Best Lawyers in Tennessee, United States for Trusts and Estates
As an experienced estate planning attorney and business counselor, Carla Lovell understands that the matters she handles involve more than just dollars and cents. Carla’s sophisticated yet practical tax and estate planning, charitable planning, and business succession guidance help individuals, families, and business owners protect a lifetime of hard work and lay the foundation for a secure future. She provides clarity for fiduciaries and beneficiaries who must navigate complex trust an...
Susan Callison is an attorney with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee whose practice focuses on Trusts and Estates . For more than 45 years, Susan Callison has advised individuals and families on trust, estate, and income tax planning. Her work often involves helping clients plan for the transfer of wealth while addressing personal, financial, and tax considerations. In addition to traditional estate planning, Ms. Callison regularly assists with matters related to privately held busine...
David L. Bourland is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. David L. practices law in Memphis, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized David L. Bourland since 2016. 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 David L. Bourland is held by other lawyers.
Bill Harbison works primarily in the areas of corporate law and trusts and estates. He also handles litigation in those same practice categories. A cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, Bill received his bachelor’s degree with highest honors in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Beth Weems Bradley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Beth Weems practices law in Memphis, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Beth Weems Bradley since 2016. 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 Beth Weems Bradley is held by other lawyers.
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...
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...
Chris Coats focuses his practice on estate planning, tax law and business law matters, routinely handling sophisticated estate, gift, and generation-skipping tax planning, business succession planning, business transactions, income tax planning, and estate and trust administration for family offices, high-net-worth individuals and families, and large family-owned and closely held entities. Additionally, Chris has extensive experience in wealth transfer planning, including drafting complex wil...
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...
Michael S. Goode, shareholder in the firm’s Nashville office, focuses his practice on the tax, business, and estate planning needs of families and businesses. On an international level, he also assists companies and individuals with their corporate and estate planning needs, including the resolution of reporting requirements. Michael serves as a trusted advisor to governmental agencies and companies on various taxation issues. He has prepared corporate and tax provisions for large merge...
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...
Joe’s practice is focused on federal, state and local taxation, including planning and controversy resolution. Joe has represented clients successfully before the Tennessee tax administrative bodies and before Tennessee courts, including the Tennessee Supreme Court. Joe represents a number of Fortune 500 companies with respect to their Tennessee tax matters. Joe also represents clients in federal tax controversy resolution, including administrative appeals and representation before the ...
Michael R. Griffin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Michael R. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Michael R. Griffin since 2026. 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 Michael R. Griffin is held by other la...
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.
