The storied history of our firm began in 1950, when visionary attorneys Charles Kramer and Henry Dillof established what would become a pillar of the American legal system. From its earliest days, the firm embarked on a trajectory of national growth, rapidly earning an unrivaled reputation for excellence in representing injured plaintiffs. While our expertise spans the full spectrum of personal injury, we became particularly renowned for our mastery of complicated medical malpractice cases, setting benchmarks that many still strive to reach today.
A Living Legend: Remembering Charles Kramer
The foundation of our success is built upon the genius of our founders. Thomas Moore, reflecting on the firm’s roots, recalls his first encounter with greatness:
“When I met Charlie Kramer in 1978, he was already a living legend. He was not merely an attorney; he was literally a pioneer in medical malpractice litigation, an extraordinary trial lawyer, a true gentleman, and a consummate teacher of the law.”
To truly grasp the essence of Charlie’s gift, one had to witness him in action. He was a man of diminutive stature and a soft-spoken demeanor, yet he possessed the ability to utter his words with pristine clarity and in a commanding fashion that captivated everyone in the room.
The true secret to Charlie’s unparalleled success as a trial lawyer lay in his humility and strategy; he always made himself the least important person in the courtroom. By ensuring the jury’s focus was on the evidence rather than himself, he could make the most powerful points in the subtlest manner. This approach left an overwhelming impression on jurors, often making them feel as though they were the ones discovering the significance of the testimony he elicited. His inimitable style and psychological insight made Charlie a true master at cross-examination.
A New Era of Leadership and Integrity
In 1988, Thomas Moore assumed the role of Senior Partner, marking a new chapter in the firm’s evolution. Alongside his wife, KDLM Senior Partner Judith Livingston, they have dedicated their careers to ensuring that the firm’s core values remain unshakable. Today, the principles of excellence and integrity are not just slogans but are evident in every brief we write and every trial we conduct.
While we continue to evolve, the legacy and foundation of our firm will never be forgotten. We carry the torch lit by Kramer and Dillof into every new case we take.
A Timeless Commitment to Our Clients
The culture at KDLM is defined by a deep-rooted philosophy of service. As KDLM partner Matthew Gaier aptly describes:
“There is an absolute commitment to excellence, to integrity, and to respect that permeates everything we do. The preparation and trial methods that Charlie Kramer pioneered are timeless. We serve the law and our clients with the highest ideals and most effective representation. It is a legacy of which we can be very proud.”
At KDLM, we don’t just practice law; we uphold a tradition of justice that has been refined over seven decades. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide the same high-caliber representation that Charles Kramer envisioned in 1950.
To read more on the history and achievements of KDLM, click here.