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.  Horack Talley’s lawyers have made the conscious choice to uphold the firm’s tradition of quality rather than pursue unrestrained growth.

The firm had its beginnings with 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. After they had practiced law with the firm for 10 years, the firm name was again changed to reflect that they had become senior partners. As a result, the original McDougle & Ervin firm has evolved into the law firm that, for some 30 years, has been known as Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes (Horack Talley). 

In response to the needs of its ever-increasing clientele, Horack Talley expanded its practice to include a great variety of services. Horack Talley has been a full-service law firm for many years.  We have been involved in many noteworthy cases.  In 1970, Senior Partner Ben Horack (as attorney for the School Board) argued the landmark busing case (Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education) before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Horack Talley has a long history of public service. The community has tapped the talent of the firm and its alumni in a variety of ways -- a tacit confirmation of high regard for the caliber of its personnel.  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. 

Our attorneys and alumni have been president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Bar, president of N.C. Bar Association, Congressional candidates, Charlotte City Council members, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board members.  One was elected Mayor of Asheville.  Another went on to become president & CEO of Duke Power Company.  Horack Talley attorneys today continue the tradition of giving and service in civic life and volunteer work.

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