David A. Burkhalter II

John T. (Tom) Johnson, Jr., is a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable civil trial lawyer who has over 48 years of jury trial experience. He is passionate about providing ethical, efficient, and effective representation for his clients in his practice areas of General Litigation, Insurance Defense, Insurance Coverage and Arson and Fire Claims. While every case presents different scenarios and challenges, Mr. Johnson focuses diligently on each case and the clients he represents, and h...

Denise S. Terry is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Denise S. practices law in Morristown, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Denise S. Terry since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Denise S. Terry is held by other lawyers.

Jay Mader focuses on employment and business litigation. His employment law practice includes cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation with claims relating to age, gender, race, disability, and whistleblower allegations. He also handles wage and hour and FMLA litigation. Jay’s experience in business litigation includes cases involving breach of contract and fiduciary duty, fraud and misrepresentation, consumer protection, and other business torts. In addition to litig...

Heidi Barcus has dedicated her legal career to advocating for healthcare professionals and institutions in the complex arena of healthcare liability. As a shareholder in Lewis Thomason’s Knoxville office, she has established herself as a preeminent figure in the field, offering unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to her clients. Licensed to practice law in both Tennessee and Kentucky, Ms. Barcus has consistently demonstrated her legal ability by successfully defending a wid...

Wade Davies has tried complex cases for over thirty years. In August 2025, he was sworn in as President of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has served on the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee and now represents attorneys in matters before the Board. Mr. Davies has concentrated on state and federal investigations and criminal trials throughout his career. Mr. Davies graduated first in his class from the University of Tennessee Colle...

John W. Elder received his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2000. He received his law degree, with high honors, from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2003 and joined Paine Bickers in August of the same year. Since joining the firm, he has represented numerous individuals and entities on local, regional and national levels in all types of complex civil litigation. John is a 2007 graduate of IADC Trial Academy and a 2010 graduate of the Tennessee Bar A...

Jason Legg joined the team at Garza Law in 2023. Cityview Magazine recognized Jason as a “Top Attorney” in Knoxville in seven practice areas for 2020, including Civil Litigation , Personal Injury ( automobile and motorcycle accidents), Product Liability , Workers’ Compensation , and Wrongful Death . He was also recognized in the practice area of Personal Injury in the 2015, 2016 and 2018 editions. Jason graduated from Mississippi College of Law with his Juris Doctor in 1997....

Emily L. Herman-Thompson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Emily L. practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Emily L. Herman-Thompson since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which ...

Meagan Davis Collver is a shareholder in the firm’s Knoxville office. She primarily focuses on healthcare liability defense matters, including physicians and group medical practices. She is involved in complex litigation matters, such as representing board-certified practitioners, civil rights and healthcare defense, nursing home and long-term care defense, and products liability defense. Ms. Collver works diligently to familiarize her clients with the legal process and outcome options....

Brent Morris is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Brent practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Brent Morris since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brent Morris is held by other lawyers.