Wayne Hogan, a Jacksonville native, has been an integral part of Terrell Hogan Law since 1977. A graduate of Florida State University with both his bachelor’s and J.D. degrees, Wayne has dedicated his career to fighting for justice, specializing in personal injury law.
Wayne’s passion for advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. He and his wife, Pat, are actively involved in the Jacksonville community, combining their professional expertise with a deep commitment to giving back.
A Champion for Justice and Accountability
Wayne has spent decades holding corporations accountable for the harm caused by defective and dangerous products. His relentless pursuit of justice has brought life-changing results for countless clients and groundbreaking legal outcomes for the public.
One of Wayne’s most significant achievements was his role in landmark litigation against the cigarette industry. Alongside other leading trial lawyers, he helped secure a historic $17 billion settlement for Florida taxpayers, ensuring accountability for decades of harm caused by tobacco companies. This settlement not only compensated the state for the costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses but also ushered in sweeping reforms in tobacco control. These changes included banning billboard advertisements, retiring figures like Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man, and protecting future generations from tobacco addiction and disease.
Trailblazer in Punitive Damages and Toxic Tort Litigation
Wayne’s expertise extends to punitive damages, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping Florida law. He has secured punitive damage verdicts in 26 cases against manufacturers of defective products, setting precedents that continue to influence toxic tort litigation.
In Johns-Manville Sales Corp. v. Janssens, Wayne successfully argued for plaintiffs’ rights to receive punitive damages in asbestos-related cases, paving the way for accountability in toxic tort litigation. This victory established that multiple punitive damage awards could be pursued to punish ongoing corporate recklessness.
In Celotex Corp. v. Pickett, Wayne helped achieve a ruling that a company inheriting liability through merger could be held accountable for punitive damages due to the reckless behavior of its predecessor. These cases solidified Wayne’s reputation as a fierce advocate for victims of corporate negligence and a leader in asbestos litigation, representing thousands of victims statewide.
Committed to Education and Diversity in Law
Wayne’s dedication to justice doesn’t end in the courtroom. Since 1992, he has partnered with the FSU College of Law to expand the Donald J. Weidner Summer for Undergraduates Program. This innovative program provides undergraduate students with a month-long immersion into law school life, equipping them for both academic and professional success.
The program, the largest and oldest of its kind, has been twice recognized with the American Bar Association’s Alexander Award for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity. Wayne’s support has helped the program become a national model for fostering diversity and preparing the next generation of legal professionals.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership
Wayne Hogan’s career is defined by his unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and empowering others. Whether fighting for victims of corporate negligence, setting legal precedents, or inspiring future lawyers, Wayne exemplifies the values that define Terrell Hogan Law.
His leadership has shaped not only the firm but also the lives of thousands of clients and the legal community at large. Wayne’s passion for the law and dedication to his hometown of Jacksonville remain central to his work every day.
Certifications and Recognitions
Consumer Law Designation and Board Certification
In 1977, the Florida Bar established the Designation Program for attorneys who practice in particular areas of the law. One of those designations was Consumer Law. Wayne Hogan was one of the first in the Florida Bar to become designated in Consumer Law.
Then, in 1982, the Florida Supreme Court replaced the Designation Program with a system of Certification to be more helpful to consumers of legal services across Florida and created a method for attorneys to become certified as “specialists” or “experts” in their field of practice. Certification is the highest level of recognition by the Florida Bar of the competency and experience of an attorney in his or her field of practice. Testing and peer review of qualifications are required. Board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice.
Thirty Years of Certification with the National Board of Trial Advocacy
Since 1985, Wayne Hogan has continuously maintained his Civil Trial Certification with NBTA. The NBTA certification was the first American Bar Association accredited attorney board certifying agency in the world. Founded in 1977, NBTA offers board certification for Trial Lawyers, Criminal Lawyers, and Family Lawyers. To qualify for one of these certifications lawyers must have extensive experience in their specialty and meet rigorous objective quality standards.
Wayne Hogan has consistently maintained his Florida Bar and National Bar Board Certifications.
Mr. Hogan has been given the Highest Peer Review Rating (AV Preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell, a significant rating accomplishment – a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized by publications such as Best Lawyers in America (Woodward & White) and Leading Florida Personal Injury Attorneys (American Research Corporation), Florida Trend’s Legal Elite (2004-Present) and Florida Super Lawyers (2007-2022).
