Jesse D. Nelson

Betsy J. Beck is a Partner and a member of the Firm’s employment law team. Ms. Beck has spent her career litigating issues involving employment discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour and other compensation issues, and all other aspects of the employer-employee relationship both in federal or state court and in front of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor (DOL), and various other state and federal administrative agencies. Business owners, in-house ...

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...

Daniel T. Swanson represents clients on matters pertaining to medical malpractice defense, healthcare law, correctional healthcare defense, regulatory enforcement defense, False Claims Act defense, provider-payer disputes, billing audit appeals, business litigation, cybersecurity, and HIPAA issues. Mr. Swanson’s practice is provider focused. He represents physicians, physician groups and other provider organizations at trial, arbitration, and mediation. He helps clients navigate increas...

Rick Powers graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1975 and was Order of the Coif. He has more than 40 years of general civil trial practice experience with more than 350 jury trials. His practice areas now primarily include health care liability for hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians; insurance defense in trucking, automobile, and homeowners’ cases; and other commercial litigation. Over the last five years, Mr. Powers has successfully tried five ...

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, C. Christopher Brown has practiced with Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan PLLC since 2002 and has served as an Equity Member since 2008. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, he defends employers, insurance carriers, businesses, and individuals in workers’ compensation , personal injury, construction , and general liability matters . Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers

Trevor Sharpe is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Trevor practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Trevor Sharpe 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 Trevor Sharpe is held by other lawyers.

James Stovall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. James practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized James Stovall 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 James Stovall is held by other lawyers.

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...

J. Eric Butler is a Shareholder in the firm. Mr. Butler focuses his legal practice in the areas of federal and state taxation, business formations, complex commercial litigation, tax controversy matters, white collar criminal defense, and estate planning/probate matters. Mr. Butler handles a large range of business and tax matters for clients across the United States involving the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. Mr. Butler has extensive experience representing clients b...

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...