Ogletree Deakins Founder Dies - Articles

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Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 9, 2026

Homer L. Deakins, a founding member of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC (now Ogletree Deakins) died earlier this week at age 90. From an initial team of 16 attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, the firm has grown to more than 1,100 lawyers across 60 offices globally, with offices in Memphis and Nashville. Deakins served as the firm's managing shareholder from 1985 to 2001. Ogletree Deakins in 2014 established the Homer Deakins Service Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify selfless service and inspire others through courageous action. Since its inception, the firm has donated over $300,000 to charitable organizations on behalf of award recipients.