R. Reagan Sahadi Talks About How He Got His Start and Secrets for Success
R. Reagan Sahadi is an accomplished personal injury attorney known for his unwavering dedication to clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases across Texas and the nation. Hailing from South Texas and raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Reagan’s passion for justice led him to pursue a career in law.
Reagan’s educational journey includes earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2001. He then pursued his legal studies at the University of Houston Law Center, graduating in 2005. Upon returning to his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas, Reagan established his own law practice.
With an impressive track record, R. Reagan Sahadi has successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients. He notably secured a $124 million judgment against a negligent bus company in El Paso, Texas. Alongside his legal pursuits, Reagan cherishes his role as a husband and partner to Dr. Mary Margaret Ara, M.D., and a proud father to three wonderful children. During his leisure time, he finds joy in family activities, sports, ranch work, and fishing.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with R. Reagan Sahadi who shared insights into his career journey, his passion for seeking justice, and the values that drive his successful law practice.
Could you start by sharing the story behind your career choice?
My journey into personal injury law began in an unexpected way. After completing my law degree, I started practicing at an insurance defense firm, representing defendants backed by big corporate insurance companies. However, I felt a loss of passion and purpose in that role.
One day, my uncle was involved in a terrifying incident while playing golf in Houston, Texas. He fell into a massive sinkhole that opened up underneath him. Miraculously, he managed to extend his arm and shoulder, preventing a catastrophic fall into the depths of the sinkhole. Although he survived, the torn ligaments in his arm and shoulder ended his dentistry career.
When he approached me for help in settling a claim with the golf course’s insurance company, I took on my first personal injury case as a plaintiff’s attorney. As I delved into the details, I discovered that a detached drainage pipe beneath the surface was the cause of the sinkhole. I argued that the golf course had knowledge of the sinkhole’s origin.
After eight months of dedicated work, we successfully settled the lawsuit. Witnessing the relief and gratitude of my uncle and his family, I realized that personal injury law was my true calling. I left the insurance defense business and joined a high-powered plaintiff’s firm in Corpus Christi, Texas. This experience inspired me to start my own firm—Sahadi Legal—where I could help the underdog and dream big.
In your day-to-day work, what does a typical day look like for you, and how do you ensure productivity?
A typical day in my practice involves reviewing cases with my staff, conducting depositions, consulting with experts on their findings, and preparing cases for trial or settlement. To maintain productivity, I strive to strike a balance between strategic thinking and action. However, I must admit that I tend to overthink things at times. While it can be a great asset, it’s important not to let it become a hindrance. Taking a moment to breathe and gain perspective is invaluable in managing the daily stressors of my work.
In your entrepreneurial journey, what is one habit or quality that you believe contributes to your success?
Tenacity and the ability to thrive under pressure are key qualities that have fueled my success. I don’t shy away from challenges, and fear motivates me to push harder. Being second best or unsuccessful is simply not an option for me.
Along the way, have there been any moments of doubt, and if so, how did you handle them?
Doubts are inevitable in any entrepreneurial journey. However, I have learned to maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward. Surrounding myself with a supportive network and regularly reflecting on my purpose and the impact I strive to make helps me navigate through moments of doubt.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, you’ve likely encountered various challenges. Could you share a failure or setback you’ve faced and how you overcame it?
Fortunately, I can’t point to any significant failures in my journey. However, I have sometimes faced the challenge of being overly aggressive. While ambition is a driving force, there have been instances where I needed to reassess and strike a balance between assertiveness and practicality. Recognizing that patience and strategic decision-making are just as crucial as ambition has helped me navigate those situations successfully.
What does the future hold for Sahadi Legal, your personal injury law practice?
The personal injury and wrongful death landscape are constantly evolving, with changing regulations and challenges. However, I’m excited about the opportunity to practice personal injury law beyond Texas borders. My goal is to expand our reach and help clients nationwide, ensuring they receive the highest level of representation, regardless of their location. Additionally, I will continue to strive for justice, fight for the rights of victims, and maintain the utmost dedication to our clients.
Looking back at your journey and the lessons you’ve learned, what advice would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneurs?
If I could go back and advise my younger self or aspiring entrepreneurs, I would emphasize the importance of taking more chances. Fear of failure can hold us back, but taking calculated risks and embracing new opportunities can lead to remarkable growth and success. Trust yourself, be resilient, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
If you could summarize your entrepreneurial journey and the essence of Sahadi Legal in a few words or a motto, what would it be?
At Sahadi Legal, we are driven by the pursuit of justice and the relentless advocacy for our clients. Our motto is simple yet powerful: “Fighting for the underdog, dreaming big.”