Atty. Thomas Edison Smith

Atty. Thomas Edison Smith

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.

Chattanooga Chattanooga 47 yrs experience 47 year
Call (423) 874-9860 Book Appointment

Business Law & More Attorney · Serving Chattanooga, TN · 47+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Thomas Edison Smith at a Glance

Thomas Edison Smith is an Of Counsel based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, practicing at Cavett & Abbott, PLLC. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Tennessee (1979) and Georgia (1983). Educated at Emory University (LL.M. Taxation, 1986) and Middle Tennessee State University (B.S., 1976). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Business Law Section, Tax Law Section, TBA Members. Serves clients in Chattanooga, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Thomas Edison Smith

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas Edison Smith's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas Edison Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chattanooga.

Trusts in Chattanooga

Thomas Edison Smith is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Tennessee →

Probate in Chattanooga

Thomas Edison Smith is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Tennessee →

Estate Planning & Probate in Chattanooga

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Thomas Edison Smith is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Tennessee →

Business & Corporate Law in Chattanooga

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Thomas Edison Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Tennessee →

Real Estate Law in Chattanooga

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Thomas Edison Smith is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Tennessee →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Chattanooga

Practicing law in Tennessee. Legal matters in Tennessee are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chattanooga are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Tennessee state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Tennessee brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Tennessee courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Chattanooga Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Chattanooga-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Tennessee attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chattanooga or all attorneys in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Thomas Edison Smith

Where is Thomas Edison Smith's law office located?
Thomas Edison Smith's law practice is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The firm is Cavett & Abbott, PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas Edison Smith handle?
Thomas Edison Smith focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, business, real estate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Tennessee.
How long has Thomas Edison Smith practiced law?
Thomas Edison Smith has 47+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1979.
Where did Thomas Edison Smith go to law school?
Thomas Edison Smith earned their education at (LL.M. Taxation, 1986); (B.S., 1976).
How can I contact Thomas Edison Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas Edison Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas Edison Smith received?
Thomas Edison Smith's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Chattanooga Choose Thomas Edison Smith

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas Edison Smith's practice in the field of trusts, probate, estate planning, business, and real estate.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Thomas Edison Smith brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Tennessee and Georgia, Thomas Edison Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering trusts, probate, and estate planning, Thomas Edison Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Chattanooga

A Chattanooga-based practice means Thomas Edison Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Thomas Edison Smith Handles in Chattanooga

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas Edison Smith has experience with under Tennessee law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Thomas Edison Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Thomas Edison Smith Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Chattanooga commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Thomas Edison Smith.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Thomas Edison Smith directly.

Education & Law School Background

LL.M. Taxation
Emory University
- 1986
B.S.
Middle Tennessee State University
- 1976

Awards & Professional Honors

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Tennessee
Admitted: 1979
Georgia
Admitted: 1983

Client Reviews & Ratings — Thomas Edison Smith

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