Nicholas E. "Nick" Nester

H. Blake Sims is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Financial Services Regulation Law. H. Blake, who practices law in Ooltewah, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which H. Blake is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott Evan Simmons focuses his practice on employment litigation and preventative counseling in the firm's Labor & Employment practice. Mr. Simmons regularly counsels clients on a wide range of employment-related topics, including wage-and-hour compliance, hiring, termination and creation and modification of general personnel policies. He also has significant experience defending a wide variety of employment-related lawsuits in front of a variety of employment-related forums, including st...

Tom Hayslett maintains a commercial practice that covers real estate transactions, business-to-business commercial agreements, commercial finance transactions and general business counsel to closely owned enterprises. Tom’s practice includes representing buyers, sellers, developers and owners of retail shopping centers, office buildings, hospitality properties, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, and residential developments; as well as representing manufacturers, processors, profes...

T. J. Gentle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. T. J., 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 T. J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Roger D. Bailey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Venture Capital Law. Roger D., who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Roger D. 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...

Laura F. Ketcham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law and Commercial Transactions / UCC Law. Laura F., who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

W. Randall Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. W. Randall, who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Randall is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...