For some, the decision to pursue a career in law is sparked by personal ambition or a defining life event. For others, it is inspired by family tradition—a shared passion for justice and advocacy that spans generations.
The 2025 Legal Legacy Special Issue of Attorney at Law Magazine celebrates lawyers who carry on their families’ legacies in the legal profession, highlighting the unique bonds, lessons, and inspirations that shape their journeys. From fathers and sons navigating different practice areas to entire families working side by side, these stories demonstrate how the law becomes more than a profession—it becomes a shared calling.
This post highlights one such legacy—senior shareholder and 48-year corporate attorney Terence “Terry” Thompson and his son, 16-year litigation shareholder Christopher “Chris” Thompson.
Q: Were you surprised your son decided to pursue a legal practice?
Terry Thompson: Chris’ pursuit of a career in law might have been foreseeable. Law has been something of a tradition in our family: My grandfather was an attorney and a county prosecutor, my younger sister and two cousins practiced law, and my daughter—Chris’ older sister—is a lawyer as well. When it’s your own child making that decision, it carries special significance. Seeing Chris embrace a dedication to law—not because it was expected of him, but because he genuinely wanted to—is very reassuring. He’s forging his own path, and it’s exciting to watch him contribute to the profession.
Q: What about your dad’s practice inspired you to pursue a career in the law?
Chris Thompson: I can safely say that nothing about my Dad’s corporate practice directly inspired me to pursue law. Growing up, I never really understood what he did—beyond knowing he was an attorney. Most of my childhood memories involve hearing him dictate notes in the evenings from his home office. I was always amazed that he could pause mid-sentence, recall an error in a previous sentence, and then specify, “In the prior sentence starting ‘X,’ insert a semicolon after ‘Y.’” Aside from that, I remember large files full of paper and plenty of yellow notepads. His practice was a mystery—and, in many ways, it still is.
However, while my Dad’s practice itself may not have inspired me, he absolutely did—and still does.
Q: What are some hopes you have for Chris’ career, and What lessons do you hope he will learn from you and your career?
TT: It is a pleasure to see that Chris has developed a reputation for integrity, dedication to justice, and compassion for clients. He has pushed himself professionally as an excellent advocate for clients. I hope he continually refines his skills, never stops learning, and stays humble throughout his career. Above all, I want him to find fulfillment and meaning in his work, and continue our family’s tradition of service with sincerity and respect for the law.
Q: What are some of the best lessons your dad taught you?
CT: I wouldn’t know where to begin or how to rank his lessons in terms of importance. Perhaps one lesson of significance to my practice is that the law is a far more creative endeavor than most people realize.
Q: What are some of the traits or practices you see in your dad that you strive to emulate in your career?
CT: He maintains a calm, even demeanor at all times. I honestly can’t recall him ever losing his temper or raising his voice. I’ve seen him in numerous situations—both in the practice of law and in everyday life—where many others (people I admire and respect) would have lost their cool. There are too many great traits to list, but this one especially stands out.
Q: What does it mean for you to have chris in the office with you?
TT: Chris’ and my being in the same law firm is incredibly meaningful. While our practice areas differ—his litigation focus and my transactional work—seeing him develop his own style and perspective in the same firm is rewarding. I appreciate the occasions when our paths overlap on a client matter; it’s a chance to combine our strengths. Working together deepens our bond and brings our shared commitment to the law into a more personal realm.
Q: What does it mean for you to have your dad in the office with you?
CT: I get to hit the “easy button” whenever complex corporate-law issues arise in my litigation practice. The downside, however, is that I rarely receive short answers!
Click here to read the article published by Attorney at Law Magazine.
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Terry Thompson focuses his practice on corporate business mergers, acquisitions, financings, and public-private partnerships, including strategic joint ventures, water and wastewater infrastructure projects, sports facility financing, and physician-hospital agreements. In addition, Terry advises businesses and organizations on governance and operational matters. He also represents nonprofit entities, including healthcare organizations, country clubs, civic and community groups, and governmental bodies.
Chris Thompson is adept at handling all stages of litigation in a variety of commercial and noncommercial disputes, including contested trust and estates matters, administrative law and government contracts, public bidding and procurement protests, Native American law, and products liability defense. From multidistrict product liability actions to large commercial arbitration disputes, Chris’ extensive experience and knowledge provides clients with both a strong defense in dealing with pre-trial discovery and motions, and a strong offense to avoid litigation or settle pre-suit.