Michael S. Goode, Business Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.7/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Special CounselatLewis Thomason, P.C.
Nashville, TN
Practicing business in Nashville since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael S. Goode?
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Quick answer
Michael S. Goode is a special counsel based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael S. Goode: Michael S. Goode is a special counsel based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Estate Planning
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Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes business matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes criminal defense matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes general matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes probate matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes tax matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael S. Goode — business lawyer in Nashville
Michael S. Goode is a special counsel based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Michael S. Goode, shareholder in the firm’s Nashville office, focuses his practice on the tax, business, and estate planning needs of families and businesses. On an international level, he also assists companies and individuals with their corporate and estate planning needs, including the resolution of reporting requirements. Michael serves as a trusted advisor to governmental agencies and companies on various taxation issues. He has prepared corporate and tax provisions for large merger and acquisition transactions.
Michael has extensive experience in preparing estate and business succession plans for a variety of clients, including those with closely held family businesses, large retirement accounts, and complex legal issues. He works directly with advisors, banks, and trust companies to provide innovative solutions to clients’ wealth preservation needs. Michael assists United States companies with their international business issues and assists foreign companies in establishing a presence in the United States. He regularly prepares and reviews lease agreements, contracts, estoppels, and SNDAs.
Michael represented a school district before the IRS under the Voluntary Correction Program and successfully resolved its pension plan’s operational failures without penalty to the school district, and he wrote new pension legislation.
Michael frequently speaks at conferences and conventions for state and national audiences on tax, business, and estate planning issues, as well as on international topics.
PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
•Member of the Standing Committee on International Trade in Legal Services of the American Bar Association
•Past Chair of the International Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
•Past Chair of the Tax Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
•Past Chair of the Estate Planning & Probate Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
•Named to The Best Lawyers in America , Tax Law
•Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated
•Georgia Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2009, 2011-14)
•Author, Revocable Trusts: Tennessee State Q&A for Revocable Trusts and Power of Attorney, Practical Law
Working with Michael on a business matter
Michael S. Goode, shareholder in the firm’s Nashville office, focuses his practice on the tax, business, and estate planning needs of families and businesses. On an international level, he also assists companies and individuals with their corporate and estate planning needs, including the resolution of reporting requirements. Michael serves as a trusted advisor to governmental agencies and…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
William and Mary School of Law
JD. New · 2002
Colby College
B.A. Northeastern · 1996
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Tennessee
2004 · ACTIVE
Georgia
2002 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at JD. New in William and Mary School of Law and B.A. Northeastern in Colby College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed JD. New in William and Mary School of Law and B.A. Northeastern in Colby College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael S. Goode's office in Nashville
Michael's primary office is at 424 Church Street, Suite 2500, Nashville, TN, 37219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael S. Goode — 4.7/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Nashville.
4.7
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael S. Goode claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael S. Goode — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael S. Goode
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
Michael is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Michael handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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