James T. Terrell

Jim is the founding partner of Terrell • Hogan. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he received both his B.A. and J.D. from Stetson University. Jim also served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970.

Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Roger Maris once said, “You hit home runs not by chance but by preparation.” While Terrell • Hogan founder Jim Terrell measures his success in the courtroom rather than on the ball field; to him, the sentiment holds true just the same.

Growing up, Jim was a standout athlete, playing basketball and baseball at Robert E. Lee High School on Jacksonville’s westside. He went on to play basketball for Stetson University, where he also earned his law degree. Though he has since retired from team sports, Jim thrives on a team of another sort – a strong team of attorneys at the firm that bears his name.

It was someone else’s mistake; however, that demonstrated to Jim the very serious implications of performing unprepared. He was working as a defense attorney, representing a taxicab company in a case where the driver rear-ended another vehicle, injuring its passenger. Although the driver of the taxi was at fault, because the passenger’s attorney was ill-prepared to try the case, the jury sided with the defense. The injured passenger received no damages to cover her injuries, and Jim knew that justice had not been served. It was then he realized his true calling — to protect the rights and interests of the victim.

Jim joined attorneys Hank Searcy and Tom Brown to represent the injured in Jacksonville, forming Searcy, Brown & Terrell in 1974. The firm was founded on the ideals that thorough preparation and hard work were the keys to ensuring every case receives its due justice. It has since evolved into the Terrell • Hogan of today, but those principles remain constant, and Jim has spent the past 33 years leading by example. He remains an active and involved attorney, continuing to fulfill his mission and representing individuals in Northeast Florida.

Jim has spearheaded many significant cases that have brought justice for victims and positive change for the community. In one such case, Jim, along with Terrell • Hogan attorney Tim Ellis, represented a sanitation worker who was riding on the outside of a garbage truck when he was struck by a vehicle from behind. His injuries were so significant that his leg had to be amputated. The case revealed that when sanitation workers ride on the rear of the truck, their bodies would block the vehicle’s brake lights from behind. The result of the case not only provided for the victim, but it also helped convince manufacturers of sanitation vehicles to reposition the brake lights for everyone’s safety.

In addition to an impressive legal career, Jim is an active philanthropist and champion for the environment. He gives significant credit to his assistant of 22 years, Susan Agle.

Jim is the team captain that any lawyer would be proud to work alongside and any client would be proud to have pinch-hitting on their behalf.