Founder Jim Terrell recalls the genesis of this thriving firm. “I started the firm, with Tom Brown, one of my law school classmates, in 1974. From the beginning, we were blessed with clients. We quickly realized we would have to work weekends, turn clients away, or hire more lawyers … so we hired more lawyers. Wayne Hogan, then Tim Ellis, and later Evan Yegelwel and Ed McClamma joined the firm. We have continued to grow in order to meet the needs of the many clients we have represented over the years. Brown retired from the firm some years ago, but the nucleus remains and is going strong.”

Established on the principles that diligent preparation and hard work are crucial for ensuring each case receives its rightful justice, the firm has continued to grow into the Terrell Hogan of today. Despite the expansion, these core principles have remained steadfast, with Terrell leading by example for the past 50 years. As an active and engaged attorney, he continues to fulfill his mission spearheading many significant cases that have brought justice for victims and positive change for the community.

It’s quickly apparent both from their longevity and passionate dedication that the firm is somehow very special to every member of the Terrell Hogan team. President and senior member of the firm that carries his name, Wayne Hogan has consistently battled against injustices causing death and injury, with a focus on holding accountable those who benefit from faulty and hazardous products. His work over the last 37 years has resulted in not just favorable outcomes for his clients, but with widespread, often historic ramifications for entire sectors of the population. 

Hogan is best known for his representation since the 1970s of those affected by asbestos diseases as well as being teamed with other leading trial attorneys to prosecute the State of Florida’s racketeering and product liability case against the cigarette industry in the mid-1990s. He was recently named the ABOTA Champion of Justice and has received almost every award possible in the legal community.

“The firm is special to me because it grew, not from a business plan, but because our work as trial lawyers drew a vast number of clients, often referred by other lawyers,” he says. “Professional, dedicated service to our clients is always the focus. For five decades, our efforts – in the courtroom and across the community – have made a difference that matters. It remains true that what we do is a professional obligation.

“This is not a business, and we’re not in an industry,” Hogan adds. “We engage in this profession to help people.”