The roots of Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A. started to grow in 1946, shortly after Joe H. Daniel returned from serving as a Major in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.  He received both a Bronze Star and a Gold Star during the war, and returned to Mississippi a hero.  Joe Daniel had graduated from The University of Mississippi School of Law prior to the onset of WWII, and joined a small two-man firm in Jackson, Mississippi upon his return.  Curtis E. Coker, who also served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and attended Ole Miss law school after returning from the war, and Frank Collins Horton, who was an officer in the United States Army Air Corps, and also attended Ole Miss upon his return from war, joined Joe Daniel in the practice of law in 1951. The final named partner, Thomas A. Bell served as an officer in the U.S. Army and joined the firm in 1962 after graduating from law school at Ole Miss. Since the inception of the firm,Joe Daniel instilled the concept of true client service as the cornerstone of  the culture of the firm.  The legacy of military leadership and client service combined with a strong commitment to defend the interests of the businesses of the State of Mississippi has continued to form the mission and strategic vision of the firm. In addition to service to country and clients, DCH&B leadership has also demonstrated strong support of both the Hinds County Bar Association and the Mississippi Bar. As Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A. entered the 21st Century, it did so still servicing over 80% of the original clients of the firm, clearly demonstrating that maintaining client relationships and strong customer service is an essential element of DCH&B’s approach to the practice of law. 

Another element of the firm’s legacy is found in its commitment to legal education in Mississippi.  DCH&B has long supported The University of Mississippi School of Law, both by endowments to capital programs such as the building of the new Robert C. Khayat Law Center which opened in 2011, as well as funding scholarships awarded to students whose academic and leadership records are exemplary.  The firm’s most recent scholarship at the Ole Miss law school, the Daniel, Coker, Horton, and Bell Diversity Scholarship, is intended to help increase the School of Law’s ability to attract high-achieving and promising students who also strengthen diversity at The University of Mississippi School of Law.  DCH&B also has made significant contributions to the recent building endowment at the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson.

The firm originally opened its doors in Mississippi’s capital city, Jackson.  In 1995, the firm established a second full-service office in Oxford, Mississippi, home of The University of Mississippi, which services the northern portion of Mississippi.  In 1997, a third office was opened on the Gulf Coast, in Gulfport, Mississippi.  From these offices DCH&B can efficiently service the need of our clients not only in Mississippi, but in the surrounding states as well.