History
Over the years our firm has been involved in many noteworthy cases. Probably the most famous of these was the landmark busing case (Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education), which Senior Partner Ben Horack (as attorney for the School Board) argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1970.
Our firm was founded by H. I. McDougle and Paul R. Ervin, who were classmates at the Duke School Law School. Following graduation in 1932, they opened their new Charlotte firm with offices in the Law Building (on E. Trade Street near the old courthouse). McDougle & Ervin began as a general practice that specialized in residential and commercial real estate. After World War II, when Ben Horack was made a partner, the firm name was changed to McDougle, Ervin & Horack. McDougle died in 1961, Ervin in 1970. After 40 years with the firm, Ben Horack retired in 1986.
In the mid-1960's, Jim Talley, Henry Pharr and Bill Lowndes were recruited, and later became senior partners. In the 1970's our firm name was changed to reflect the expanded leadership. As a result, the original McDougle & Ervin firm evolved into Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes. Recently, we have become known simply as Horack Talley.
We also have a long history of service to the community. Horack Talley alumni include two judges, four legislators, two City Attorneys, one County School Board Attorney, two Federal District Attorneys, several law teachers, and attorneys for public libraries and local universities. We donate time and money to the community in terms of charitable giving, pro-bono practice, leadership roles in business and professional groups, and community service.
Last year, in honor of our seventy-fifth anniversary, we funded the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house, and our attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff and their spouses donated many hours of labor to its construction. This year, two of our attorneys were honored with pro bono awards at the Power of Justice luncheon held April 28 and sponsored by Business Leader magazine.
This year, too, we have completed the Law Firm Climate Challenge requirements as a partner in the WasteWise, Energy Star, Best Paper Practices, and Green Power programs. We are considered Green Power leaders for our purchase of cleanSource alternative energy credits totalling more than 100% of our yearly energy usage. The estimated environmental benefit of Horack Talley’s participation is equivalent to the carbon-offsetting that would be achieved by planting 2229 trees or by not driving over 590,000 miles.
Our attorneys and alumni have served as president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Bar and president of N.C. Bar Association, and have served on the Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board. One was elected Mayor of Asheville. Another went on to become president & CEO of Duke Energy, then called Duke Power Company. Today, Horack Talley attorneys continue our long tradition of giving and service to our community.
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