Q: Jim, how did you decide to pursue a career in law?
Jim Terrell: I actually started out thinking I’d be a doctor, inspired by my favorite uncle, who was a family practitioner in Alabama. But after attending a birthing and realizing it wasn’t for me, I shifted gears. I excelled in history in college, and my advisor suggested I’d make a good lawyer. That advice stuck, and here I am, over 50 years later.
Q: You started out on the defense side before transitioning to plaintiff work. What led to that change?
Jim Terrell: After law school and two years in the Army, I joined a defense firm in Jacksonville. I spent three years defending cases but realized it wasn’t for me. One case stands out—a taxi driver I represented caused an accident, and although I won the case, I felt bad about the outcome. I didn’t like working for insurance companies or keeping people from fair compensation. That’s when I decided to switch sides and co-founded Terrell Hogan in 1974 with my law school friend, Tom Brown.
Q: Your courtroom presence is often described as smooth and confident. What’s your secret to preparation?
Jim Terrell: Preparation is everything. It’s about anticipating what might happen and being ready for it. I prepare my witnesses, study case law, and make sure I understand the judge and opposing counsel. Trial is like a big game—you practice, practice, practice, and then it’s time to perform.
Q: What types of cases does Terrell Hogan Law handle?
Jim Terrell: We focus on helping people who have been injured, whether it’s through medical malpractice, product liability, auto accidents, or other circumstances. Recently, we added a business litigation arm to the firm. Over the years, we’ve handled everything from mid-air collisions to train accidents. If someone has been injured, chances are we’ve represented a similar case.
Q: Do you have a case that stands out as particularly meaningful?
Jim Terrell: One that comes to mind involved a young man working on the back of a garbage truck. He was hit by a car in foggy conditions and almost lost his leg. We sued the manufacturer of the truck, arguing that the lights were poorly placed and not visible. We even built a mockup of a better design with the help of an MIT professor. Today, garbage trucks have better lighting, and I’d like to think that case made a difference.
Q: How has the legal profession changed over your 50-year career?
Jim Terrell: Technology has revolutionized how we practice law. When I started, everything was face-to-face, and the only marketing was a name on a business card. Now, we have email, text messaging, Zoom hearings, and digital marketing. These changes make it easier to stay connected with clients and streamline cases, but at Terrell Hogan, we still rely on word of mouth and personal relationships to build trust.
Q: With such a high-pressure career, how do you decompress?
Jim Terrell: Staying physically active is key. I ride my bike, hit the gym, and occasionally play golf. Being fit helps me handle the demands of long trials and stressful cases. Plus, it’s a great way to clear my mind.
Q: What should potential clients know about working with Terrell Hogan Law?
Jim Terrell: First, consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for our clients. If someone has a case, they can call us at 904-632-2424 or visit our office at 233 East Bay Street in the historic Blackstone Building.
Q: Speaking of your office, it sounds like the Blackstone Building has been an important part of your firm’s story.
Jim Terrell: Absolutely. We’ve been tenants there for decades and have the entire 8th floor. A few years ago, an implosion of the old city hall blew out our windows. We sued the contractor, won a judgment, and now our windows are better than ever. It’s part of our history and shows that even lawyers sometimes need to fight for what’s right!
Q: After all these years, do you still take client calls personally?
Jim Terrell: I do. If someone calls asking for me, I’ll answer. That personal touch has always been a cornerstone of our firm, and it’s something I take pride in maintaining.
Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Jim Terrell: The law is about more than just winning cases—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. That’s what drives me and everyone at Terrell Hogan. We’re here to help, and if someone needs a lawyer, we’re just a phone call away.
Thank you, Jim, for sharing your insights and stories. To learn more about Terrell Hogan Law, call 904-632-2424 or visit their downtown Jacksonville office. Stay tuned for more conversations on Raising the Bar!
