Interview with Attorney Trey Harrell

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Trey Harrell, an influential, well connected, young attorney based out of Charleston, South Carolina. Trey is also part of a weekly radio segment on Tuesday mornings on the radio station WTMA 1250 AM where they discuss everything from legal issues, politics sports and other current events. Since Trey returned to the Lowcountry to start his law practice, he has built a massive buzz and has created somewhat of a cult following.

Trey thank you so much for doing this. Tell us more about yourself.

I am a former prosecutor who runs his own practice in Charleston, SC. I’d like to think that my practice is extremely family oriented and that we work tirelessly for our clients. While I have had my own solo practice for over a year, I recently moved my office into Harrell Square, in Charleston, SC and began working on cases with my uncle. I believe our combined experiences make us a dynamic team.

How did you get started? 

After working as a prosecutor and with big prestigious firms, I decided it was time to go out on my own. I formed my firm about a year and a half ago. I realized that there was a need for a conservative, family oriented former prosecutor who could take their various life experiences and and really make a difference for the people of the Lowcountry.

When did you decide that you wanted to start your own firm?

I decided to start my own firm because I wanted to work for myself. There is something special about being a small business owner and being the one who creates jobs. I realized that I could be a lot more than just another Charleston Lawyer. I felt like my experience as a former prosecutor, as well as my experiences growing up in Charleston, would give me a particular view on how to get things done for my clients.

What gave you the courage to start a company, speak out, become a public figure? 

Public service has been something that is very important in my family. From my Father serving as Speaker of the House of South Carolina or my Grandfather as the Highway Commissioner, I was taught at an early age that you are responsible for making your home a better place to be. As a result of these lessons, I decided to go to Law School and use the law to make the Lowcountry a better place to call home.

What is one of your greatest accomplishment to date? Tell us about something that you are most proud of? 

My greatest accomplishment is not any particular case that I have won or being named to the National Trial Lawyers -Top 40 Under 40, rather it is my little girl. My wife, Amber, and I are the proud parents of a feisty 3 year old who surprises us each and every day with how smart she is. Being her dad is by far what I am most proud of.

What was one of your most challenging moments and how did you overcome it?

I’ve had more challenging moments that I can talk about here. However, the way I always got through them was to keep my faith, put my head down and never stop moving forward.

Does your family support you in your efforts?

My wife, Amber, is one of the most supportive people on the planet. There is no way I could do what I do with out her backing me up every single day. I am the luckiest guy on the planet, not only is she smoking hot but i have no idea how she puts up with me and my crazy schedule.

Who are your favorite people and/or role models, both business and personal?

My favorite person would have to be my wife. My role models, on a personal level, would have to be my parents. My father has been a huge influence in my life and he could not have done all the things he did for the State of South Carolina without her help. From a business/legal or political perspective: First off, I’m a staunch conservative so obviously I am a huge fan of Reagan. If you look back to how he stood up to the various establishments, whether it be the Soviet Union or the Washington Elite, it was impressive and clutch for our country. Additionally, I look up to Abraham Lincoln and not just for keeping our country united or moving past one of the darkest times in our history. Pre-politics Lincoln was a phenomenal trial lawyer due to his ability to win over juries with his extreme intelligence and sharp wit.

What message would you send to inspire all the other aspiring business owners out there who look up to you?

In my family we have a saying, “The harder I work the luckier I get”. That is by far the best advice that I could give to anyone.

What do you understand about your industry that other people don’t understand? 

What I have learned over my time practicing law is that its all about the treating people right. whether it is my client, opposing counsel or a witness. If you are strait with folks and don’t “hide the ball”, you can get a lot more accomplished.

What’s next for you in your career/business?

That is a good question. I constantly get asked if I am going to run for office. My answer is always the same. Right now, I’m loving being a dad and growing my practice as a Charleston Attorney. Although, as any Constitutional conservative, I see that there are issues with our country and the way it is being run and I would love to be part of the solution. However, my focus at the time being is being one of the best fathers possible as well as trying to become one of the best attorneys in Charleston.

What does Disrupt mean to you? 

To me “To Disrupt” means to make progress. Whether it is in politics or the law, most of the time when someone has been a “disrupter” we have moved forward in some way or another. Whether it was the Declaration of Independence or Brown v. Board of Education, when individuals decide to stand up and attempt to “Disrupt” the status quo it tends allow for progress and our country to become a better place to live.

Connect with Trey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-harrell-b8a2292a/