Terry Cushing: A Legal Career Built on Discipline and Depth

Terence “Terry” Cushing has spent nearly two decades working inside some of the most complex areas of civil litigation and corporate law. Today, he is Senior Corporate Counsel at Republic Services, a Fortune 300 company in the environmental services industry. His path has been steady, disciplined, and shaped by early lessons in hard work, curiosity, and responsibility.

In this feature, we look at how his experiences—from his childhood in Pennsylvania to years inside major law firms—built the foundation for a career defined by leadership, versatility, and clear thinking.

Early Life That Set the Tone for His Career

Terry was born in Schenectady, New York, and raised in Exton, Pennsylvania. His father was a chemical engineer who later worked in environmental consulting. His mother stayed home to raise Terry and his brother. The mix of scientific structure and steady support shaped Terry’s approach to problem-solving.

“I grew up in a home where learning was part of everyday life,” he says. “My dad taught me to understand the details. My mom taught me to stay grounded.”

Sports were also a big part of his upbringing. He played soccer and joined the Ski Club, traveling across the Northeast. These activities taught him discipline, teamwork, and focus—skills that later showed up in his legal work.

“Skiing taught me to stay calm when the terrain changed,” he recalls. “Litigation works the same way. You adjust, stay balanced, and keep moving.”

Education and the Start of a Legal Mindset

After graduating from Downingtown High School in 1992, Terry studied International Affairs at George Washington University. The major deepened his interest in how systems work—governments, laws, and global relationships.

“In international affairs, you learn to see the bigger picture,” he says. “That skill carried over into law, where context matters almost as much as the case itself.”

He went on to earn his law degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2003. Later that year, he passed the Arizona bar exam. Over time, he became licensed in Nevada and Texas as well, expanding his reach into multiple jurisdictions.

A Federal Clerkship That Shaped His Thinking

Terry’s first step into his career was a federal clerkship with Judge Earl H. Carroll of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The experience was hands-on, fast-paced, and demanding.

“You learn quickly that every word matters,” Terry says. “Federal work forces you to be precise and thoughtful.”

The clerkship strengthened his writing, research skills, and ability to see cases from a judge’s perspective—an advantage that would follow him throughout his career.

Building Litigation Expertise in Private Practice

After his clerkship, Terry joined Bowman and Brooke LLP. He worked on product liability cases for automobile manufacturers and medical malpractice matters. These early years exposed him to high-stakes technical litigation.

“Those cases taught me how to break down complex issues,” he explains. “You may be dealing with engineering, medicine, or science, but your job is to make it understandable.”

Four years later, he moved to Jennings Strouss. Here he broadened his practice into commercial litigation, loan default servicing, personal injury, and more. His skills and leadership earned him a promotion to Partner in 2011.

“I learned how to manage large caseloads and how to manage people,” he says. “Being a partner means supporting clients and also helping associates grow.”

He later joined Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer as a Partner, where he spent more than 11 years. He developed a strong client base and led a team of associates and paralegals, handling a wide range of civil litigation matters.

“It was a long stretch of hard work, long hours, and big responsibility,” he recalls. “But it was also where I grew the most as a leader.”

A Strategic Shift Into Corporate Counsel

After nearly two decades in large law firms, Terry chose a new direction. He joined Republic Services as Senior Corporate Counsel, bringing his litigation experience into the corporate world.

“I wanted to apply everything I learned in a way that supported long-term strategy,” he says. “Corporate counsel work lets you help shape decisions before they become disputes.”

His role supports a national environmental services company working across recycling, waste management, and sustainability. His broad litigation background helps the organization navigate regulatory, operational, and business challenges.

“The best work is collaborative,” he explains. “My job is not just to solve problems, but to help prevent them.”

A Leader Grounded in Discipline and Balance

Outside of work, Terry enjoys travel, sports, politics, languages, and weightlifting. Physical training, in particular, mirrors how he approaches his career.

“Weightlifting teaches patience,” he says. “You get stronger through consistent effort. Law works the same way.”

He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2012–2013) and has done volunteer legal work. His writings—including articles on global politics and worker safety—reflect his ongoing curiosity and commitment to public issues. One of the profiles of him appears at Terence Cushing.

A Steady Career Built for the Long Run

Today, Terry stands out not for one single achievement but for the depth and consistency of his career. From federal courts to major law firms to the corporate environment, he has built a reputation for clarity, discipline, and leadership.

“I’ve tried to stay true to what I learned early,” he reflects. “Work hard, stay curious, and be the kind of teammate people can rely on.”

His path shows how a grounded upbringing, broad legal experience, and a steady approach to leadership can shape a career that keeps growing—one challenge at a time.