MIKE NEWTON
Owner/Founder
EDUCATION
Univ. of Memphis JD 1992
Birmingham- Southern College BS 1989
EXPERIENCE
With over 25 years of experience, Mike has handled and tried a wide range of cases including automobile and tractor-trailer accidents, premises liability cases, slip and fall incidents, elevator/escalator accidents, dog bite cases, and insurance disputes, amongst others. He spent a majority of his career as a partner in a large law firm representing national insurers, their insureds and major corporations including 'big box' retailers, brand hotels and national restaurant chains. He has vast experience at both the state and federal level. He has tried cases throughout Tennessee and Georgia and has been involved in litigated matters in numerous other states.
Admissions
Mike is admitted to practice in all Tennessee and Georgia state courts. In addition, he has been admitted to practice in the following courts:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
United States Supreme Court
RECOGNITION
Mike has been certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocates (NBTA) since 2006. Less than 3% of attorneys in the United States have achieved this certification. As noted by the NBTA: A National Board of Trial Advocacy Certified Attorney has demonstrated skill and expertise in a particular field and has proven it through rigorous examination and testing by the NBTA. The NBTA, and other organizations accredited by the American Bar Association must demonstrate that lawyers certified have an enhanced level of expertise and substantial involvement in the specialty area of certification. The standards are designed to enable the NBTA to evaluate thoroughly the objectives, standards and procedures of attorneys and to facilitate public access to appropriate legal services.
In addition to his membership with the NBTA, Mike has served on its Board of Examiners, having drafted examination questions for attorneys seeking national accreditation.
Mike has been recognized as a Mid-South Super Lawyer since 2013. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multi-phase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Only 5% of lawyers are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.
In 2021, Mike was honored as a TOP 100 SUPER LAWYER in Tennessee for Personal Injury Litigation.
Best Lawyers in America® has recognized Mike Newton in its 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions for his work in the areas of Insurance Litigation and Workers Compensation.
Best Lawyers in America® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. www.bestlawyers.com
Mike has also been recognized as a Top 100 High Stakes attorney. Selection to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is by invitation only and is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional trial attorneys in high value, high stakes legal matters.
AMERICA’S TOP 100 HIGH STAKES LITIGATORS®
community involvement
Mike has been involved in his community for many years. He served as the President and long-time board member of the Chattanooga Civitan Club which focuses on helping children with disabilities. He has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for legal related subjects.
CHARLES POSS
Of Counsel
Education
University of Memphis JD 1995
Indiana University BS 1989
Experience
Charlie's strength as a litigator and an advocate was gained over his twenty plus years as a lawyer and partner in a well regarded law firm. He has litigated and tried a wide array of cases throughout his career including car accidents cases, workers' compensation matters, premises liability claims and business disputes. He is respected for his intellect and persistence in protecting his clients rights from the start of the case to the end, whether that involves early resolution or trial by jury.
ADMISSIONS
All Tennessee State and Appellate Courts
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
RECOGNITION
Charlie excelled in law school, graduating first in his class. He also served as an editor on the University's Law Review. He earned highest honors as a law student and has continued that excellence in his practice of law for more than 20 years.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Charlie currently serves as the Mayor of Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He has also long involved himself in the Chattanooga community, from community planning to the arts. Charlie has served on the Board of AVA and the Signal Mountain Planning Commission. He has also served as a long time mentor of high school students as a successful mock trial coach.