The roots of Baker Donelson's Chattanooga office go back more than 50 years to when Albert W. Taber opened a solo practice in the Chattanooga Bank Building, focusing on corporate, tax, estate and trust law.
In 1964, the office added Thomas Caldwell as a partner and expanded to become a full-service firm. Thomas O. Helton joined in 1968, followed by Carl Hartley and David Fielder, forming what came to be known as Caldwell, Heggie & Helton. Heiskell Donelson opened its doors in Chattanooga in 1986 and, in 1993, merged with the Caldwell firm. A year later, Heiskell Donelson merged with Baker Worthington to form Baker Donelson.
Today the Chattanooga office is home to approximately 50 lawyers with practices serving international, national, regional and local clients. We are known for our work in the financial sector, including banking, bankruptcy and restructuring, as well as complex commercial litigation, complex estate and tax planning, business transactions, employment litigation and counseling, intellectual property and immigration and global mobility counseling.
Our lawyers' commitment to nurturing a collegial work environment complements and reinforces their commitment to excellent client service, as do state-of-the-art technology and support services. In addition, both lawyers and administrative staff are active in giving back to the community – with volunteer and charitable support of organizations such as the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Chattanooga public schools and others.
Baker Donelson contributed to the economic development effort that helped this thriving and vibrant city land the Volkswagen North America manufacturing facility in 2009. Baker Donelson's history and engagement with clients and the community are reflective of Chattanooga's energy, commitment and "can do" attitude.