TOP40UNDER40 — MEMBER SPOTLIGHT —
TRIPP SEGARS , ESQ . Diaz Law Firm • Madison , Mississippi
What was the first job you had ? My first job out of Clemson was as a medical recruiter . Connecting medical device and diagnostic companies with sales reps and managers provided insight into the medical industry , as well as value systems and how we , as people , think . It was a case study for the work I do now .
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? I don ’ t have just one . There are a number of “ feel good ” stories . One that stands out was one of my first cases . It was a pharma case , where I represented an 88-year-old lady with Tardive Dyskinesia . She was so sweet , and it was a difficult case . I believe in her deposition , she said “ This is worse than picking cotton .” We obtained a large settlement after significant litigation . She doesn ’ t drive , but the look on her face when she pulled up to the office in her new car was priceless . She was the passenger .
I attribute my success to … A loving family , wonderful coworkers , and great friends . Also , I hate losing more than I enjoy winning . Having high expectations and a fear of failure motivate me .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? Most notable verdict was in a trucking case , where my client was hit twice from behind on the interstate by an 18-wheeler . We had significant injuries and a deserving client . Most notable individual settlement was in a bad faith insurance case , where the company was withholding benefits from an elderly lady who needed funds to continue medical care .
What is your fantasy job ? Professional golfer on the PGA Tour .
What is your guilty pleasure ? I enjoy whiskey and wine .
What ’ s your favorite hobby ? Golf
What ’ s one work that describes you ? Motivated
What keeps you awake at night ? Wondering if I ’ ve done enough
What newspaper do you generally read daily ? New York Times and the AAJ News Briefs
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Know yourself , have a purpose for what you do , and be relentless in achieving your goals . No one will care more about what you want in life than you , so make sure you focus on what ’ s important . That ’ s hard to remember sometimes . The work will be there tomorrow , so don ’ t burn yourself out . Lastly , a friend told me early on that a key to his happiness was scheduling one trip per month . I ’ ve tried to do the same . You don ’ t have to travel far , even if it ’ s just a few hours away ; just something for you to look forward to each month .
How do you relax ? I enjoy spending time with my wife , Ashley , and my dog , Maggie . If I ’ m not with them , then I ’ m either on the tennis court or golf course .
What ’ s your most embarrassing moment in life ? When I had to sing and dance to the song “ I wish I was a little bit taller ” during a sorority fundraiser my freshman year of college . I was pledging a fraternity and 5 ’ 4 ” at the time . I haven ’ t gotten much taller .
What do you like to do in your time off ? My wife and I love to travel . We ’ re on a mission to visit all seven continents by the time we ’ re 40 years old .
10 x The Trial Lawyer