Jim is the founding partner of Terrell Hogan Law. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he earned both his B.A. and J.D. from Stetson University. Before beginning his legal career, Jim served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, embodying the discipline and commitment that would later define his approach to law.
Baseball legend Roger Maris once said, “You hit home runs not by chance but by preparation.” For Jim, the courtroom has always been his playing field, and preparation is his foundation for success.
A Lifelong Commitment to Teamwork and Justice
Growing up, Jim excelled as both a student and an athlete. At Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville’s westside, he stood out on the basketball court and baseball field. Later, at Stetson University, Jim continued to thrive on the basketball team while earning his law degree. Though he no longer competes in sports, he has channeled that same energy and drive into building a different kind of team—a strong and dedicated group of attorneys at Terrell Hogan Law.
Early in his career, while working as a defense attorney, Jim experienced a pivotal moment that shaped his life’s mission. He represented a taxicab company in a case where the driver rear-ended another vehicle, causing significant injuries to a passenger. Despite the cab driver being at fault, the passenger’s attorney was unprepared, and the jury sided with the defense. Watching the injured passenger walk away with no compensation, Jim knew justice had not been served. That moment shifted his path: he realized his true calling was to protect the rights of the injured and ensure no one would face injustice due to a lack of preparation.
The Founding of Terrell Hogan Law
In 1974, Jim joined forces with attorneys Hank Searcy and Tom Brown to form Searcy, Brown & Terrell, a firm dedicated to representing injured victims. The firm operated on simple but powerful principles: thorough preparation, relentless hard work, and a commitment to justice for every client. Over time, the firm evolved into what is now Terrell Hogan Law. Nearly 50 years later, those guiding principles remain at the heart of everything Jim and his team do.
Jim has spent decades leading by example, handling cases with the same passion and dedication that defined his early years. His career is a testament to his belief in justice—not just for his clients, but for the broader community.
Landmark Cases and Lasting Impact
Jim’s work has led to meaningful change, not only for his clients but for public safety as a whole. In one notable case, Jim and fellow Terrell Hogan Law attorney Tim Ellis represented a sanitation worker who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck while riding on the rear of a garbage truck. The case revealed a dangerous design flaw: the worker’s body blocked the truck’s brake lights, making it nearly invisible to drivers behind. As a result, the case not only secured compensation for the victim but also prompted sanitation vehicle manufacturers to reposition brake lights, improving safety for workers nationwide.
Beyond the Courtroom
Jim’s contributions extend far beyond his legal achievements. He is an active philanthropist, a champion for environmental causes, and a strong advocate for giving back to the Jacksonville community. He credits much of his success to his dedicated assistant of 22 years, Susan Agle, whose partnership has been instrumental in his career.
Jim’s unwavering dedication, whether in the courtroom or the community, reflects the values at the core of Terrell Hogan Law. He’s the team captain every client wants on their side and every attorney is proud to work alongside.
