Horack Talley

Horack Talley has the dual distinction of having been named one of Charlotte’s best law firms and also of being one of the oldest firms in the city. 

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.

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.

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.   This year, in honor of our seventy-fifth anniversary, we are funding the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house.  Our attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff and their spouses will be donating their labor to its construction this fall. We are welcoming participation by friends of the firm and clients as well.

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.

Address: Contact Info:

Listing Options Add Review Add to Favorites Claim Listing Report Listing Bookmark and Share