As Phillips Murrah celebrates 40 years of service, we’re highlighting the people whose work has helped shape the firm along the way. In this 40 for 40 Profile, we spotlight Terry Hawkins and the perspective he brings to his role and to the firm’s culture.
Terry knew from his school days that he wanted to go to law school. However, being an Economics major in college, he also developed an interest in banking and finance. While in law school, he started clerking for a 5-6 lawyer firm where each lawyer worked in municipal finance law. He continued working for that firm for eight years after graduating from law school. In November 1988, T. Ray Phillips called Terry and stated that he wanted to start a municipal finance law practice at Phillips Murrah and asked whether Terry would be interested in joining the firm. Terry joined Phillips Murrah on January 1, 1989. T. Ray proved to be a great mentor in that he used to say, “Work is important, but your family is more important. You have to develop a work/life balance.” Today’s technology makes that much more possible for young lawyers with growing families. In addition, this philosophy has helped the firm maintain the many talented attorneys who work at Phillips Murrah today.
Terry states that his law practice has been very rewarding, as he has handled municipal finance projects for state agencies, colleges and universities, counties, municipalities, and school districts in all 77 counties in the state.
Outside of work, Terry enjoys the ranching operation he shares with his wife, Brenda, in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, following sports, and watching their grandchildren grow up.
As Phillips Murrah celebrates 40 years of service, Terry is very proud of how the firm has grown, both in the number of lawyers and in its presence in the Oklahoma City community. The firm’s workplace culture has played a key role in this growth, and maintaining this culture will ensure Phillips Murrah continues to succeed in the future.
Follow our year-long anniversary celebration by visiting our 40th Anniversary page and connecting with us on social media using the links below. We look forward to sharing what’s next.
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