Education:
Trinity University, B.A. Philosophy/Communications 1995
Texas Tech School of Law, J.D. 1998
Professional Experience:
Admitted to Texas bar in 1998. Admitted to practice before all federal courts in Texas and the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Formed and co-founded law firm of Terry & Thweatt, P.C., in 2008. Practice emphasizes commercial, maritime and personal injury/wrongful death cases, principally for plaintiffs/claimants. Previously an associate with Goforth Lewis, Houston, Texas (2003-2008) working primarily in personal injury litigation on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps (commissioned 1997 as Second Lieutenant, honorably discharged as Captain in 2003). Served as both legal assistance attorney and trial counsel while on active duty. As a legal assistance attorney, provided wide range of legal services (immigration, wills, divorces, adoptions, consumer law issues) to more than 2,500 Marines, sailors and family members during Operation Enduring Freedom. Prosecuted more than 215 special and general courts-martial in 18 months while working in highest volume trial shop in the Department of Defense. Selected lead trial counsel for First Marine Division and its attendant regiments and battalions. Recipient of Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation for same. Admitted in August 2022 as a member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas for donating 143 hours of pro bono legal services.
Litigation:
Tried numerous criminal and civil cases to verdict, in both military and civilian courts, as lead counsel. Many cases tried as second chair, as well. Three AAA arbitrations as lead counsel, two others in supportive roles. Co-counsel in a favorable $20,000,000 arbitration award in 2010. Lead counsel in favorable $8,000,000 jury trial verdict in 2011. Co-counsel in favorable $18,000,000 jury verdict in April 2023. Lead counsel in favorable $2,000,000 jury verdict in September 2023. Has favorably settled numerous cases as plaintiff’s counsel for six, seven and eight figures. Has favorably settled numerous claims or accomplished dispositive results for defendants, as well. Has successfully handled three appeals as lead counsel. Maintains an active pro bono practice, with an emphasis on military veterans and related issues. Recovered $2,000,000 in 2021 lawsuit as pro bono counsel for Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
Other:
Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (2019 to present), Board of Directors, Houston Trial Lawyers Association (2008-2019). Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2008-present). Member, Houston Bar Association (2003-present). Married (Sarah) since 1998. Three children. Former youth league soccer coach. Former Little League baseball coach. Member, West University Little League Board of Directors (2015 to 2018). Member, Christ the King Lutheran Church (2005-present). Member, Congregation Council of Christ the King Lutheran Church (2011 to 2019; Vice President 2014 to 2017; President 2018-2019). Enjoys golf, travel, supporting the Houston Astros and Houston Texans, and fly-fishing.