102 North College, Suite 900, Tyler Texas 75702
Phone: 903-597-8311

About Us

Our History

From past decades, renowned attorneys, H. E. Lasseter, Gordon Simpson, Zeb Spruiell and Charles Potter, one of the preeminent trial attorneys of his day, had a dominant influence on the success and reputation of the firm. In 1909, John McIlwaine joined the firm. A brilliant lawyer and author, he was acclaimed for his widely used McIlwaine Digest, a textbook that became the standard for law students across the country. McIlwaine had talents in many areas of law and brought distinction to the firm.

In 1930, “Dad Joiner’s” Daisy Bradford Number 3 well struck “black gold,” and the future of Tyler and the entire region changed forever. This discovery marked the beginning of the East Texas Oil Field, which was to become the largest oil field in North America. The onset of the oil boom stimulated the growth of the law firm to meet the increasing demands of a prospering economy. Many of the major oil companies flocked to East Texas, and many established administrative offices in Tyler. Oil and gas, real estate, and litigation work was plentiful.

East Texas grew and prospered in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, and with the emergence of several major industries, Tyler developed into the hub for business and commerce. The firm also grew and diversified, becoming skilled in the full spectrum of legal specialties.

For the next twenty years, expertise in both business law and civil trial law brought together more than twenty attorneys with a versatility to attract a diverse client base and to meet the variety of legal needs in East Texas.

Today, POTTER MINTON is proud of its history. The firm continues to value its relationships with people: attorneys, staff, clients and community as its most valuable asset; and, providing professional service of the highest standard as its continued mission for the future.

Community

POTTER MINTON recognizes the importance of community service and encourages all of our attorneys to become active in charitable, community, and professional organizations. Many of our attorneys are actively involved with local and state bar associations, regularly speak to business, legal and trade groups, serve on a number of civic and academic boards, and participate in a variety of professional associations. POTTER MINTON believes that a well-rounded attorney is one who not only invests in the development of a long-term practice with the Firm, but also who enjoys a fulfilling life outside the practice of law. Likewise, members of the staff at POTTER MINTON give of their time and talents to their community, church activities and professional organizations.

From our ranks have come mayors and commissioners, Chamber of Commerce presidents, and trustees on public and private school boards. POTTER MINTON attorneys have been selected to serve on numerous boards of colleges, universities and foundations, and appointed to state boards and commissions. Attorneys and staff serve as volunteers for: non-profit organizations; church activities; social-services organizations; schools; and children’s recreational and sports activities. Our financial support includes donations to the arts and education, and charitable contributions that benefit the health and well-being of our community, children, the disabled, and the poor.

Some of the organizations which have been supported in one or many ways by POTTER MINTON over the years include:

  • Habitat for Humanity of Smith County
  • American Cancer Society
  • Director, East Texas Medical Center Specialty Hospital
  • Director, East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System
  • Mental Health Foundation of Tyler
  • Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Foundations
  • East Texas Medical Center Foundation
  • Board of Trustees, Texas Chest Foundation
  • Willingham Foundation
  • Tyler Economic Development Council
  • Susan G. Komen Foundation
  • March of Dimes
  • Chairman, American Red Cross
  • Chairman, Smith County Child Welfare Board
  • Chairman, Region 04 Child Welfare Board
  • Children’s Village
  • East Texas Crisis Center
  • Board of Directors, Literacy Council
  • Board of Directors, United Way of Greater Tyler, Inc.
  • Chairman, United Way of Greater Tyler, Inc.
  • The Salvation Army
  • President, Tyler Rotary Club
  • President, Tyler Evening Lions Club
  • East Texas Symphony Orchestra
  • Tyler Museum of Art
  • PATH
  • The Discovery Science Place
  • East Texas Food Bank
  • Goodwill Industries
  • Prevent Blindness of Texas
  • The Tyler Rose Festival
  • Pine Cove
  • Den Leader, Cub Scouts of America
  • Board of Directors, Tyler Area Council of Campfire, Inc.
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Tyler
  • Forest Trails of Texas Campfire Boys and Girls
  • Coach, Tyler Pop Warner Football Association
  • Coach, Tyler Soccer Association
  • University of Texas Longhorn Foundation
  • President of Board of Trustees, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Board of Trustees, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Board of Trustees, Tyler Independent School District
  • Tyler Independent School District – Special Education Volunteer
  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
  • University of Texas at Tyler
  • Board of Trustees, Schreiner College
  • Board of Directors, University of Texas at Tyler Foundation
  • Board of Directors, Tyler Junior College Foundation
  • Tyler Independent School District Foundation
  • President, Baylor Law Alumni Association
  • Board of Directors, Austin College Alumni Association
  • President, Austin College Alumni Athletic “”A”” Association
  • Baylor University Development Council
  • Chairman, East Texas Campaign for Baylor Student Life Complex
  • Chairman, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
  • Board of Directors, Sabine River Authority
  • Board of Directors, Tyler Industrial Foundation
  • Participants, Leadership Tyler
  • President, Heart of Tyler
  • President, Historic Tyler, Inc.
  • Board of Directors, East Texas Communities Foundation
  • Chairman, Tyler 2000 Plus Steering Committee
  • Chairman, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Directors, Tyler Police Foundation
  • Board of Directors, East Texas State Fair
  • East Texas Planning Council
  • Tyler Parks and Recreation Board
  • President, Smith County Young Lawyers Association
  • President, Smith County Bar Association
  • Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
  • Texas Bar Association
  • Tyler Teen Court
  • Eastern District of Texas Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Board of Directors, American Bar Association
  • American Health Lawyers Association
  • Texas Association of Bank Council
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
  • American Judicature Society
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Chairman, Bench Bar Committee