Alyssa R. Segawa is a native of Honolulu and a partner at Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman. Alyssa’s practice concentrates on asbestos litigation, personal injury, product liability, Roundup litigation, appellate and federal practice matters. She has a particular interest in helping victims of mesothelioma seek justice through the legal system.
When Alyssa was 16, her grandfather, a retired pipefitter at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, passed away from mesothelioma. She knows what the families of the Galiher firm’s clients are going through and works hard to make sure that they can enjoy their time with loved ones.
Here’s what Alyssa had to say during our Women’s History Month Women In Law Roundtable Q&A.
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman: Where do you think we are in terms of gender equality in the legal profession? How do you see the field growing and changing in the future, not just for women attorneys but all lawyers?
Alyssa Segawa: While there have been many strides made in terms of gender equality in the legal profession, there is still a lot of work to be done. When I first started practicing, I noticed that whenever I was in a deposition or hearing I would be one of only a few women in the room. I’ve noticed that there are more women in the rooms and courtrooms, but we are still in the minority.
It’s hard to say how the field will grow and change in the future, especially given the current administration. While women have made enormous strides in the legal profession, it feels like we are at a turning point as a society. Given the political climate we find ourselves in, it’s hard to say whether women will be able to continue to chip away at the gender disparity in law, or whether we will be prevented from making any more progress. We have no choice but to continue working our hardest to make sure we are equally represented and compensated.
GDW: Many issues that our firm tackles – like helping talc-exposure victims and survivors of birth defects and sex abuse – have unique implications for women. How important is the legal field to ensuring fair treatment for women and protecting their rights? Why is it important to have female attorneys involved in this litigation?
AS: The legal field is one of the most important venues for protecting women and their rights and having women involved in the litigation is vital. Who better than women would know the struggles and hardships women face in day-to-day life? If I were dealing with significant health issues, I know I would feel more comfortable talking to another woman about it than a man. Especially in the realm of sexual abuse, if a woman was abused by a man, it could be terribly difficult for her to be able to discuss the intimate details of her abuse with a man. Having women involved in these sensitive areas of litigation ensures that our clients are met with empathy and shared experiences. Women know what dangers women face every day. While there are brilliant and kind men from our firm who also work in these areas, there are some things that women know and have learned that men may never really understand.
GDW: What is one piece of advice you’ve received that you would pass on to law students and lawyers? Women law students and lawyers?
AS: Do it even though it scares you. This might seem like obvious advice, but I have always been quite reserved and timid when it comes to my profession. I’m afraid to do certain things because I’m afraid of failing or disappointing people. However, I’ve been very fortunate to work with people who believe in me and push me to do things outside of my comfort zone like arguing before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals or attending the American Association for Justice’s Leadership Academy. While these things were incredibly daunting and scary at first, and a big part of me wanted to say no, I did it even though I was scared. While I can’t say that every result has been positive, these experiences have helped me grow in my professional experience and as a person in general. If you’re like me and need a push to do things that are intimidating, then take that push and do the scary things.
Here’s what Alyssa had to say during our Women’s History Month Women In Law Roundtable Q&A.
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman: Where do you think we are in terms of gender equality in the legal profession? How do you see the field growing and changing in the future, not just for women attorneys but all lawyers?
Alyssa Segawa: While there have been many strides made in terms of gender equality in the legal profession, there is still a lot of work to be done. When I first started practicing, I noticed that whenever I was in a deposition or hearing I would be one of only a few women in the room. I’ve noticed that there are more women in the rooms and courtrooms, but we are still in the minority.
It’s hard to say how the field will grow and change in the future, especially given the current administration. While women have made enormous strides in the legal profession, it feels like we are at a turning point as a society. Given the political climate we find ourselves in, it’s hard to say whether women will be able to continue to chip away at the gender disparity in law, or whether we will be prevented from making any more progress. We have no choice but to continue working our hardest to make sure we are equally represented and compensated.
GDW: Many issues that our firm tackles – like helping talc-exposure victims and survivors of birth defects and sex abuse – have unique implications for women. How important is the legal field to ensuring fair treatment for women and protecting their rights? Why is it important to have female attorneys involved in this litigation?
AS: The legal field is one of the most important venues for protecting women and their rights and having women involved in the litigation is vital. Who better than women would know the struggles and hardships women face in day-to-day life? If I were dealing with significant health issues, I know I would feel more comfortable talking to another woman about it than a man. Especially in the realm of sexual abuse, if a woman was abused by a man, it could be terribly difficult for her to be able to discuss the intimate details of her abuse with a man. Having women involved in these sensitive areas of litigation ensures that our clients are met with empathy and shared experiences. Women know what dangers women face every day. While there are brilliant and kind men from our firm who also work in these areas, there are some things that women know and have learned that men may never really understand.
GDW: What is one piece of advice you’ve received that you would pass on to law students and lawyers? Women law students and lawyers?
AS: Do it even though it scares you. This might seem like obvious advice, but I have always been quite reserved and timid when it comes to my profession. I’m afraid to do certain things because I’m afraid of failing or disappointing people. However, I’ve been very fortunate to work with people who believe in me and push me to do things outside of my comfort zone like arguing before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals or attending the American Association for Justice’s Leadership Academy. While these things were incredibly daunting and scary at first, and a big part of me wanted to say no, I did it even though I was scared. While I can’t say that every result has been positive, these experiences have helped me grow in my professional experience and as a person in general. If you’re like me and need a push to do things that are intimidating, then take that push and do the scary things.
Check out our Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman Virtual Roundtable Q&A: Women In Law for more interviews with our attorneys.
