How I Founded a Law Firm: 'The Foundation of Your Firm Is Only as Strong as the People You Choose to Work With,' Says Adrian Vega of Buckingham & Vega, Law.com – 10/1/2025
Adrian O. Vega, Founding Partner at Buckingham & Vega, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Practice area(s): Medical malpractice, birth injuries, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, trucking accidents, motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents
Law school and year of graduation: The University of New Mexico School of Law, 2007
The following has been edited for style.
When did you found your firm? Why?
I founded Buckingham & Vega in 2021, alongside my partner Kent Buckingham, because I recognized a critical need for passionate, dedicated representation for injured people in New Mexico. Our goal was to create a law firm that not only had the expertise and resources to level the playing field, but also genuinely cared about the people we represent.
My firm is committed to providing each client with personalized, strategic legal counsel. We understand that behind every case is a person who has experienced pain, hardship, and often life-altering consequences. We wanted to build a firm that could give them the full weight of our experience and resources, no matter how tough the case. What drives my firm every day is the desire to make a lasting impact on our clients' lives. We aim to deliver justice, and beyond that, to help create a safer community. In doing so, we ensure that our clients can rebuild their lives with the support they deserve. Our team is relentless, strategic, and passionate about fighting for those who need it most.
Were you a partner or in a leadership position at another firm before founding your firm? If so, which one? How long were you there?
I was an associate at Will Ferguson & Associates in Albuquerque for six years before co-founding Buckingham & Vega.
Were there any surprises you faced after becoming a law firm founder?
One of the biggest surprises I faced after becoming a law firm founder was the sheer amount of time and energy required for the business and operations side of running the firm. While I was fully prepared to focus on delivering top-notch legal representation for our clients, the additional time spent on managing the day-to-day business functions—things like client intake, financials, marketing, and operations required additional focus. It’s essential to balance both the legal work and the business side of things, and that can be a challenge, especially in the early stages.
As much as I enjoy practicing law and fighting for justice, I’ve learned that these operational tasks are just as important for the firm’s success. Over time, we've built a strong team to help manage these aspects, which has helped us strike the right balance to ensure we can focus on providing the best possible service to our clients while simultaneously growing and strengthening the firm.
What’s been the biggest change, day-to-day, in your routine since becoming a founder of a law firm?
The biggest change in my day-to-day routine since becoming a law firm founder has been the constant juggling of handling and trying cases while managing the business side of the firm. In the past, my focus was primarily on litigation and client advocacy, but now, as a founder, I’m also responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations, growth, and financials. It’s a balance that demands attention at all times.
The business side of the firm never stops, which means there’s always something to address, whether it's client intake, managing staff, or handling marketing and financial strategies. This constant shift between practicing law and managing a business requires additional focus. While it’s a challenge, it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that we're creating a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients while also building a sustainable practice.
What do you think was the deciding point for launching your own firm? Was it a specific case? A personality trait? Making connections with the right people?
The deciding point for launching the firm was my desire to practice law alongside someone who shared my passion for dedicating their life's work to truly representing and advocating for their clients while upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity. After years of practicing law, I learned how important it was to partner with someone who holds not only a deep commitment to justice but also a strong moral compass. That’s when I found Kent Buckingham. For well over thirty years, Kent has maintained a stellar reputation for success while maintaining equally stellar ethics.
Together, we shared the same vision: to create a law firm that prioritized both the well- being of our clients and the ethical principles that guide our practice. This partnership was the foundation of Buckingham & Vega, where we’re committed to fighting for justice and ensuring the highest standards of professionalism every step of the way.
How do you utilize technology to benefit the firm/practice and/or business development?
We are always looking to stay on the cutting edge of technology to enhance both our litigation and business operations. We actively explore and implement different AI applications that streamline our workflow, improve case management, and enhance our legal research capabilities. By integrating these tools, we are able to work more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving legal landscape. This technological approach not only increases our firm’s productivity but also benefits our clients by ensuring we are providing the most effective and up-to-date legal representation possible.
What advice would you give to someone whose goal is to start their own firm?
If your goal is to start your own law firm, one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to heavily scrutinize any potential partner. The foundation of your firm is only as strong as the people you choose to work with. When I decided to launch my own practice, I knew that having a partner who shared my commitment to client advocacy, ethics, and integrity was crucial. I found that in Kent Buckingham. Thoroughly vet the legal skills, work ethic, and, above all, the integrity of anyone you plan to partner with. A strong partnership, like the one Kent and I share, is built on trust, shared values, and mutual respect, and it’s essential to know that you’re both aligned in your goals and approach. This alignment will be the bedrock of your firm's success and will help ensure that you not only provide excellent service to your clients but also create a firm culture that stands the test of time.
Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to launch your own firm?
The greatest influence on my career was the late New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Charlie Daniels. He was my evidence and trial practice professor during law school and became a mentor to me during my second year, continuing to guide me after graduation. Justice Daniels instilled in me a deep respect for the law and the importance of integrity in the legal profession. His mentorship helped shape my approach to law, and his emphasis on ethical practice and client-centered advocacy strongly influenced my decision to start my own firm. His legacy continues to inspire me every day.
Knowing what you know now, if you had a chance to advise or mentor your younger self (at any stage), what advice would you give to yourself and/or what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t say there is anything I’d do differently, as each experience, good and bad, in my career helped mold me into the attorney I am today. All I’d tell my younger self is to continue being yourself, stay the course, and remember why you decided to do what you do. And being a little more organized never hurts.
Do you have a prediction on how the legal industry will evolve over the next several years?
I believe the legal industry will see increased automation and AI applications, particularly in defense firms, which will streamline processes to increase caseloads and reduce costs. As a result, plaintiff firms, including ours, will be able to adopt similar technologies, allowing us to continue going toe-to-toe with them all the while maintaining the personal touch and relationships with our clients and our community that sets us apart.
What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail other leaders’ careers?
The one behavior, above all others, that I’ve seen really derail other leaders’ careers is dishonesty. Whether it’s being dishonest with clients, colleagues, judges, or opposing counsel, it erodes trust and damages relationships. In the legal profession, integrity is everything—without it, you lose credibility and damage your reputation. I'm proud to say that at Buckingham & Vega, we pride ourselves on always being honest and ethical in every aspect of our practice. We believe that maintaining transparency and trust is crucial for long-term success, not only for the firm but also for the clients we serve.
Please share with us any firm or industry initiatives that you are working on as well as the impact you hope to achieve.
Our firm is dedicated to advancing access to justice for all injured parties, and we endeavor to achieve that goal through our active participation in and wholehearted support of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). By collaborating with AAJ, we help advocate for policy changes, share resources, and work to level the playing field for individuals seeking justice in the legal system.
What career advice do you wish more people would ask you? (e.g. "if you just listened to me, you could have…”)
The career advice I wish more people would ask me about is the value of mentorship. It’s crucial to find someone who has already achieved the goals you're aiming for, particularly someone who has done so with integrity. A good mentor provides guidance, wisdom, and support, helping you navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls. Their insights can accelerate your growth, ensure that you learn from your mistakes, and inspire you to always stay true to your values.
As a law firm founder, what impact would you like to have on your firm and/or the legal industry as a whole?
I want Buckingham & Vega to not only maintain but advance our position as leaders in the plaintiffs’ bar, renowned for our commitment to justice, integrity, and client advocacy. Beyond that, I want to foster an environment where attorneys at our firm are inspired and empowered to become leaders not only in our industry but also in our communities. By mentoring and encouraging their growth, we aim to shape the next generation of attorneys who will continue to make a positive impact on our society.