P. Newman Bankston

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...

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...

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...

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...

Andrew Firkins is an associate with Spicer Rudstrom PLLC. Born in New York City, and growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey, he went on to attend Manhattan College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history. After graduating he began working at a law firm in Hackensack, New Jersey where he managed the office filing system and provided paralegal support. Having gained invaluable experience in the legal field, and wanting to put his passion for writing to good use, he decided...

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...

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...

M. Edward Owens, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Municipal Law. M. Edward practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized M. Edward Owens, Jr. 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 recog...

Jim Wright was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Jim’s father was a lawyer so he grew up working in his Dad’s office. He attended Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee College of Law, was honored with the Order of the Coif and served on the Tennessee Law Review. He is admitted to the United Supreme Court Bar as well as all Tennessee State and Federal Courts. Jim is also admitted before the Sixth Circuit and Fourth Circuit Bar as well as the U.S. Court of...

Wayne A. Ritchie II is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Wayne A. practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Wayne A. Ritchie II since 2018. 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 Wayne A. Ritchie II is held by ot...