Thomas Edison Smith, Business Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Of CounselatCavett & Abbott, PLLC
Chattanooga, TN
Practicing business in Chattanooga since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas Edison Smith?
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Quick answer
Thomas Edison Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation. Thomas has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chattanooga, TN
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Litigation
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Litigation matters from Chattanooga, TN.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Thomas Edison Smith: Thomas Edison Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation. Thomas has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Edison Smith
Thomas concentrates on business, elder law, litigation, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Elder Law
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Planning
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Business cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Thomas takes business matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Thomas takes elder law matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Thomas takes litigation matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Thomas takes probate matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Thomas takes real estate matters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Thomas Edison Smith — Over 47 years of Tennessee business experience
Thomas Edison Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation. Thomas has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Thomas Edison Smith is a lawyer practicing taxation, business organization, business law and 9 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Thomas practices at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC in Chattanooga, TN.
Working with Thomas on a business matter
Thomas Edison Smith is a lawyer practicing taxation, business organization, business law and 9 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Thomas practices at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC in Chattanooga, TN.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and litigation matters in Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Thomas Edison Smith's legal education and bar admissions
Emory University
LL.M. Taxation · 1986
Middle Tennessee State University
B.S. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Georgia
1983 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1979 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at LL.M. Taxation in Emory University and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed LL.M. Taxation in Emory University and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Edison Smith
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Business Law Section, Tax Law Section, TBA Members
membership
Locations
Thomas Edison Smith's office in Chattanooga
Thomas's primary office is at 801 Broad St., Ste. 428, Chattanooga, TN, 37402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Edison Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chattanooga.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Edison Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Edison Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Edison Smith
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?
Thomas is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Thomas handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Tennessee
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chattanooga handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





