(Knoxville, TN/February 2, 2012) Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, announces the addition of R. Culver Schmid to the Firm's Knoxville office. He was previously a shareholder with and a director of Long, Ragsdale & Waters, PC.

Mr. Schmid, who joins as shareholder and a member of Baker Donelson's Real Estate and Finance Practice Group, focuses on a broad range of commercial transactions including real estate development and financing, business acquisitions, secured lending, municipal corporations and administrative law. His experience includes representing real estate developers in a variety of transactions; advising on payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) leases, tax-exempt bond financings and similar municipal corporation issues; and serving as lender's counsel representing financial institutions providing real estate, corporate and other forms of commercial financing.

Mr. Schmid serves as a Commissioner and Chairman of Knoxville's Community Development Corporation by appointment of the Mayor of the City of Knoxville. He has previously served on several community boards of directors including the United Way, Child & Family Services of Knox County, Inc. and The Webb School of Knoxville.

"We have known Culver for many years and always respected the quality of his work and the professionalism that accompanies it. He is a leader in his field and in our community," noted Harry P. Ogden, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's Knoxville office. "We are excited about the wealth of experience and talent he brings to our office in Knoxville as well as to our team of highly regarded real estate and finance professionals across the Firm."