DeWayne K. Terry, Sr. is a seasoned trial attorney at Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg with more than 30 years of experience representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. Over the course of his career, he has built a strong reputation as a courtroom advocate dedicated to helping clients pursue accountability and meaningful recovery after catastrophic injuries.
DeWayne began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County under the leadership of Katherine Fernandez Rundle, where he developed substantial trial experience handling serious criminal matters and learning to evaluate cases quickly and effectively in high-stakes litigation environments. He later continued his public service as Assistant Staff Counsel in the Miami office of The Florida Bar before expanding his practice across civil, criminal, and family law divisions. This broad litigation background helped establish the strategic foundation that continues to guide his approach to complex injury cases today.
Since transitioning into personal injury practice, DeWayne has focused his career on representing victims of catastrophic injury and wrongful death. He has extensive experience handling cases involving traumatic brain injuries, trucking crashes, negligent security incidents, premises liability claims, and construction accidents. Known for his courtroom presence and practical litigation strategy, he works closely with clients and referral counsel to prepare cases for trial and maximize recovery when serious harm results from negligence.
Before entering private practice, DeWayne earned his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University College of Law after completing his undergraduate studies in Public Policy at Duke University. While at Duke, he lettered in both football and track and served as co-captain of the football team under Head Coach Steve Spurrier. He later spent time as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts—experiences that shaped the discipline and teamwork he brings to litigation today.
In addition to his legal practice, DeWayne remains deeply involved in community mentorship and service. He volunteers as a youth football coach with the Miramar Optimist Club and is active with the Zeta Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Offspring Masonic Lodge #252, Kazah Temple #149, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., and Greater St. Paul AME Church in Coconut Grove, Florida. He is also a longtime supporter of the Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival and other community initiatives across South Florida.
At our firm, DeWayne applies decades of courtroom experience to help clients navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His background as both a prosecutor and trial lawyer gives him a practical, results-focused perspective that strengthens the firm’s ability to pursue complex and high-value injury claims from investigation through resolution or verdict.
