Gavin A. Smelcer is an associate with the firm. He is from Blount County, Tennessee, and graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in economics, summa cum laude. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2020. While there, he achieved both honors and high honors Dean’s Lists, and received Certificates of Excellence in such subjects as Legal Process, Civil Procedure, and Title Law. Mr. Smelcer was also the recipient of the College of Law’s Harshfield Award for Excellence in Civil Procedure.
Mr. Smelcer’s practice encompasses a wide range of legal topics. He has considerable experience representing counties, cities and public utilities in every aspect of the law in and out of the courtroom. He has represented and advised a county charter commission tasked with drafting and considering a new county charter as an alternative form of government. He frequently serves municipalities, schools, public utilities, and industrial boards by drafting and reviewing contracts, real estate documents, local ordinances, and policies, and has served as bond counsel in public finance transactions. Additionally, Mr. Smelcer represents public entities in litigation involving property and contract disputes in state and federal courts and frequently represents public utilities in eminent domain proceedings.
Mr. Smelcer also serves individuals and businesses in the private sector, setting up and advising corporations and LLCs, drafting and negotiating contracts, and representing businesses as creditors in general sessions, probate, and circuit courts. He has also successfully represented individuals and businesses in contract disputes before the American Arbitration Association.
Rounding out his practice is a devotion to providing families with estate planning and administration services. Mr. Smelcer has considerable experience advising individuals and families on the most appropriate estate planning tool that meets their needs, including wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and various health care documents. He also serves as counsel in the administration of estates.
Mr. Smelcer is involved in his church and in the Blount County community as a former member of Keep Blount Beautiful. In his spare time he enjoys working outdoors, reading history, and playing bass guitar. He lives in Blount County.