
W. Michael Baisley, Business Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Real Estate · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatLong, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.
Knoxville, TN
Practicing business in Knoxville since 2005.
- 21+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you W. Michael Baisley?
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Quick answer
W. Michael Baisley is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. W. has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 21 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A · Real Estate
- Handles Business, M&A, and Real Estate matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About W. Michael Baisley: W. Michael Baisley is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. W. has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by W. Michael Baisley
W. concentrates on business, m&a, real estate, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Securities
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Business cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
W. takes business matters in Knoxville, 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 W. agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
W. takes m&a matters in Knoxville, 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 W. agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
W. takes real estate matters in Knoxville, 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 W. agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
W. takes securities matters in Knoxville, 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 W. agrees to represent you.
Biography
About W. Michael Baisley — Over 21 years of Tennessee business experience
W. Michael Baisley is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. W. has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
PROFESSIONAL: • Member, ABA Business Law Section • Member, ABA Forum on Construction Industry • Member, Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel PUBLICATIONS: • "A Primer on Mechanics' and Materialmen's Liens in Tennessee," Tennessee Young Lawyer (Fall 2010) • "Financing Issues Associated With Business Transactions," TBA 7th Annual Transactional Practice CLE • "Structuring Business Acquisitions," TBA 7th Annual Transactional Practice CLE • Contributing Author, Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law, Fall 2003 and Spring 2004 LAW SCHOOL: • Editor, Tennessee Law Review • Editor, Transactions, The Tennessee Journal of Business Law • Member, Moot Court Board • "Best Brief" Award, 2003 Advocate's Prize Moot Court Competition • President, Business & Tax Law Association • Dean's List • Dean's Citation for Exceptional Service to College of Law
Cityview 2012 Top Knoxville Attorney - Collections/Foreclosure. Mid-South Rising Star 2012 - Business Corporate. Mid-South Rising Stars 2013 - Business/Corporate. Cityview 2013 Top Knoxville Attorney - Banking Law, Business Litigation, Business/Commercial Law, Collections/Foreclosure, Construction Law, Contract Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Finance & Development. Cityview 2014 Top Knoxville Attorney - Real Estate Finance & Development, Corporate Law, Construction Law, Business/Commercial Law, Business Litigation, Banking Law. Cityview 2015 Knoxville Top Attorney – Real Estate Finance & Development, Contract Law, Construction Law, Collections/Foreclosures, Business/Commercial Law, Business Litigation, Banking Law. Best Lawyers of America 2015- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Mid-South Rising Stars 2015-2016 - Business/Corporation. Cityview 2015 Knoxville Top Attorney – Real Estate Finance & Development, Contract Law, Construction Law, Collections/Foreclosures, Business/Commercial Law, Business Litigation, Banking Law. Cityview 2016 Knoxville Top Attorney - Business/Commercial Law, Securities-Plaintiff, Securities-Defense, Banking Law. Best Lawyers of America 2017 - Business Organizations (Including LLCs and Partnerships). Cityview 2017 Knoxville Top Attorney - Securities-Defense, Securities-Plaintiff. Best Lawyers of America 2018 - Business Organizations (Including LLCs and Partnerships).
How W. handles business matters
PROFESSIONAL: • Member, ABA Business Law Section • Member, ABA Forum on Construction Industry • Member, Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel PUBLICATIONS: • "A Primer on Mechanics' and Materialmen's Liens in Tennessee," Tennessee Young Lawyer (Fall 2010) • "Financing Issues Associated With Business Transactions," TBA 7th Annual Transactional Practice CLE • "Structuring Business…
Who W. represents
W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and real estate matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
W. Michael Baisley's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee College of Law
J.D. J.D. · 2005
Furman University
B.A. Political · 2002
Jurisdictions
W.'s state bar admissions
Tennessee
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. Bankruptcy Cour
2005 · ACTIVE
W. studied at J.D. J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law and B.A. Political in Furman University.
Law school and academic background
W. completed J.D. J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law and B.A. Political in Furman University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice W. runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of W. Michael Baisley
W. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
W.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Knoxville Bar Association
Member & Officer, Knoxville Barristers, 2005-Present KBA Board of Governors, 2009-2011) Knoxville Barristers (President, 2009-2010 Secretary and Treasurer, 2008-2009 Membership Chair, 2006 Co-Chair, Mock Trial, 2007-2008 Long-Range Planning, 2010-2011) Am · membership
Locations
W. Michael Baisley's office in Knoxville
W.'s primary office is at 1111 Northshore Drive, N.W., Suite S-700, Knoxville, TN, 37919-4074. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.
1111 Northshore Drive, N.W., Suite S-700
Knoxville, TN 37919-4074
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of W. Michael Baisley — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of W.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Knoxville.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once W. Michael Baisley claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire W. Michael Baisley — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with W. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
W. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'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; W. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Knoxville, 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 W.
W. 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. W. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
W.'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 W. Michael Baisley
How much does it cost to hire W. for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. W. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does W. offer a free consultation?
W. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check W.'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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can W. take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
W. 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 — W. 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 W.?
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. W. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is W. accepting new business clients right now?
W.'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 Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
W. handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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