When I first started as a Knoxville attorney in 2007, I had absolutely no clue what kind of law I wanted to practice. Patent law? Yes! Divorce law? Let’s do it! Real estate transactions? Bring it on! After many years of practice, I have found that what I love is the stuff you see on TV. Sure, I don’t mind sitting down and doing some legal research and writing for a few hours from time to time (after all, I previously was a sports writer for two newspapers and a blog), but to go to court and negotiate, argue, and litigate – that’s exciting stuff!
Some attorneys simply are not well-suited for the public speaking that presenting motions, arguing during hearings, and going to trial require. I have found that I enjoy these parts of practicing law. So when I’m meeting with clients and discussing possible courses of action, I won’t be trying to talk clients out of going to trial because I’m very comfortable handling a trial. I will only encourage other courses of action, like settlement discussions and mediation, when I believe them to be in your best interest.
Every individual has a unique path of their own to follow, and I am no different. I spent my elementary and middle school days in Knoxville at Berean Christian School where, much later, I had the pleasure of serving for many years as the Chairman of the School Board. After Berean I attended Fulton High School where I graduated at the top of my class. I went on to Carson-Newman University and then Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham. In 2007 I began practicing law, at first for a brief time in Clarksville. But I soon moved back to Knoxville where I plan to practice law for many years to come.
During my travels I’ve met some great people and made some fantastic friends. I even met my wife in a class at Carson-Newman but didn’t cross paths with her for 10 years when I immediately asked her out. She said “yes” and now we’re married with a couple of great kids! True story! We are enjoying many adventures together!
