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...
Will’s practice includes banking and creditor relations, corporate and finance matters, and Real Estate Law, with a significant focus on Trusts and Estates, estate planning, probate, and elder law. He regularly works with individuals, families, and businesses in Jackson, Tennessee and throughout the surrounding region, providing practical guidance on transactions, property matters, and long-term planning. To help clients, CPAs, and fellow attorneys stay informed, Will publishes a monthl...
Bill Nichol concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, the drafting of wills and trusts, and probate and estate administration. He also has been involved in succession planning for closely held and family-owned businesses as well as general corporate transactions. From 2007 to 2010, he served on the board of trustees of his alma mater, the University of the South. Mr. Nichol was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 in the field of Tr...
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.
Michael R. Griffin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Tax 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.
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...
John J. Cook is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. John J., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
G. Rice Byars, Jr. is an attorney with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee who focuses his practice on Trusts and Estates . He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in this area and advises individuals, families, and business owners on estate planning and probate-related matters. With more than 30 years of legal experience, Rice assists clients with estate planning, probate administration, and asset protection strategies. His work often involves structuring complex and high-v...
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.
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...
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...
Paul S. Parker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Paul S., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott B. Peatross is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Scott B., 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 Scott B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Beth Weems Bradley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Beth Weems, 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 Beth Weems is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.
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.