Melissa C. DiRado

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...

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.

Paul Whitt is a shareholder in the firm’s Knoxville office whose practice focuses on construction law and complex litigation. He represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and owners in matters spanning industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Paul advises clients across every phase of the construction process—from contract formation through project closeout and, when necessary, dispute resolution. He regularly handles high-stakes matters inv...

F. Braxton Terry is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. F. Braxton practices law in Morristown, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized F. Braxton Terry since 2014. 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 F. Braxton Terry is held by other lawyers.

Broderick L. Young is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Broderick L. practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Broderick L. Young 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 regar...

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...

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...

Clint J. Woodfin is the Managing Partner of Spicer Rudstrom and the Managing Member of the firm’s Knoxville office, a Member of the firm’s Board of Directors and the Chair of the firm’s Trucking and Transportation practice. He graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990 and the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1993. He is a member of the Hamilton Burnett Inns of Court and has obtained an AV-Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubb...

John T. (Tom) Johnson, Jr., is a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable civil trial lawyer who has over 48 years of jury trial experience. He is passionate about providing ethical, efficient, and effective representation for his clients in his practice areas of General Litigation, Insurance Defense, Insurance Coverage and Arson and Fire Claims. While every case presents different scenarios and challenges, Mr. Johnson focuses diligently on each case and the clients he represents, and h...

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...