Best Lawyers in Tennessee, United States for Trusts and Estates
Mr. Carney's practice is grounded in federal, state, and local tax codes and regulations. He works directly with clients in employee benefits, tax planning, and estate planning. He understands the need to navigate these complex laws while providing options for each unique situation. His practice areas include but are not limited to the following: Employee and welfare benefit plans of private, tax-exempt, and governmental employers Other post-employment benefit trusts Executive compensation Co...
C. Michael Adams, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. C. Michael, who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mr. Murrah's practice is concentrated primarily in estate planning, probate, federal transfer taxation, estate and trust administration, and federal income taxation. He advises clients on all elements of wealth transmittal and preservation, including preparation of wills and trusts, closely held business succession issues, asset protection strategies, and techniques for the minimization of transfer taxes. His experience also includes representation of trustees and trust beneficiaries. Mr. Mur...
Andrea Sinclair is a trusted counselor and valued guide for individuals and families as she helps them plan for and navigate life’s joys, challenges, and transitions. She understands that the trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation matters she handles are both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. She also recognizes that clients often call upon her during times of mourning, conflict, or stress. Combining legal acumen with a deep sense of empathy and genuine concer...
John Bunge is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. John, who practices law in Brentwood, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steven H. McCleskey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Steven H., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
William E. Blackstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. William E., who practices law in Franklin, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Companies and individuals rely upon Mike Yopp to guide them through the ever-changing landscape of state and federal taxation, partnerships, limited liability companies and general business law. Mike advises clients on both strategy and implementation regarding a broad variety of tax issues including: Corporate tax Estate Planning Partnership tax State and local tax (SALT) Trust and estate matters Conservatorships and guardianships
Michael R. Griffin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Michael R., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Carolyn Wenzel represents companies, tax-exempt organizations, families and individuals in the areas of governance, tax, advocacy, estate and trust administration and estate planning. She regularly counsels nonprofit entities and tax-exempt organizations, including public charities, private foundations, trade and professional associations, and religious and educational organizations in the areas of formation, investment decision-making, endowment fund establishment and modification, governanc...
David L. Bourland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. David L., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mr. Wohlfarth concentrates his practice on estate planning and the drafting of wills and trusts, specifically addressing issues related to federal and state estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes as well as asset protection. He has had extensive experience with various estate planning tools, such as wills and revocable trusts which utilize the federal estate tax exemption amount, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), "Crummey" trusts, qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), Ten...
Paul R. Lawler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Paul R., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Rick Nickels is a member of the firm’s Tax and Trusts and Estates practice groups. Rick practices at the intersection of business, tax and estate planning. A significant portion of his practice involves advising private companies and their owners, directors and executives on an array of state and federal tax, governance and corporate matters. Rick regularly assists with matters ranging from early-stage structure and funding to mid-stage buyouts and divorces to late-stage exits. He has s...
Wayne R. Kramer has over 38 years of experience in his practice areas of Tax, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Administration and Trusts, and Corporate and Transactional. He represents individuals as well as a wide variety of small businesses and large companies. Mr. Kramer has a sound understanding of the law and is problem solver. He searches for "common ground" between parties in conflict and finds the counseling aspect of law to be the most rewarding. He has provided guidance to individuals,...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.