Today, we’re getting to know MRH Law attorney Nick Hergott, who has a passion for representing clients in complex, high-stakes personal injury cases. Nick is driven by curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the art of trial work. Whether he’s solving intricate legal puzzles, connecting with clients on a human level, or telling their stories in the courtroom, Nick brings focus, empathy, and dedication to every case.
What inspired you to become a personal injury lawyer?
I initially had the opportunity to work with some of Kansas City’s brightest trial lawyers. They mentored and inspired me, leading me to a practice area I didn’t originally set out to take on. At first, the work was new, stressful, and even scary. And while that continues to ring true at times, I’m more inspired to continue this work than ever.
Trial work makes me feel alive, engaged, and happy, despite the high stress nature of the job. A trial lawyer must always learn; some days, I get to play engineer, and others a doctor or perhaps a product manufacturer.
And I get to compete. Litigation can be like chess, each making moves to gain an advantage. It can be high risk with huge stakes on the line for everyone involved. I’m a storyteller at heart, and trial work allows me to tell powerful stories.
And most importantly, it provides deep, honest human connection. My clients entrust me to tell their stories, and each of these clients helps me feel more connected to the human condition as I learn about them and their experiences. I hope to be their coach, their teacher, and the person they can lean on.
Everyone at our firm takes on these challenging cases together, works hard together, ultimately helping our clients together. We are a team.
What types of personal injury cases are you most passionate about handling?
I like big, complex cases. I love to solve the puzzle, and I love telling stories. The bigger the case, the more complex the puzzle. You start with an overwhelming pile of information, and as you develop the case these pieces start aligning. At some point, it all comes together, and I can see all the various puzzle pieces as one compelling, persuasive story that will move others to act to help and protect my client.
In your opinion, what sets a great personal injury attorney apart from others?
Open mindedness and empathy.
To best tell your client’s true story, you must see the story from their perspective, to be able to “put yourself in their shoes,” and to understand and feel what they experienced. And this is not just for your clients; if you make effort to consider your judges’, your colleagues’, and even your opposing counsel’s perspective, you are in a much better position to understand their motivating interests and goals.
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t be aggressive pushing your cases. One can be very tough on a problem, while also taking a moment to consider why another is taking a particular course of action. You may find that your interests can mutually align in a way that works for everyone. And when that is not possible, you are better positioned to respond in a way most likely to achieve your desired result with that individual.
What advice would you give to someone who has never worked with a personal injury lawyer before?
Obviously, you want someone who will do the best job for your case. Sure, experience and past results matter. But I believe the most important thing is picking someone you like. Someone with whom it seems you can develop a trusting relationship.
I know at first it can be challenging to evaluate whether a particular attorney will be a good fit. Pick someone who listens to you, answers your questions, makes you feel seen and heard, and jives with your personality.
At some point, you and your lawyer must develop trust between each other, because eventually you need to feel confident in following their advice.
Why did you decide to practice as a personal injury attorney in Kansas City?
Kansas City is my home. I’ve always been proud of those who took a chance to move away, but for me it was the right choice to stay here.
My wife and I always knew we’d be together, and we forged our future plans together. Most of our families and friends reside in KC, making it a wonderful home. And now, having lived here most of our lives, we feel invested in the community we have participated in over these years.
What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
Kansas City is home to several wonderful lakes and trail systems; I spend most of my active time either at Wyandotte County Lake and its trails, or Shawnee Mission Lake. I also love the WWI Museum; it is a close call.
What do you like most about having your office in the River Market?
The River Market is an approachable downtown neighborhood that retains a close-knit community feel. My wife and I lived here for over a decade before leaving for acreage. In that time, we developed lifelong relationships with many diverse folks whom I otherwise would likely never engage with.
After moving, I’ve since kept my office in the Market. Here, one gets the sense that residents and small business owners are in this together.
And some of my favorite spots are in the River Market: City Market Coffee, Local Pig, The Farmhouse, KC Taco Co., and Harry’s. And just next door is another great neighborhood, Columbus Park.
Outside of your work as a personal injury attorney, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My wife, Stina, and I have been teammates for over 25 years, and we have been with our son for over six.
I also love outdoor adventures, starting with camping and hiking in law school, and later evolving into backpacking, long-distance trail running, and ultramarathon paddling.
And I love reading and audiobooks; this last year, after finishing Frank Herbert’s Dune series, I read Ron Chernow’s biography of Ulysses S. Grant, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer, and I’m now rereading the Michael and Jeff Shaara U.S. Civil War/Killer Angels novel series.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I love finding a great quote that just hits you when you first hear it, but I don’t know if I can pick a favorite.
The best ones convey substantial information with few words. “I would have written a short letter, but did not have the time,” a quote often misattributed to Mark Twain, comes to mind. Or like my mentor, Jim Conlon, said, “Brevity is key.”
Here are some of my recent favorites:
“If people knew how much more they could get out of a horse by gentleness than by harshness, they would save a great deal of trouble both to the horse and the man.” — Ulysses S. Grant
“Confine yourself to observing and you always miss the point of your life. The object can be stated this way: Live the best life you can. Life is a game whose rules you learn if you leap into it and play it to the hilt. Otherwise, you are caught off balance, continually surprised by the shifting play. Non-players often whine and complain that luck always passes them by. They refuse to see that they can create some of their own luck.” — Darwi Odrade – Chapterhouse: Dune”
Making workable choices occurs in a crucible of informative mistakes. Thus, Intelligence accepts fallibility. And when absolute choices are not known, Intelligence takes chances with limited data in an arena where mistakes are not only possible but also necessary.” — Darwi Odrade – Chapterhouse: Dune