Top best Litigation Lawyers Near me in ZIP 37402

Stuart F. James is the managing member of James, Goins & Carpenter PC. The firm is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee with offices in Nashville, TN. The firm handles truck accident cases, automobile accident cases, insurance claims, and complex litigation issues. The firm handles cases in the States of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Mr. James is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Melinda Foster is a Assistant City Attorney with the Chattanooga City Attorney's Office. In this role, she provides legal advice and representation to the Mayor, City Council, the City's boards and commissions, and other City officials and employees on a broad range of issues. Melinda has served as lead counsel for the Chattanooga Police Department, Code Enforcement, Youth and Family Development Department, and City Council, among numerous other departments and boards.. Prior to joining the City of Chattanooga, Melinda served as an Assistant United State's Attorney in the District of Columbia. She was responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases in both State and Federal Court. Prior to that, Melinda worked for the Department of Justice in their Antitrust Division. In this role, she was responsible for enforcing federal antitrust laws by investigating mergers/acquisitions and corporate misconduct and by litigating complex antitrust cases.

I concentrate my practice in plaintiff personal injury matters, particularly medical devices and pharmaceuticals, construction and insurance coverage litigation.  I have developed a unique career in Chattanooga, serving individuals in mass tort and Multi-District Litigation involving personal injury as well as representing businesses, property owners and insurers in construction litigation.  In mass tort and multi-district litigation cases, I have served on discovery committees, as class counsel, and as a judicial appointee to a common benefit fee review committee. Over the last twenty years, I have helped clients recover over $150,000,000 in damages.  In construction litigation, I have represented property owners and contractors in commercial and residential disputes.  In all areas of mypractice, I have served as local counsel, collaborating with other attorneys from around the nation in a variety of complex cases. I am also a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Mediator for general civil litigation.

I love helping my clients battle big corporations or massive bureaucracies to get the benefits they deserve, which is why I love working at Eric Buchanan and Associates, where fighting for my clients is what I get to do every single day.. Before joining this firm, I spent my first four years as an attorney in civil litigation, and enjoyed significant success in jury, bench and Claims Commission trials for both claimants and defendants.  I also was privileged to act as lead brief-writer for many appeals, including a successful appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court, which ultimately led to major changes to Tennessee’s insurance law (Allstate Ins. Co. v. Tarrant, 363 S.W.3d 508 (Tenn. 2011)).  I also was heavily involved in several high profile cases involving intricate legal and factual issues and many millions of dollars.. At Eric Buchanan & Associates, I am able to use my litigation background and experience to effectively battle behemoths and win benefits for my clients.  I love the personal character of my disability practice, which lets me watch my work turn directly into immediate and incredibly positive changes for my clients.  I have always known that I am a "crusader" by nature, which is why I like nothing better than battling giants for my clients for my clients every day.. I also enjoy technology (i.e. I have strong nerd tendencies), and I recently learned computer code in order to develop Job Sleuth, an iPhone app for Social Security Disability Practitioners that gives instant and complete access to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles whenever and wherever they have their phone at hand.. In addition to my job, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two girls,  playing hockey, reading, and playing practically any game that involves strategy.  I love my alma mater Bryan College, in Dayton, Tennessee, and while studying there enjoyed playing as a scholarship  pitcher and third baseman.

I have practiced law for over two decades in federal and state courts across the Southeast and beyond.  I am blessed to love my clients and my work.  Outside of the office and courtroom, I like to be on my boat with my girls (wife, two daughters and Dolly the cavapoo) aboard.