TOP100TRIALLAWYERS
— NTL MEMBERSHIP NEWS & NOTES —
The National Trial Lawyers : Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and / or criminal defense trial lawyers . It is our mission to promote a unique and professional networking opportunity for trial lawyers , while developing progressive ideas to pursue justice for those injured by the negligence of others , to educate the public about the importance of access to courts that are free of bias and undue influence , and to protect the American right of trial by jury .
CARNEY SHEGERIAN
Shegerian & Associates • Los Angeles , California
What was the first job you had ? I worked my first job when I was 14 years old as a gas attendant in New York .
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? I ’ m proud of all my wins , but I am most proud of the fact that my firm has had the ability to , at least to some degree , influence how employees as a whole are treated . These verdicts get out there , the employers hear , and have to listen .
I attribute my success to .... My clients — they are the salt of the Earth . Without their will and effort , our firm wouldn ’ t be close to where it is today .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? Just over a year ago , I , along with 5 attorneys from our firm , tried a case Rudnicki v . Farmers Insurance , and obtained a $ 155,000,000 employment retaliation verdict , which was at the time the largest of its kind .
What is your fantasy job ? When I was a kid , it was to play for the Yankees ( even though I ’ m from Queens ). I ’ ve always had a drive to win .
8 x The Trial Lawyer
What is your guilty pleasure ? Any sweets — chocolate cake .
What do you like to do in your time off ? I spend a lot of time with family and maintaining my health . This is a hugely taxing profession — and unfortunately not many lawyers take care to their wellbeing . The statistics surrounding lawyers ’ poor mental health and substance abuse problems are disturbing and brushed aside .
What ’ s your favorite hobby ? I love swimming in the ocean and playing tennis .
What ’ s one word that describes you ? Carnage .
What keeps you awake at night ? Helping sexual assault survivors is one of our top priorities right now . For example , there is a staggering backlog of untested rape kits in the US — hundreds of thousands , some dating as far back as the 1980s . Imagine , someone is the survivor of such a heinous crime and wills themselves to report this to the authorities , but then their rape kit remains on a shelf untested for decades . A policy I think that all parties can agree on : state legislation setting time requirements for testing rape kits .
What newspaper do you generally read daily ? The Daily Journal . It is prudent to remain updated on new laws to effectively represent my clients .
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Work hard for clients ; enjoy every day ; treat others well ; and listen to yourself .
How do you relax ? Tanning , tennis , history books , ocean swimming .
What ’ s your most embarrassing moment in life ? I was a young attorney in the courtroom of Judge Suzanne Bruguera ( who is now a good friend ) and she just grilled me for weeks . But her harshness taught me incredibly important lessons , particularly how to empathize with the perspective of the judge and even opposing counsel . Embarrassments are a part of life and trial work , so use them to make your way .