The Gross Family’s Journey from FSU Law to Building Their Legacy

Terry Gross (’79) never imagined that his Florida State University College of Law diploma would one day be the foundation of a family legacy. Today, however, that legacy is thriving through his Pensacola personal injury practice, Gross & Schuster, and in the careers of his two sons, Tyler (’14) and Rhett (’12). Both followed in their father’s footsteps, graduated from FSU Law, and are partners at Gross & Schuster.

"Law was always something we were interested in," says Tyler Gross. "We come from a family of lawyers. It provides a good foundation for everything." Growing up, Tyler and his siblings were immersed in a family culture where the law was more than just a profession—it was part of their identity. Their father’s commitment to building a meaningful, impactful career in law would shape the course of their lives.

The Gross family’s story begins with Terry Gross, "When I graduated, I didn’t know how new FSU Law was," he recalls. "But now, that diploma feels so much more valuable. We're in the top 50 in every category."

For Terry Gross, the connection to FSU remains an essential part of his professional and personal life. He maintains strong friendships with many of his classmates, and they continue to bond over football games, reunions, and shared memories from their time at the law school. "Law school is one of those bonding experiences," he reflects. "If you survive it, you’re bonded for life."

After graduating, he began building his law practice in Pensacola, Florida, where he founded Gross & Schuster with his friend, fellow FSU Law alumni, and business partner Charles Schuster (‘76), focusing on personal injury. Their work, grounded in integrity and a deep sense of service, earned respect in the legal community. Though Schuster passed away in September of 2021, the legacy of their firm continues.

For Tyler and Rhett, the decision to pursue law was, in many ways, an extension of their upbringing. They were raised in a household where the values of hard work, integrity, and service were paramount, and so was being a Seminole. "We were raised bleeding garnet and gold; my dad loves Florida State," says Rhett Gross. "We spent a lot of time in Tallahassee, attending Florida State games, seeing the campus as we grew up. My dad kept in close contact with many of his other FSU law classmates.”

While the Gross brothers admired their father’s work, they also understood that they had to forge their own paths. "When we graduated, there were no job offers from Gross & Schuster," Tyler Gross said with a smile. "Our dad told us to get out there and get courtroom experience." Both brothers followed their father’s advice, gaining valuable experience working in the public defender’s office handling criminal cases before eventually joining Gross & Schuster. "We watched and admired what our dad had built," says Rhett Gross. "He created a very good practice from the ground up, and we try to follow in his footsteps."

For both Tyler and Rhett, the guiding principle that has shaped their careers and their approach to law is their father’s unshakable integrity. Today, Gross & Schuster remains a deeply family-oriented firm, with Terry, Tyler, and Rhett all working together. However, while the firm’s values have remained constant, the brothers have also brought a modern flair to its operations.

"We’ve changed everything from a technological standpoint," Tyler Gross says. "All our processes and everything related to our practice has gone paperless." Terry Gross, who prefers the traditional methods of paper and pen, continues to manage the firm’s operations in his own way, though his sons have introduced iPads and new technologies to streamline the firm’s work. This balance of old and new is a testament to the Gross family’s ability to evolve while maintaining the core values that have defined their practice for decades.

Community ties are an essential part of the firm’s identity—one that Terry Gross instilled in his children from a young age. "We support as many local organizations as possible," Tyler Gross said. "From pro bono work to hosting community cookouts on the front porch of our office for people in need around the holidays, to working with nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters."

Terry Gross’ commitment to giving back also extends to FSU Law, where he has created the Terence A. Gross Diversity Enhancement Scholarship to support law students from historically underrepresented groups. "Giving back to the College of Law is very important," said Terry Gross. "I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend law school and want to make sure others do as well—especially students who might not have thought the legal profession was an option for them."

When they’re not in the office, the Gross family enjoys spending time together, whether it’s fishing, golfing, or traveling. But no matter where they are, the foundation of their legacy remains the same: a commitment to family, to the law, and to making a difference in the lives of those they serve.