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Overview

Joe thinks outside the box to resolve estates, trusts and tax controversies – often before they start.

For more than 20 years, Joe has guided clients through both proactive planning and dispute resolution concerning trusts, estates and related property interests.

Joe is familiar with the distinctive and ever-changing challenges of settling final affairs. He regularly advices clients on estate planning, and prepares their necessary documents. He has extensive knowledge of planning requirements for spouses with children from prior marriages. Administering trusts and estates, including probate matters, is another service Joe provides. Clients appreciate his resourcefulness in working with banks and trust departments to avoid litigation and mediate favorable solutions.

In addition, Joe advises on tax preparation and represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on audits, appeals, petitions and collections. Clients trust Joe's extensive background in dealing directly with the IRS when they face the complications of unfiled income tax returns and in reaching creative and equitable settlements for outstanding tax liabilities, trust fund recovery penalty assessments and audit appeals.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Chattanooga Bar Association, Ralph H. Kelley Humanitarian Award, 2015
  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 2011
  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Pro Bono Attorneys Hall of Fame, 2012

Education

  • J.D., University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
    • American Jurisprudence Award, Business Litigation

  • B.S., University of Tennessee
    • with high honors
    • Finance

Admissions

  • Tennessee
  • U.S. Tax Court
  • Georgia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • Chattanooga Bar Association
  • Chattanooga Tax Practitioners
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Tennessee Bar Foundation, Fellow
2024 Pro Bono Achiever
Experience
  • Represented a national banking company in a fiduciary tax compliance and advisement engagement.
  • Counseled national and regional bank trust departments in estate and trust matters.
  • Guided family-held cell tower business through successful sale as court-appointed successor executor.
Outside the Office

An early riser, Joe helps on the family cattle farm.

With his brother and father, Joe pitches in with the chores at Simpson Farms, an operation founded by the Simpson family in 1888. The family raises grass-fed Charolais cattle free of animal byproducts, growth hormones, antibiotics or steroids.

Community Leadership
  • Volunteer Guardian Program
  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Board of Directors