Clay County Lawyers

Laura Baker is a shareholder at The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., where she represents clients in personal injury, wrongful death, and tort litigation cases. Laura's reputation and experience have earned her several accolades. Most recently, Laura was awarded the "Rising Star Award" by the Lawyers' Association for Women in 2016. She was also recognized as an Athena Young Professional Award Nominee in 2016. In 2015, Laura was a winner of the Nashville Business Journal's “40 Under 40” award. Laura has been recognized as one of the “Best of the Bar” by the Nashville Business Journal in 2015 and...

Amanda Raye Thornton earned a B.S. from Western Kentucky University in 2003, a J.D. from Nashville School of law in 2007 and was licensed to practice law in Tennessee in October, 2007. Ms. Thornton was admitted to practice in the Federal District Court of Tennessee- Middle District in 2009.

While in law school, Ms. Thornton clerked for Roberts & Associates. After graduating and passing the bar exam, Ms. Thornton joined the office of Roberts & Associates as an associate attorney focusing primarily on family law related issues. In 2013, Ms. Thornton practices at the office of Roberts, Thornton & Pence, an...

Cathy spent the early years of her life growing up on a farm in the Midwest. Following high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before attending Indiana University at South Bend. Cathy graduated from Indiana University at South Bend with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Administration. After graduation, she worked for several years for a consulting firm before deciding to attend law school. Cathy received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

Cathy worked for several firms, and for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services, before joining Hughes & Coleman in 2006....

Don Himmelberg is a criminal defense attorney in Nashville, TN.

Don graduated Middle Tennessee State University before moving on to pursue his J.D. at the Nashville School of Law in 1985. While in law school, Don was employed in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office; he also gained experience as the Law Clerk for Circuit Criminal Court. Upon admittance to the Bar, Don served as an Assistant District Attorney, responsible for prosecuting both misdemeanors and felonies.

After several years as a prosecutor, Don made the decision to enter private practice with his partners, Jim Higgins and Rick Piliponis. Together, the three attorneys opened...

Joe has litigated cases in Ohio to successful conclusion over the past 26 years with amounts in controversy ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars in dispute. He has been recognized by his peers as an Ohio Super Lawyer, a recognition given to only 5 percent of the state’s attorneys. Mr. Griffith has been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a National Civil Trail Advocacy since 2004. During his career, Mr. Griffith has conducted well over 100 trials and has had many successful jury verdicts for his clients. Joe Griffith is a native of Portsmouth,...

Richard is a hometown lawyer, born and raised in Bowling Green. He attended Warren Central High School and continued his education at Western Kentucky University, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He then attended Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2010. At NKU, Richard was an Associate Editor for the Northern Kentucky Law Review and had his law review article chosen for publication in 2010. After law school, Richard returned home again to begin his career with a defense firm focusing primarily on civil litigation, including insurance defense, personal injury...

Mariana was born and raised in Brazil until the age of fifteen when her family moved to the United States. During her childhood, Mariana learned her appreciation for hard work and commitment to the safety and well being of others from her father, an engineer, and her mother, a physician. These qualities drove her passion to become an attorney.

Following secondary school, Mariana attended the University of Louisville where she received a full athletic scholarship playing tennis. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a minor in chemistry. Mariana then proceeded to attend the Louis D. Brandeis School of...

Jill knew at a very early age that she wanted to become an attorney, but the journey to her chosen profession did not come easily. Attending law school was difficult, especially as a single mother. Jill started with Hughes & Coleman as a runner in 1996 while attending law school. During this difficult and strenuous time of her life, she worked, went to school and came home to be a mom. This conditioned her to fight harder than anyone else for the things she wanted in life.

After graduating from Nashville School of Law in 1997, Jill immediately began...

Mr. Coleman is now the Managing Partner and majority owner of Hughes and Coleman Injury Lawyers, a firm he cofounded in 1985 with J. Marshall Hughes. The firm has grown during its 37 years, and currently has 30 attorneys and 10 offices in Kentucky and Tennessee, and an affiliated firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lee is proud that two of his sons, Benjamin and Andrew, are attorneys practicing with H&C. Lee earned his Law Degree from the University of Louisville, graduating in 1981, and earned his undergraduate Business Administration degree from the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1978. In 1985 Lee...

Martin Sir & Associates is committed to serving families in Nashville, and surrounding counties, and providing them with the comprehensive legal resources they need to protect their best interests. From resolving divorce disputes to recovering alimony payments on behalf of clients, the dedicated legal team Martin Sir & Associates is here to help you secure the justice you deserve.

Attorney James L. Widrig, or more commonly known as “Jim Widrig”, was born in Upstate NY. in a small town called Yorkshire, NY. He went to college in east Tennessee at Carson-Newman College. After college Jim attended law school at Thomas M. Cooley in Lansing, Michigan.

Attorney Jim Widrig practices in all of Middle Tennessee and his main office is located in downtown Nashville. James Widrig founded the law office of Widrig Law PLLC in February of 2007 with the goal to fight for individuals during the most difficult times of their lives. In 2011 James L Widrig was voted one...

J. Ross Pepper is an AV rated trial attorney with over 27 years of experience with litigation, arbitration and mediation. Mr. Pepper's trial, courtroom and deposition experience is extensive and benefits his clients incalculably. Mr. Pepper is the founding member of Pepper Law, PLC, a boutique litigation law firm which handles litigation matters in Nashville and throughout Tennessee.

Mr. Pepper has acted as lead counsel in a wide range of commercial, employment, probate, insurance, and real estate cases. Notably, Mr. Pepper acted as lead counsel in a nationwide class action involving the sale and marketing...

Buscher Law provides efficient and effective legal advice to clients needing assistance with business law, real estate transaction, asset protection, estate planning, and intellectual property, as well as regulatory compliance in the cannabis, hemp, distributed ledger technology, and Buscher also works with both well known and up-and-coming musicians and athletes to help keep their interests protected. Alex Buscher founded Buscher Law LLC in 2018, initially providing legal advice to hemp companies in Colorado, and quickly realized most lawyers, bankers, and insurance companies were still not willing to take a risk on the legalized industry. This led to an expansion of...

I am a Vanderbilt educated lawyer living in Nashville, Tennessee, and primarily practicing in the areas of Family and Employment Law (Plaintiff's side). I have been involved in litigation since 2007, with experience in complex litigation in federal courts. When I am not working, you can find me at a Preds game or watching the University of Louisville and Vanderbilt on tv.

I am a personal injury attorney based in Nashville and serve as the managing partner at Larry R. Williams, PLLC. My practice covers a wide range of cases throughout Middle Tennessee, including car wrecks, motorcycle accidents, large truck collisions, construction site accidents, and various other types of negligent injury and wrongful death claims. I also represent businesses in day-to-day matters and litigate business disputes. Additionally, I oversee the firm's Social Security Disability practice and handle estate planning and probate matters. In 2015, I was honored with the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. I maintain a 10.0 rating on Avvo and...

Tyler DeWitt has extensive experience advocating on behalf of clients, including individuals, small businesses, corporations, and estates. Tyler focuses his practice on matters involving both federal and state tax controversy and litigation. Tyler regularly represents clients facing tax-related criminal charges and investigations, IRS collections (garnishments, levies, liens, IRS Revenue Officer enforcement), disputes in U.S. Tax Court, audits, tax debt settlements, international tax issues, back tax return filings, and certain state Sales & Use tax issues (both civil and criminal). In addition to his practice, Tyler is a prolific speaker and regularly contributes his expertise as both an attorney and certified public...

At the Law Office of Mitchell R. Miller, we value genuine relationships with our clients. Our aim is to explain complex legal matters in a way that is easy to comprehend, and we strive to assist our clients in every situation. We treat our clients with respect, taking the time to ensure that they fully comprehend the process they are going through. When it comes to making significant life-altering decisions, you deserve an attorney who will actively listen to your concerns, examine the facts thoroughly, and provide the best solution for you and your future. We have been advocating for our...

As a graduate of Belmont Univeristy College of Law, I was always taught to invest in our communities. Supporting families in times of need directly influences society and builds a better Nashville. I understand that not all families are the same; it is my goal to develop individualized approaches based on each client’s unique needs. When faced with cookie-cutter statutes, I use my background in business to find creative solutions for my clients.

I provide quality representation in an array of practice areas, including: adoption, divorce, child custody, child support, cohabitation agreements, guardianship, grandparent visitation, wills, and pre-nuptial agreements.

I am a Commercial Real Estate & Business Attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in real estate, commercial and business transactions, non-profits, entertainment, sports and related litigation. I have broad experience with virtually all aspects of commercial real estate investment including tax deferred exchanges, leasing, commercial and residential development, real estate secured lending, workouts, foreclosures, special asset transactions, zoning and planning. I also work closely with many non-profit and tax-exempt organizations and churches in connection with planning and development challenges. I also have a well-established entertainment and sports law practice representing a number of high profile clients in...

Zach Wiley is a trial lawyer handling personal injury cases in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Wiley received his Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He received his law degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. While in law school Mr. Wiley was a member of the moot court team and served on the moot court board. After law school, Mr. Wiley practiced commercial litigation in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2013 Mr. Wiley relocated to Nashville to serve as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Chief Judge William J. Haynes, Jr. in the United...

Mr. Smith has been a trial attorney for 40 years and was a professor of law at Vanderbilt Law School. For the past twenty years, he has represented individuals in plaintiff's personal injury litigation. He is the founder of DRS Law, a top-rated personal injury law firm in Nashville, Tennessee. DRS Law has grown into a five-lawyer team that includes his three sons. EXPERIENCE Mr. Smith has been recognized by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America in Personal Injury Litigation and as one of the Best Lawyers in Tennessee. The Business Tennessee Best Lawyers List described Mr....

Bruce Fox is a partner and co-founder of Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette. His personal injury practice focuses on automobile accidents, workers’ compensation, products liability, hospital and nursing home injuries, and trucking litigation. In addition, Bruce has significant multi-state lead counsel Class Action litigation experience against a variety of defendants. He is a current Master of the Bench of the Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court in Knoxville. He is one of approximately 100 Tennessee lawyers selected for membership by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In 2011 he received the Paladin Award for East Tennessee from the Tennessee Trial...

I am an associate attorney at GriffithLaw, focusing on personal injury litigation. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama in 2007 and later pursued my law degree at the Nashville School of Law, graduating in 2012. Since then, I have been admitted to practice in various courts, including the Tennessee Supreme Court, all Tennessee State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of Tennessee. I joined GriffithLaw in 2020 and have since committed my practice to advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence of others. My legal...

Jonathan is proud to be the newest member of the GriffithLaw team. He has dedicated his legal career to fighting for injured people and their families. Jonathan grew up near Charlotte, North Carolina as the son of a pastor in a family of seven. This upbringing left Jonathan with a strong desire for justice, particularly for the disadvantaged. Jonathan graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received his law degree from the University of Kentucky in 2012. While in law school, Jonathan felt called to spend his time helping...

Mr. Dziewulski brings decades of experience as a company founder, consultant, investor, and executive in businesses as diverse as architecture, software as a service, machining and manufacturing, residential property investment, and construction. Through these experiences, he developed an understanding of the issues businesses face and the effect that proper legal guidance can have on the success of a company. Healthcare Much of Mr. Dziewulski's practice has focused on medical compliance, employment matters, credentialing, premises liability, policy and procedure development, and real estate matters for medical practices. Today his focus is on addressing challenges faced by emerging practice types such...

Darrell Douglas was born and raised in LaFollette, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2010. His Doctor of Jurisprudence was awarded in 2014 from Mississippi College in Jackson, Mississippi. Darrell was licensed to practice law in Tennessee in 2014.

Having grown up in East Tennessee, Darrell knew he wanted to return home to begin practicing law. Darrell’s upbringing gave him a strong desire to assist those who have been injured through no fault of their own; and to help them recover compensation for those injuries.

During his time in practice, Darrell has experience in...

Alex Gambino is a Registered Patent and Intellectual Property Attorney at Thrive IP®. Alex has successfully applied for and secured numerous patents, trademark registrations, and copyright registrations for his clients. He also has experience in various facets of intellectual property litigation, contract drafting and review, entity formation and governance, and regulatory guidance. Alex earned his Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law and received an undergraduate degree in Marine Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Previously, Alex worked as a Technology Commercialization Analyst for the University of Tennessee Research Foundation...

Shanone Emmack has had a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her into the accomplished attorney she is today, based in Franklin, Tennessee. Originally from a small town outside Birmingham, Alabama, Shanone started her academic journey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her degree in Quantitative Methods/Business. Following her graduation, Shanone ventured into the realm of business ownership by establishing a flourishing medical spa in 2005. Through her astute leadership, the venture grew into a million-dollar enterprise before Shanone's decision to part ways with it. This marked a transition as Shanone pivoted towards her legal...

Mike Baisley practices in the areas of business transactions, real estate, commercial law, and business litigation. Typical client engagements include new entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, shareholder disputes, and bankruptcy and creditor’s rights. He also represents both owners and contractors in construction disputes. Mr. Baisley joined Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C. in January 2018. He was previously a partner at Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC. He received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2005, where he was a member of The Tennessee Law Review and served on the...

Melanie Hogg grew up being known for her diplomacy. Most parents know their kids are going to be lawyers because they argue with them. Instead, Melanie’s folks knew she was destined for a law career because she reasoned them to death.

A senior attorney at Held Law Firm, this Knoxville native is returning to her roots in Tennessee after she gained a national perspective on family law issues by practicing family law in Vermont, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and in Georgia where she was certified as a Family Law Specialist. A seasoned lawyer with more than 15 years experience in five...

I am Tenaya, a committed attorney working in criminal defense. I graduated with honors from LMU Duncan School of Law and also hold an MBA from LSU Shreveport. I have been recognized for my pro bono work, receiving awards from Legal Aid of East Tennessee in 2022 and the Tennessee Bar Association in 2023. My dedication to providing exceptional legal representation is aligned with my passion for the criminal justice system, and I am dedicated to zealously advocating for my clients. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing Pickleball, exploring local craft breweries, attending concerts, and engaging in book clubs. I am...

Elizabeth Luminoso is a dedicated criminal defense attorney in East Tennessee, who prioritizes compassionate, client-centered representation. Elizabeth’s approach goes beyond defense; she is committed to helping clients navigate the court process with minimal disruption to their lives, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term well-being. Clear, consistent communication is a cornerstone of her practice, ensuring that clients are fully informed and engaged throughout every step of their case. Call/Text (615) 652-1182 today to set up a free consultation!

Mr. Doolan is an experienced litigator having worked exclusively in civil litigation for the past 15 years. He has extensive experience in workplace injuries and has tried numerous cases with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers Compensation with favorable results for his clients. He has also litigated numerous employment and personal injury cases throughout East Tennessee.

Patrick L Looper started his private law practice in November 2000, after more than 16 years of experience in serving as a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper, police consultant, and police academy instructor. His firsthand experience gives him a unique insight into Tennessee law.

Education
J.D., Nashville School of Law, Nashville, Tennessee, 2000
B.S., magna cum laude, University of Tennessee, 1996

Bar admissions
US 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee

Other professional experiences
Police consultant: January 1992 – present
Police academy instructor, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy for the State of Tennessee: March 1989 – November 2000
State trooper, Tennessee Highway Patrol for the State...

Shelley S. Breeding is prominent Knoxville family law, business law and civil litigation attorney with years of experience handling multi-million-dollar divorce and business cases in state and federal courts. She has argued numerous cases in front of the Tennessee Court of Appeals and cases in front of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Shelley represents individuals as well as corporations, handling everything from forming the corporation to drafting contracts to litigation for her business clients. Shelley's family law practice focuses on adoption and complex divorce cases, which often require expert witnesses for business valuations, commercial and residential property appraisals and frequently...

Norman D. McKellar practices law in the areas of IRS tax resolution and federal criminal defense, with an emphasis on tax fraud and white collar federal crimes. Mr. McKellar has successfully defended clients in criminal cases in both federal and state courts and in U.S. Tax Court. Mr. McKellar was voted by his peers as a “Top Attorney” for 8 straight years by Knoxville’s CityView magazine. In 2014, Mr. McKellar was selected as a member of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers, and he also received this same award in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and...

Michael Hollins, Sr.  is a graduate of Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law Schol where he received his Juris Doctorate.  During law school, he worked as an intern to a prominent United States District Court Judge in the 6th circuit.  Mr. Hollins is known for his friendly and professional demeanor with clients and is a strong and passionate advocate in court. To Mr. Hollins, the best part of his job is when a client walks into his office overwhelmed by their financial circumstance and then walks out of his office armed with a plan to save their home, have a...

Emily grew up in Springfield, Tennessee. After graduating from Aaron Academy in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Emily attended Vanderbilt University where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Harp and highest honors in music history and literature.

Emily received her Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University Law School where she was awarded the Dean's Scholarship. While in law school, Emily clerked at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.

After graduating law school, Emily returned home to Springfield, Tennessee, where she practiced with a local firm prior to co-founding...

Kathryn dedicates herself to achieving success and accepting challenges. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor at Northern Kentucky University – Salmon P. Chase College of Law. After graduating, she decided it was time to see the world and traveled to twenty-seven countries over a span of five months. After her adventures abroad, she returned home to Bowling Green, Kentucky to study for the Kentucky bar exam. While studying for the bar exam, Kathryn decided to...

Michelle Blaylock-Howser has been involved in the judicial system for over 12 years. She began her legal career with the law firm of Agee, Allen, Godwin, Morris and Laurenzi where she was paralegal to partner Lynn Agee and Susan Bradley. In 1998, she became employed as paralegal with the law office of Wilson and Bradley in the area of employment and personal injury law. In 1999, She accepted employment as a Judicial Assistant for the State of Tennessee under the Honorable Judge Don R. Ash and Honorable Judge J. Mark Rogers for 8 years. She worked full-time...