R. Wayne "Wayne" Peters

Alston Hamilton concentrates his practice in the area of corporate law, with an emphasis on venture capital, private equity and mezzanine finance, mergers and acquisitions and securities law. He represents venture capital investors and mezzanine lenders in initial and later stage financings and the on-going management of those investments. He represents companies in their formation, issuances of their equity and debt securities and in their merger and acquisition transactions. He has handled ...

Donald E. Morton concentrates his areas of practice in estate planning, business succession, estate and trust administration and employee benefits. Mr. Morton advises family business owners regarding the transfer of family assets and family business to second and third generations and equalizing distribution to children not actively involved in business. Mr. Morton uses a variety of trusts to preserve family assets and to minimize taxation of asset transfers to beneficiaries. He makes creativ...

Thomas practices out of the firm’s Chattanooga office and assists and represents individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in a variety of civil matters. He has been with the firm for many years and has been a member since 2009. Thomas attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in 1997. While in law school, Thomas was named to the Dean’s L...

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...

James F. Logan, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. James F., who practices law in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been recognized since 1993. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Haley E. Moody is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Haley E., 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 Haley E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura F. Ketcham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of 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.

Alison Bales Martin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Alison Bales, who practices law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alison Bales is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott McGinness concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, securities, investment management and banking. He has represented numerous companies in the purchase and sale of stock and assets, with transaction sizes in excess of $200 million, including transactions involving overseas entities. He represents publicly traded companies as well as privately owned entities. Mr. McGinness heads the firm's Investment Management Group which advi...

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...