Brother Rutter Named CoVA Biz Most Influential

Brother Rutter Named CoVA Biz Most Influential

Firm News

Posted on Mar 04, 2025

CoVA BIZ Magazine Names Brother Rutter to Their List of the 150 Most Influential People

Known across Hampton Roads for his legal prowess, knack for business and philanthropic tithes, Brother Rutter is considered one of the 150 most influential people in Coastal Virginia. The magazine based their decision on the impact of local leaders in the business community and local organizations. We sat down with Brother to talk about what led to his success and why he is so passionate about the causes he supports.

Building a Law Firm Rooted in Family and Community

Sitting across from me, under a colorful piece of abstract art, is Brother Rutter, Managing Partner of Rutter Mills law firm. Now in his sixties, Rutter lights up when he talks about the early decisions that lead to his success. His energy and charisma are matched only by his commitment to his family, his clients, his firm and his community. With an infectious passion for the not only the law, but for doing business in a very different way, he propelled Rutter Mills to the tip of the spear in the personal injury world.

Brother’s zeal for the pursuit of exceptional client service and success became the cornerstone of the firm’s core principals. Looking back, Rutter says his success was born from a decision to put his family and this community at the forefront of his efforts. A decision he says was the best personal and financial decision he could have made.

A Different Kind of Law Firm

Though the firms beginnings date back to 1959, when his father C. Arthur Rutter Jr was practicing, it wasn’t until 2003 that Rutter Mills the brand was launched.

“I’d been practicing law for almost a decade and I saw that law firms were too focused on their own bottom line. The very thing we were fighting against from big insurance companies was infecting our industry.”

Brother knew he wanted to be a different kind of firm, one that focuses relentlessly on client service and client outcome. Today the firm is celebrated for it’s exceptional service, receiving awards for top 10 in the nation for client service. From the top down, every attorney, every paralegal and case consultant- everyone knows there is only one measure of success – client success.

How One Decision Transformed Rutter Mills Into a Legal Powerhouse

CLOSING ONE DOOR OPENED ANOTHER

The catalyst for the firm’s growth was actually an intentional contraction of the business. In the early 2000’s, I was handling big cases in multiple states, but that meant traveling half the year. With two young boys at home, and having just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, I realized all that travel was not going to be sustainable. I decided to commit fully to home, to family, and to this community. I closed down all business outside of Virginia.

“And it worked! Building a business that let me thrive as a father and husband and supports our community just felt better. It still does!”

Since then, we have more than tripled the number of employees, opened more offices, and increased the number of clients we serve each year by 10 times. While other firms looked to reduce staff and automate process, even outsource work, Rutter Mills did the opposite. They hired more people, in more locations, and they saw teams thrive. The employees enjoy the work because they are able to build relationships with each and every client. For them, it’s personal, and a win for their clients is a personal victory.

“That step into the unknown turned out to be the best personal and financial decision I ever made.” – Brother Rutter

Giving Back

THE ART OF LOVE

I really believe in the idea of paying it forward. This community has been incredibly special for my family now for generations and I feel compelled to give back. Because there are so many opportunities to help make our communities better and stronger, my wife and I have focused in a few areas. Of course, breast cancer is a big focus for us since my wife Meredith is a cancer survivor. Fortunately, I’m also one of those guys who likes to wear pink so promoting breast cancer awareness comes naturally!

We also focus on the arts and education. Although I’m from this area, and my wife is from North Carolina, we met when we were both living and working in New York City. Art and museums and galleries became the focus of much of our time together in the early years and has continued to be a significant part of our love language. We now have a foundation called the Rutter Family Art Foundation to support artists, art projects, and organizations. We renovated a building in downtown Norfolk which allows us to offer free apartments to nonprofit art organizations, with artists, guest lectures, or, even guest conductors, visiting the area.

Leadership Beyond Business

“Do the right thing, for the right reasons, the right way, ” Richard Glassner, Attorney and friend.

Changing the World

Watch this 3:20 video of Brother Rutter

“We measure success not in dollars and cents, but in what we can do for others.” – Brother Rutter, Managing Partner

Legacy

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Years Helping Injury Victims

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Convenient Locations in Hampton Roads

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Team Members Ready to Help

TESTIMONIALS

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

Watch Larena's 30 second story

Watch Carl's 30 second video

Watch Jamaree's 30 second video

TESTIMONIALS How We Helped

At Rutter Mills,
every case is a serious case-because it's your case.

All Services

Personal Injury

We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Car Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life. Then we’ll tell you what options are available to you to get on the road to recovery.

Car Accident Lawyers

Maritime/Jones Act Law

Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.

Maritime Lawyers

Motorcycle Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on listening to not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often serious. We are here to listen to your story so we can guide you to healing. Our team has represented some of the largest truck accident cases in Virginia. Call us and see how we can help you today.

Truck Accident Lawyers

Workers Compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.

Workers Compensation Lawyers