Dmitri Nikolaenko

Jeffrey Whitt is a highly respected criminal defense attorney based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for his formidable presence in state and federal courtrooms across Tennessee, he has built a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and relentless advocate for his clients. Jeff earned his law degree from Samford University in 1991 and holds a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, where he was an Academic All-American and All-Conference honoree in both football and tennis. An active lead...

We are in a battle for the future of our democracy. The frontline is the courtroom. Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Maybe a little heavy-handed? I write and speak like this because it matters. And I care. At our founding, Thomas Jefferson said this: “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” Access to our courts is the bedrock of our democracy. But the truth is that the civil jus...

Leah Keele is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Leah, who practices law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hamden was born in Clearwater, Florida, and is a third-generation lawyer. Hamden attended Florida State University, where he obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in 1976, followed by his Master’s Degree in Criminology in 1979. Hamden attended Oklahoma City University Law School, and graduated with Honors, in 1983, and after serving as a staff attorney, to the Honorable Patricia Robinson, First District Court of Appeal, he attended the University of Florida, where he obtained his Mas...

Austin C. Bradley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Austin C., who practices law in Omaha, Nebraska, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Austin C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melanie Howard’s practice focuses on the acquisition, protection, licensing, exploitation and sale of intangible assets for major brands and individual talent. Known for her business-minded approach, she represents clients across a variety of industries, including fashion and luxury retail, esports, automotive, technology, entertainment and media, and financial. Clients regularly turn to Melanie for strategic brand protection guidance and counsel on data privacy matters in the context o...

Erin C.S. Izzo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Erin C.S., who practices law in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erin C.S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Todd Wade is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law. Michael Todd, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael Todd is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Nichols has over 30 years of experience as a construction and commercial law and litigation specialist, and is co-chair of Rutan’s Construction Law Group. He represents prime and specialty contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, institutional and private owners, developers, builders, design professionals, lenders, insurers, distributors, and others in business and construction law matters. Steve has assisted clients in negotiating and drafting a wide array of construction and co...

“Charlie was the ultimate service provider. He is vastly experienced and had a great understanding of our issues. He was the best to deal with in every way.” – Client quote in Chambers USA Charlie Mercer focuses his practice on state and local tax controversies (SALT), including property tax, sales and use tax, and corporate and individual income tax. Charlie has extensive experience representing taxpayers in real property and business personal property tax appeals across No...