Interview With Attorney Chip Segal

#1: What made you choose a career in criminal law?

I worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Las Vegas NV. -A great job in a great City. After a few years I realized that I had tried every type of case and wanted a new challenge. I joined a small firm that specialized in criminal defense and noticed how much more I could help people by defending them instead of prosecuting. I then decided to start my own firm and concentrate on a smaller case load with more customer service.

#2: In your opinion, what sets your firm apart from other firms in the area?

Customer service and the fact that I handle each case individually set my office apart. When you hire the Law Office of Chip Siegel, you are hiring me. Your case will not be handled by a young associate because I am the only attorney on staff. My assistant Connie has been with me for approximately twelve years so she has great institutional knowledge of the courts and administrative offices. Most people hire attorneys with less experience (twelve years) than my assistant has with me.

#3: Tell us about a case that you are particularly proud of:

Every case where we achieve a result that satisfies a client makes me proud. To see people come in without hope and feeling the stress of their situation and months later the burden removed from them, is rewarding. I am proud whenever a client addresses a personal struggle – whether an addiction issue or emotional issue – and overcomes that struggle. Whether I help with legal issues or counseling issues, I want to see lives improved and changed. If you are asking about a particular case, I have been fortunate to have had several NOT GUILTY verdicts including a murder case and several DUI cases over the years. ​

#4: What steps do you take to prepare for a difficult case?

Preparing the client for what to expect is the most difficult. People do not understand how unfair the judicial system can be. The Government has unlimited resources at their disposal. The Judges are elected and many times it feels as if they are more concerned about getting law enforcement endorsements than recognizing the Defendant is the person for whom the Constitution was written, not for the Prosecutor. The keys to success are preparation, knowledge, and experience. Know the case, know the court, and know the law to achieve positive result.

#5: How do you view your role in the attorney-client relationship?

I always want to know someone's concerns about the case and the impact this case will have on their life and career. Sometimes people will overestimate the damage they have done to themselves and think everything is lost. Many times it is not. This event is a set-back, not the end of your life. Conversely, there are times when a small event can ruin a career. The arrest and potential conviction could bar the person from their field. It is part of my job to understand the impact this event will have my client's job and their family. Sometimes attorneys are referred to as Counselor and I believe that word "counselor" addresses my role best.

#6: What sets you apart from other criminal defense attorneys – why is this important?

I handle your case personally. You will not have your case handled by a different attorney. When you hire this firm, you hire me, not someone else who shows up with you at trial. This is extremely important as many times clients who transfer their cases to my office are frustrated when they thought they hired one attorney only later to find out someone else will handle the case. That will not happen here.

#7: How does having experience benefit your clients?

Many clients who have used a prior attorney remark that they notice a difference on how they are treated by my office. I understand this event is traumatic and that the worst day of your life does not define who you are as a person. You deserve respect and will receive respect from my office.

#8: What types of cases do you specifically handle?

I handle 100% criminal cases. My current case load is 75-85% DUI related.

#9: In your opinion, what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Helping people is the most rewarding thing that I do. Getting people to change their behavior patterns in regards to alcohol and driving. I am grateful that former clients will routinely call me with all of their legal questions. I can then direct them to other attorneys that may help them. The fact that I become their family attorney and they are confident they can call for advice in other areas demonstrates the value and trust my clients place in me.

#10: What advice do you most often give your clients & why?

Never, ever, ever have a second drink when you are outside your home. And, if you have a history of alcohol issues or someone in your family does, then perhaps we should consider removing alcohol from your life. Also, for many clients the alcohol simply medicates some other problem in their life that they have not yet faced. By addressing this underlying issue we can have success in changing their life and their future.