James T. Terrell

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. 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. 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.