Toni A. Key, Paralegal

An integral part of our team since January 17, 2007, Toni is someone you want on your side. She loves the law, and her clients while delving into cases with unmatched passion. This passion began when she was a mere seven years old. She dreamed of being a lawyer and spent her time reading old legal cases and wanting to change the world.

She believes the legal system is every person’s chance at justice or balancing the scale of
good and bad. She loves this quote from President Theodore Roosevelt: 

“No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor.”

Clients often mention Toni when they review our firm. She is known by clients as a “person who can explain the law in a way I can  understand it.”

Toni has lived in Huntsville since 1980 and loves her city and her family. She earned her associate degree in paralegal studies from Calhoun Community College in 1997. She gives credit to the experienced paralegals and lawyers who served as her mentors, stating her admiration and appreciation for all they taught her. Toni gained experience in estate law, real estate law, and plaintiff’s cases before joining our team. In her own words, she says it best:

“I found my home here at Hornsby, Watson, Hornsby & Heyward. I have been honored to be a part of such a wonderful team and consider this firm my family. I genuinely enjoy being able to help people who are injured or wronged by someone else’s wrongdoing. I enjoy creating relationships with my clients by answering questions and hearing their stresses, worries, and emotions during the trying times that an injury can cause.

The best part of my job is when a client’s case is finally resolved, and they are so thankful, happy, and relieved for everything to be over and resolved. To see how grateful and appreciative they are gives me satisfaction because I know in my heart that we have helped them. There was light created out of a terribly dark situation. I know their lives are forever changed because of their injury. Yet being a part of the balance between the good and bad in life makes all the hours dedicated to each case more than worth it.

When a client must go to trial, being there for the entire process has taught me so much about the law, people, and why fighting for our clients is so important. Receiving a jury verdict in favor of our client brings joy, tears, hugs, and relief.

It is a beautiful moment in time. Knowing you were able to have your story told, heard, and believed is what most of us want. A jury verdict validates those
wishes.”

Every single client we have gone to trial with holds an incredibly special place in my heart. I approach their case with all the comfort and kindness my years of experience can offer. When we prevail, I’m given a great gift in return; the privilege of experiencing a moment of boundless joy born from tragedy. My favorite president sums it up nicely, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” And that’s what I try to do every day for my family and my clients.