Jesse D. Nelson

Janet Hayes, a Shareholder in the Knoxville office, is an advocate for employers and businesses across the state. Her practice focuses on employment and appellate law. Ms. Hayes has successfully defended all types of employment claims including sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge, discrimination, workers’ compensation, invasion of privacy, wage/hour claims, and denial of benefits. She has also argued more than 50 appeals in Tennessee’s appellate courts, including the Supreme ...

Kate E. Tucker focuses her legal practice on Immigration Law. Having been through the U.S. immigration process herself as a British National, Ms. Tucker fully understands the far-reaching effects of immigration status on an individual's entire life and provides individualized legal advice after a thorough review of her client's short and long-term objectives. She provides valuable insight, reliable and efficient advice and step-by-step guidance to her clients throughout the complex immigratio...

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...

Al Holifield is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Litigation - ERISA. Al practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Al Holifield since 2021. 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 Al Holifield is held by other lawyers.

Ben Jones is a shareholder in the Knoxville office of Lewis Thomason. Mr. Jones' practice primarily concentrates on personal injury, insurance and casualty defense in civil litigation with his primary emphasis in the areas of hospitality litigation, amusement litigation, commercial vehicle/automobile litigation, professional liability and general tort defense. Mr. Jones has defended wrongful death and other catastrophic injury cases and has extensive trial experience in courts throughout East...

Kacie has a wide range of experience in real estate and corporate transactions, including representing both borrowers and lenders in real estate development transactions, commercial leasing and secured lending, as well as representing clients in corporate formations and corporate M&A. Kacie handles long term care transactions, including financing, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions of long-term care and seniors housing facilities. She has particular experience related to environmental...

Marshall Stair, a shareholder in the firm’s Knoxville office, concentrates his practice in employment law with an emphasis on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA/wage & hour/overtime), insurance casualty defense, and general commercial and tort litigation. While attending law school, he worked for the United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, assisting federal investigations enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act. After earning his degree from the University of Tenne...

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 ...

Bill Vines was admitted to the courts of the State of Tennessee and the United States District Court for the Eastern District in 1966. He is admitted to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and in 1972 was admitted to the United States Supreme Court. He is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator both in state and federal co...

Brandon is an employment lawyer and mediator. He advises clients in the boardroom, and he represents them in the courtroom. Half of his practice is devoted to serving as an outside general counsel for large and small businesses, colleges and universities, and religious institutions, advising them on human resource policies, employment laws, and litigation avoidance. The other half of his practice is spent litigating employment-related issues, such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, w...