From the Fields of Türkiye to the Courtrooms of America,
“Every injury case we take on is a chance to fight against injustice
Fighting for Justice with Unwavering Passion.
and stand up for the rights of the people.”
By Sitki Kazanci
Helen Bukulmez’s journey is one of relentless determination and resilience, shaped by her humble beginnings as a farmer’s daughter in Türkiye and her transition to becoming a formidable injury lawyer in the United States. Her story is not just about personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, the pursuit of justice, and the commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. In this exclusive interview, Helen Bukulmez shares her experiences, challenges, and the driving forces behind her legal career and community involvement.
Can you share your childhood experiences growing up as a farmer’s daughter in Türkiye? How did your upbringing influence your career path?
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in Türkiye, I learned the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of community. My law firm, MOMMA BEAR Injury Law, helps injured people across America fight insurance companies and seek justice. This work is deeply personal, rooted in my painful story, and driven by a profound passion.
My journey is of constant fighting, a trait passed down from my Bosnian father, whose family emigrated from Montenegro to Türkiye. Our surname in Türkiye was Pijuk, but after losing his parents and surviving the hardships of war, my grandfather, Muyo, changed our last name to Bukulmez. He raised nine children as farmers in Izmir, where I grew up without modern conveniences like running water or electricity. My childhood was spent working on our farm, herding sheep, plowing fields, and selling produce at markets. Despite our wealth in land, we were often judged by those in the city, which fueled my determination to succeed academically and escape the life of a “lowly farmer.”
Ironically, while we were wealthier, healthier, and happier than many city dwellers, their judgment ignited my passion for justice and equality. Time has proven that our values were far richer than those who looked down on us.
What motivated your move from Türkiye to the United States, and how did your early experiences as an immigrant shape your perspective on law and justice?
A deeply passionate love story drove my move to the United States and began a new chapter in my life. At 17, I found myself a divorced young mother, judged and ostracized even by my own family. My parents’ dreams of me pursuing higher education became my lifeline. I pursued a degree in Business and Economics from Uludağ University in Bursa, which opened doors to a career in HR. However, I quickly realized that my opportunities were limited without fluent English.
My journey to America was fueled by a desire to speak English fluently, inspired by the film Erin Brockovich. I was captivated by the idea of a world where a single mother could be respected and cherished, and I chased that dream to rural Kentucky in 2001.
Your educational background is quite diverse, with degrees from Türkiye and the US. How did your studies, particularly in Global Arbitration Law, prepare you for your legal career?
As a farmer’s daughter, I learned early that shortcuts do not exist in life, especially not on a farm. This mindset carried over into my studies and career. When I came to America, I left everything behind, immersing myself fully in the culture, language, and legal system. I did not speak Turkish for years and focused entirely on mastering English and understanding American law.
During my studies, I fell in love with the American legal system despite its imperfections. A professor encouraged me to pursue law school, which seemed an impossible dream given my limited English skills. But as a farmer’s daughter, I do not quit. After failing the LSAT once, I persisted and was accepted into law school, where I trained for bigger fights against the government and large corporations.
Ironically, despite my initial disdain for personal injury law, a car accident in 2008 changed everything. My son was severely injured, and our experience transformed my career. Today, I am an American injury lawyer fighting for other families who have been hurt.
Could you tell us more about your law firm’s focus areas? How do you balance helping injured individuals seek justice with assisting immigrants to achieve their American Dream?
MOMMA BEAR Injury Law is a firm with experienced trial lawyers in all 50 states, dedicated to helping seriously injured people fight for justice. We partner with 73 American trial lawyers with over 20 years of litigation experience. I take a personal role in advocating for our Turkish-American clients, fighting with the same intensity and compassion I experienced as a young mother who nearly lost my son.
As the first and largest Turkish-American law firm focused exclusively on personal injury law, I am committed to providing resources and guidance through our Facebook platform, Amerika’da Haklarım ve Mutlu Hayat. Here, people can learn how to protect themselves with the right insurance and what to do if they are injured due to someone else’s negligence.
As an adjunct professor at NKU Chase College of Law, how do you approach teaching future lawyers about Marketing and Project Management? What do you hope your students take away from your classes?
In my classes, I teach marketing, project management, business planning, injury, and immigration law. My goal is to help students realize that their power comes from their pain. Embracing their own stories will make them stronger lawyers and individuals.
You are deeply involved in the Kentucky community and even running for the State Senate. What drives your passion for public service, and how do you see yourself contributing to the betterment of Kentucky?
All the pain in my life has been a gift. I have learned to face it head-on and ask, “What gifts have you brought?” This mindset has shaped my career and drives my passion for public service. Whether raising my son to be a top orthopedic surgeon, fighting for injured clients, or serving my community, I believe in using all my talents and experiences to make a more significant impact.
As an injury lawyer, I am constantly in front of juries, advocating for the rights of injured people. The problems and expectations in our communities shape jury decisions, and it is essential to understand and protect these communities from the influence of decisive insurance companies. This fight is deeply personal to me, and I approach it with the ferocity of a MOMMA BEAR.
What message or advice would you like to share with our readers, particularly those aspiring to make a difference in their communities or professions?
My accomplishments are part of an ongoing fight, deeply influenced by my grandparents’ journey. If my grandfather could overcome unimaginable hardships to build a successful life in Türkiye, then my journey to America and pursuit of justice is a small step in comparison.
For everyone reading this, I encourage you to value yourself and take steps to protect your rights. Check your car insurance, learn about your rights, and remember that you are not alone if you or someone you know is injured. Contact us at MOMMA BEAR Injury Law, and we will fight for you with the same passion and determination that drives everything we do. Join our community on Facebook and take the first step in empowering yourself.
Helen Bukulmez, Juris Doctor, Esq.
Bukulmez Legal PLLC
(571) 356-6868
help@injuredinamerica.com
www.mommabearinjurylaw.com
