our purpose.”

The Servant’s Heart

The culture at Garza Law Firm is not just theoretical—it’s lived out every day. And with Ramsey by his side, Garza’s commitment to building a supportive, aligned team has created what he calls a “force multiplier” effect, understanding that it’s impossible to build positive momentum unless it’s shared. “When 90 percent of your people share your vision, it becomes a culture,” he says. “That’s when the magic happens.”

That vision is less about legal specialization and more about being a resource… and sometimes, much more. Garza sees his team as stewards for people in the community. “Even if we don’t do the kind of law someone needs, we can help them find the right person. It’s just part of being committed to being a servant of the community.”

Garza recalls a Peter Drucker adage: culture eats strategy for breakfast. “If you had asked me years ago about that, I would have said, well, that sounds silly. Just be tougher. Be a Marine, rub some dirt on it, work harder. Fast forward to today, and I see just how wrong I was.” 

Today, and for many years now, Garza’s philosophy regarding culture is deceptively simple: “Care. Try hard. Be a good human being,” Garza says. “I tell my team—your job isn’t just legal advice. Sometimes people need a counselor, a friend, someone to tell them they’re going to be okay. We should be willing to talk about those things. That’s the kind of firm this is.”

Garza Law Firm
550 W. Main Street, Suite 340
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-830-1843
garzalaw.com