Gavin A. Smelcer

Gavin A. Smelcer represents counties, municipalities, utility districts, industrial development boards, schools, and private businesses throughout Tennessee. His practice focuses on local government law, utility law, public finance, litigation, real estate matters, eminent domain, business law, and estate planning.

Known for his thoughtful analysis and practical problem-solving, Gavin serves as a trusted advisor to public entities on a wide range of legal and operational issues. He regularly assists counties, cities, utility districts, and other governmental organizations with contract negotiation and drafting, policy development, real estate transactions, public finance matters, ordinance review, governance issues, and regulatory compliance. He has also advised county charter commissions and other governmental bodies on complex legal and organizational matters.

Gavin is also an experienced litigator who represents public and private clients in state and federal courts. His litigation practice includes contract disputes, property disputes, eminent domain proceedings, business litigation, and the defense of governmental entities and utilities. He has successfully represented clients in court proceedings, arbitration matters, and administrative actions, providing strategic guidance from the earliest stages of a dispute through resolution.

In addition to his governmental and litigation work, Gavin advises businesses on entity formation, governance, contract negotiation, and creditor rights. He also assists individuals and families with estate planning and estate administration, helping clients develop plans tailored to their personal, family, and financial goals.

Gavin earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics, summa cum laude, from Tennessee Technological University in 2017 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2020. While in law school, he earned Honors and High Honors Dean’s List recognition, received Certificates of Excellence in Legal Process, Civil Procedure, and Title Law, and was awarded the Harbison-Hardfield Award for Excellence in Civil Procedure.