What is a legacy?
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, one definition of legacy is:
“Something transmitted or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.”
At Brooks Law Group, our core values, ethical practices, and commitment to serving our community are part of our legacy, and it began with Dr. J. Culpepper Brooks. Dr. Brooks was my (Stephen K. Brooks) grandfather, born July 15, 1876, in Monroe, North Carolina. He grew to be a warm, compassionate, and genial man, beloved by all who knew him. We want to use this post to highlight his life and legacy, and how it continues to impact the world through Brooks Law Group today.
His Career
J. Culpepper Brooks completed preparatory school and following graduation moved on to the University of North Carolina. During this period of time, the university was in a time of major expansion, and the study body exploded from just 300 students in the 1890s to 1,000 at the end of World War I. J. Brooks took his premedical training here and excelled. The school continues to rank in the top 10 for premedical studies in the nation.
After his premedical studies, my grandfather went on to attend medical training at the old University of Chattanooga Medical School. Now known as the University of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga, He received premier medical training during his time here and graduated fully prepared for his internship. Much like his own experience, modern-day medical students at UT are given the best at every level, with plentiful opportunities to get hands-on experience alongside their in-depth classes. The school is fully accredited and considered an excellent source of highly qualified up-and-coming doctors. Fun fact: my grandmother’s father was the dean of the medical school!
J. Culpepper Brooks headed to the Lying-In Hospital in New York City for his first internship, as well as other hospitals in the area. During the years that followed, he developed a reputation for being one of the top in his field. Not only did he bring honesty and integrity to his field of medicine upon his return to Chattanooga, but his abilities as a physician and surgeon were unmatched. He specialized in obstetrics, gynecology, and surgery in the area, and was highly esteemed by both patients and fellow physicians.
His Service
My grandfather, Dr. Brooks, served his community in many ways. He was…
- a pillar (and past president) of The Chattanooga and Hamilton County Medical Society
- a force in furthering the cause of organized medicine
- a member of the Tennessee State Medical Association
- a member of the American Medical Association
- a member of the American College of Surgeons
- a member of the American Gynecological Association
- Chief of Staff of Erlanger Hospital in 1938 and 1940
- a member of Central Presbyterian Church
- a member of the Mountain City Club
He gave generously of his time and abilities and is remembered for his impact on both the medical world and the people around him.
His Legacy
In a letter from one of my grandfather’s dear friends, Dr. Chas. R. Henry, best sums up our family’s legacy:
“It was my privilege to number Dr. Brooks among my personal friends and to know him was to like him. For many years he went about the duties of his chosen profession, ministering to the sick and afflicted, using his skill as a physician and surgeon to alleviate the sufferings to which mankind is heir. He was a man of genial personality, and warm friendships, and held in the highest esteem by his social and professional associates. He was a credit to his profession and his city.”
Shouldn’t we all be so honored as to have words like these said about us in our absence? The legacy of my grandfather is this: he used his profession to serve and uplift those around him and make his community a better place.
Continuing the Work
Brooks Law Group strives to continue this legacy through our practice right here in Tampa Bay. We are a law firm built on compassion, community, and a people-first focus. Our ultimate goal is to
help people, and our clients know they will never be treated like just another number. Affording legal help is no concern for our clients, as we utilize a contingency fee model that requires no payment from you unless we win your case. Even your initial consultation is free.
In addition to helping victims in our city, we also strive to use our skills and experience to better our field and improve the practice of law at large. Attorneys at Brooks Law Group participate in a variety of legal organizations at both the local and higher level. Our team commits to community advocacy in many ways. From our annual scholarship program to the yearly Turkey Giveaway, giving back is one of the pillars of our business.
When you face a legal battle, you can always Look to Brooks. You’ll find empathy, support, and a team behind you each step of the way, in honor of the legacy left behind by Dr. J. Culpepper Brooks.
