Sharif's path to trial law was anything but conventional, but each step along the way — from valedictorian at Virginia Military Institute, to Army JAG officer defending elite soldiers, to prosecutor and finally personal injury lawyer now at Broughton Injury Law — deepened his calling to stand up for others.

As an Army JAG officer, Sharif discovered the power of advocacy in defending clients others had already written off. Representing soldiers accused of serious misconduct, he learned how much was truly at stake in every trial. One of his most unforgettable cases involved a senior officer with a federal conviction and serious PTSD — a case Sharif fought and won, earning his client an honorable discharge and medical retirement. “We created a chart — green, yellow, red — to show how his health and evaluations deteriorated together,” Sharif recalls. “That case stays with me.”

Transitioning from military to civilian life, Sharif clerked for federal judges, spent time at a major law firm, then returned to courtrooms as a Richmond prosecutor. But it was in personal injury law where he found his purpose: helping people during the worst moments of their lives and holding others accountable. He recalls a $1.5M trip-and-fall verdict in Virginia—a state known for harsh contributory negligence laws—as the moment he knew that thorough preparation and belief in his client could overcome the odds.

Sharif also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, doubt, and the emotional highs and lows of trial work. His passion is sustained by relentless learning—from Trial Lawyers University, to an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy, to the life-changing experience of attending the Gerry Spence Method at Thunderhead Ranch. “The day you say you’re done learning or that you know the right answer — you need to hang it up.”

In his “Closing Argument,” Sharif challenges the idea that good lawyers don’t need to market. A pivotal conversation changed his perspective: “If you think you provide a good legal service and you’re not marketing — shame on you.” Now, he embraces tactful, meaningful outreach so that people who need help can actually find him.

Key Takeaways

• A non-linear path can still lead to purpose-driven work if you stay open to unexpected opportunities.
• Trial law is about more than compensation—it's about accountability, deterrence, and restoring dignity.
• Believing in your client and preparing thoroughly can overcome even the toughest legal obstacles.
• Continuing education is critical for growth and sustained success in trial practice.
• Marketing done ethically allows the right clients to find the right lawyer at the right time.

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