Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Clark, Christine Cane, and Terena Hodge.
Billy, Christine, and Terena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
BILLY CLARK: Owner, The Clark Law Firm. Owner, Clark Mediation. Owner and CEO of Next Level Management Group (NLMG).
I graduated from Waco High School in 1992. I was my Senior Class President. I had a passion for two things: Government and the Criminal Justice system. I decided to join the U.S. Air Force right out of high school. I became an experienced aviator flying as a Senior Director on the E-3 AWACS airplane. I was in involved in a catastrophic airplane crash in August 2009, which led to me deciding to end my military career. After, 22-years of serving in the U.S. Air Force, I retired at the rank of Major. One day after retirement, I immediately entered law school at the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law, located here in Dallas, Texas. During law school, I also received training as a Mediator. After graduating from Law School with my Juris Doctor, I decided to open my own law firm (THE CLARK LAW FIRM)…mostly because I wanted to utilize my decades of leadership training/development to serve the community and those with legal issues. Besides being a licensed Attorney in Texas, I am also a certified mediator in both civil and family matters. I founded CLARK MEDIATION in 2017. As a mediator, I’m a conflict negotiator or third-party neutral which handle legal disputes outside of litigation. The Clark Law Firm’s focus is on Aviation Law, Civil disputes, and some Criminal Matters. In 2019, my fiancee, Christine Cane and I started NEXT LEVEL MANAGEMENT GROUP (NLMG). NLMG is a Sports and Entertainment Agency. AS CEO, I oversee the Strategic Vision and direction of NLMG.
EDUCATION: BA, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Masters of Public Administration, The University of Oklahoma, and Juris Doctor, The University of North Texas Dallas College of Law.
CHRISTINE CANE: Owner, Cane Law Firm. Owner, VP, and General Counsel of Next Level Management Group (NLMG).
I started Cane Law Firm after graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law. NLMG is a Sports and Entertainment Agency. We recently signed our first artist to a contract. Soon, we will be pursuing certifications to become certified players’ agents for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. We will also manage athletes in other professional team and individual sports. As VP, I am responsible for assisting the President with the day-to-day operations of NLMG. Additionally, as General Counsel, I am responsible for the legal affairs of NLMG and its interests.
EDUCATION: BA, Fisk University; Juris Doctor, University of Memphis School of Law. Licensed to Practice Law in Texas and Tennessee.
TERENA HODGE: Owner, Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations. President, Next Level Management Group (NLMG).
I started my career as a certified paralegal, a profession in which I have been performing for over 12 years now. Additionally, I am a licensed private investigator. As President of NLMG, I oversee the day-to-day operations of NLMG.
EDUCATION: BBA, Northwood University; Certified Paralegal; Licensed Private Investigator.
MICHAEL OYEDOKUN II. Pastor, Good Hope Baptist Church. Founder, Doke Ministries, and VP of Talent Acquisition for Next Level Management Group (NLMG).
I grew up in Waco, Texas. I graduated from Waco High School in 1992 where I was the Senior Class Vice-President. I received a full athletic football scholarship to Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduating from SFA with a BBA in Marketing, he became the Senior Pastor for Good Hope Baptist Church. At NLMG, I am responsible for all new talent.
EDUCATION: BBA, Stephen F. Austin State University, Masters Degree in Divinity from Baylor University; ABD–Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been mostly smooth. One of the biggest struggles has been in getting reaching the community that we are seeking to serve. We have found our niche and with our team of seasoned leaders–we are up for the challenge.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Clark Law Firm, Clark Mediation, Cane Law Firm, Next Level Management Group, and Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations story. Tell us more about the business.
1. The Clark Law Firm: We are a Veteran-Owned Law Firm. We are different because our focus is on Aviation Law. We are likely the only minority, veteran-owned law firm in the field of Aviation Law–from a retired aviator/aviation expert.
2. Clark Mediation: We focus on mediating Civil Disputes as well as Family matters.
3. Cane Law Firm: This firm is focused on ensuring that everyone as access to superior legal services. Cane Law Firm is committed to serving those involved in any Personal Injury incident, Immigration Cases, and Criminal Defense. The firm is licensed to practice in both Tennessee and Texas.
4. Next Level Management Group: We are owned by two lawyers (Billy Clark and Christine Cane). We value individual creativity and are definite supporters of the fine arts. We are different because the Company is led by active practicing attorneys that have vast amounts of experience in contracts, negotiations, and business development. Furthermore, others on our team consist of leaders in the field of legal affairs and Investigations (Terena Hodge, President) and Spiritual growth, Business Marketing, and Athletic achievement (Michael Oyedokun II).
5. Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations. Providing legal services and supports to law firms to reduce and help manage their workloads. Conduct private investigations to support client’s needs.
6. Doke Ministries. A non-profit addressing the needs of the world through outreach and evangelism. Doke Ministries have a host of other ventures centered around community outreach and supporting other non-profit organizations.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
SOME things can be contributed to luck. All of us believe, know, and trust that ALL THINGS are possible by the Grace of our Lord and savior — Jesus Christ.
Contact Info:
- Address: THE CLARK LAW FIRM OR CLARK MEDIATION OR NEXT LEVEL MANAGEMENT GROUP
325 N. Saint Paul Street, Suite 1210
Dallas, Texas, 75201CANE LAW FIRM
5787 S. Hampton Road, Suite 203
Dallas, Texas, 75232 - Website: www.clarklawfirmtexas.com; www.canefirm.com; www.nlmgrp.com; www.hodgelegalservices.com; www.dokeministries.org
- Phone: 2146126477 (The Clark Law Firm, Clark Mediation, and NLMG); 9722900068 (Cane Law Firm); 4322350364 (Hodge Legal Support & Private Investigations)
- Email: billy@clarklawfirmtexas.com; mediation@clarklawfirmtexas.com; billy@nlmgrp.com; christine@nlmgrp.com; terena@nlmgrp.com; michael@nlmgrp.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
