David A. Chapman

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mr. Brown has practiced with the firm since 2002 and has been a Equity Member of the firm since 2008. He concentrates his practice in the areas of workers' compensation and general liability defense, primarily premises and auto liability. He also has a background in defense of governmental entities, having formerly served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Gregory F. Coleman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Gregory F., who practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Rockforde D. King is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Rockforde D....

John E. Winters, an effective trial lawyer with over 23 years of experience, focuses his practice in the areas of Labor and Employment and Commercial Litigation. His vast knowledge and experience coupled with a common sense approach to resolving disputes is vital to helping his clients save not only money but also valuable time away from their businesses. He takes the time to understand his clients' needs and legal goals and looks for cost-effective solutions that will get them the results th...

Jack Burgin has a diverse legal practice, primarily advising and defending employers on a variety of labor and employee benefit related topics and on representing and advising government contractors about costs and labor issues. Jack's advice and litigation practice focuses on Representing and advising employers on all types of employment discrimination issues, including questions relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Representing and advising plan administrators and plan sponsors ...

R. Christopher Trump is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. R. Christopher, who practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Eldridge was educated at the University of Tennessee, receiving his undergraduate degree in 1982. He graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Law, cum laude, in 1986. While there, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of its law review publication. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable W. Eugene Davis of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Eldridge began the private practice of law in 1987, joining Ritchie, Fels & Dillard in 19...

Mr. Fraser has provided many years of defense litigation for clients in various areas, including general liability, premises and products liability, employment, insurance disputes and professional errors and omissions claims. He has successfully litigated matters ranging from complex, multiple-party suits in products liability, wrongful death and subrogation matters. He is an Equity Member of the firm located in the firm's Knoxville office and also serves as the firm's Managing Member.

Edward (“Ward”) Phillips has a wealth of knowledge and trial experience in his practice areas of Labor and Employment Law. Ward represents management exclusively in all areas of employment and labor relations, including state and federal employment litigation and in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the United States Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board. He is a forceful, effective litigator. Ward has been describ...