- Tennessee, 2025

I’m originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and my ties to the state have shaped both my education and my legal career. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I studied history and developed a lasting interest in how law, governance, and social institutions evolve over time. After college, I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University College of Law, drawn by the opportunity to continue my legal education in a city deeply connected to Tennessee’s courts, legal community, and public life. That academic path—from Chattanooga to Nashville—reflects my commitment to building a legal career rooted in this state and the people who call it home.
Outside of legal practice, I enjoy reading widely—particularly current fiction and historical novels—as well as spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. I value activities that reward patience, creativity, and attention to detail, and I believe those same qualities matter most when clients are navigating unfamiliar or emotionally difficult legal processes.
My path to the law grew naturally out of my interest in history and public institutions. Studying history taught me how deeply law affects people’s lives—not just in landmark cases, but in the quiet, everyday decisions that shape families and communities across generations. As I moved toward law school, I became increasingly interested in areas of practice that emphasized structure, foresight, and stewardship rather than conflict.
While in law school, I gravitated toward coursework in wills, trusts, and elder law, as well as writing-intensive projects that required close attention to statutory detail. Serving as a Senior Editor on the Belmont Law Journal reinforced my appreciation for careful legal reasoning and clear communication—skills that translate directly into effective client service.
One of the most formative experiences of my legal training was serving as a judicial intern in the Probate Division of the Seventh Circuit Court for Davidson County. Working closely with the court, I assisted with legal research and drafting in matters involving estate administration, intestate succession, partition actions, and pro se filings. That experience provided a front-row view of how estate plans succeed—or fail—in practice, and how critical clarity and foresight are for families during times of transition.
Through this work, I developed a strong interest in helping clients avoid unnecessary complications by planning carefully and understanding their options. I also gained experience researching developments in Tennessee probate and property law, which deepened my appreciation for how statutory changes affect real families and real property.
In addition to my academic and court experience, I’ve volunteered with wills clinics and community organizations, reinforcing my belief that good legal guidance should be accessible, practical, and grounded in empathy. Today, I focus my practice on estate planning and probate matters, with the goal of helping clients move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
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I cannot recommend Thomas Steelman highly enough! From the very start, he made the entire process of setting up our estate trust absolutely painless. His expertise and clear explanations turned what I expected to be a daunting task into a smooth and stress-free experience.
Not only did he handle every aspect of our estate trust with great attention to detail, but he (and law firm colleagues) also took care of transferring over our home deeds so we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of going to the county office ourselves. That alone saved us so much time and stress!
I honestly thought the process was going to cost a small fortune, but I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the pricing was. Most importantly, though, Thomas gave us peace of mind knowing that our hard-earned assets are protected and will go exactly where we want them—without placing unnecessary burdens on our loved ones.
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and professional estate trust attorney, Thomas and team are the ones to trust. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
John and his team did an amazing job helping my family get our affairs in order. Could not recommend them more!
hey are so prompt to respond and attentive!
Alexandra Hulme was extremely helpful, professional, and punctual! I highly recommend using this firm.
Highly recommend for all of your probate needs. Compassionate and professional.