Jerry H. Summers

Mr. Smith has a broad-based practice with emphasis in antitrust, business, healthcare, utility and telecommunications law. His extensive experience includes handling trial and appellate work in state and federal courts as well as regulatory, transactional and legislative assignments for clients in each of these sectors. Mr. Smith has more than forty years’ experience in assisting individuals and business clients with all aspects of their legal representation. He serves as outside counse...

Stacie Caraway is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Stacie, who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stacie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Merrill Nelson advises clients on a wide variety of corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital financing and general corporate contracting. Merrill has advised purchasers and sellers in business transactions in the manufacturing, healthcare, video production and industrial supply industries, among others. He has also counseled both founders and investors in negotiating private equity investments for startup and emerging companies. Additionall...

J. Patrick Murphy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law and Corporate Law. J. Patrick, who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William G. Trumpeter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. William G., who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 1993. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don Aho practices in the area of litigation with an emphasis on business and banking litigation, securities-related litigation, professional liability, healthcare, insurance, arbitration and mediation. With more than 30 years of experience in these areas, Mr. Aho is able to provide clients with guidance to assist them in avoiding disputes, to use creative alternative dispute resolution techniques to settle the disputes or litigate them to a successful conclusion. Mr. Aho routinely represents ...

Mr. Godbold is a Chattanooga native and Baylor School alumnus. He is a proud parent of twin boys. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee where he graduated with high honors and was recognized as an “Unsung Hero” for exceptional contributions to campus life by the Dean of Students. While in law school at the University of Memphis, Mr. Godbold was elected as a Bar Governor, was the Mock Trial Champion, and received the Dean’s Service Award. Mr. God...

Emily Horn’s experience as in-house legal counsel and as a certified public accountant enables her to truly understand her clients’ businesses and to offer them practical solutions. Emily advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, securities issuances and regulation, the use of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), commercial contracts, corporate governance, and general corporate matters. She has represented a variety of clients, including corporate ESOP sponsors, ESOP trustee...

R. Tyler Hand is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. R. Tyler, who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. Tyler is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The Lawyers at Lawrence & Lawrence Our Chattanooga law firm — Lawrence & Lawrence — combines the talents and experience of founding attorneys Phil and Jennifer Lawrence, who have received both local and national recognition for excellence in the practice of law. Together with an associate attorney and support staff, we have the resources to handle even the most complex legal challenges affecting our clients. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and are AV-r...