Vanguard Attorneys adds veteran litigator DeWayne K. Terry Sr.

Vanguard Attorneys said Tuesday that it has brought on DeWayne K. Terry Sr., a Tampa personal injury lawyer with more than 30 years of legal experience. The hire adds trial experience in personal injury, wrongful death and other litigation areas as the firm looks to expand its courtroom bench.

Why it matters: - Vanguard Attorneys is adding an attorney with decades of trial and litigation experience to its personal injury and wrongful death practice. - The hire broadens the firm’s capacity to handle catastrophic injury matters, which often require aggressive pretrial work and trial preparation.

What happened: - Vanguard Attorneys announced the addition of DeWayne K. Terry Sr. to the Tampa firm. - Terry brings more than 30 years of legal experience. - Managing Attorney Karina Perez Ilić said the firm is “thrilled” to welcome Terry and cited his litigation background and commitment to client advocacy.

The details: - Terry began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County under Katherine Fernandez Rundle. - He later served as Assistant Staff Counsel in the Miami office of The Florida Bar. - Terry then moved into private practice and worked in civil, criminal and family law. - His current practice focuses on personal injury and wrongful death litigation. - Terry has handled traumatic brain injury, trucking accident, negligent security, premises liability and construction accident cases. - Terry works with clients and referral counsel to prepare cases for trial and pursue recovery for negligence-related injuries. - He earned his law degree from St. Thomas University College of Law. - He studied public policy at Duke University. - At Duke, Terry lettered in football and track and field. - Terry also spent time as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. - Terry is admitted to practice in Florida, the District of Columbia and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. - Terry volunteers as a youth football coach with the Miramar Optimist Club. - He is active with the Zeta Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. - Terry supports the Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival and other South Florida community initiatives. - Vanguard Attorneys says the firm represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, trucking collisions, premises liability incidents, construction accidents and other negligence claims. - More information is available on the firm’s website.

Between the lines: - The hire suggests Vanguard Attorneys wants to emphasize courtroom experience as it competes for serious injury and wrongful death cases. - Terry’s background in prosecution, bar counsel work and private practice gives the firm a lawyer with a wide litigation base, not just a plaintiff-side resume. - His community involvement may also help deepen local ties in South Florida and Tampa-area legal circles.

What’s next: - Terry is expected to contribute to the firm’s trial-focused personal injury work. - Vanguard Attorneys will likely use his experience to support cases that may need to go to court rather than settle early. - The firm’s full announcement and contact points are available through its online channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.