Meet our Team

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Melissa Carrasco, a distinguished graduate of Liberty University and the University of Tennessee College of Law, is a seasoned attorney focusing on helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration and employment law. Her career also includes representing individuals and businesses in legal proceedings across the judicial and 

Melissa Carrasco, a distinguished graduate of Liberty University and the University of Tennessee College of Law, is a seasoned attorney focusing on helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration and employment law. Her career also includes representing individuals and businesses in legal proceedings across the judicial and administrative systems. Recognized as one of the top immigration attorneys in Knoxville, Melissa's expertise and dedication form the backbone of our law firm's exceptional legal service.

Chris Trump, a graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Law, specializes in providing outside general counsel services  to businesses of  all sizes throughout East Tennessee.  An active participant in the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Chris is particularly passionate about representing start-ups and early stage companies, 

Chris Trump, a graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Law, specializes in providing outside general counsel services  to businesses of  all sizes throughout East Tennessee.  An active participant in the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Chris is particularly passionate about representing start-ups and early stage companies, guiding them through the complexities of formation, financing, growth and exit.  In addition, Chris has overseen  all merger and acquisition transactions for one of the largest private companies in the State of Tennessee, has represented area banks and borrowers in both commercial and real estate financing transactions, and has assisted economic development boards in various tax abatement and public financing transactions.  In his freetime, you can find Chris watching the Vols, cheering on the Cubs and enjoying East Tennessee’s urban wilderness with his family.

Ellie Kauffman, a graduate of UCLA and the University of Tennessee College of Law, focuses on business law, assisting individuals and businesses with company formation, transactions, and general corporate matters. Ellie provides practical legal guidance to help clients navigate the complexities of starting and growing their businesses. In

Ellie Kauffman, a graduate of UCLA and the University of Tennessee College of Law, focuses on business law, assisting individuals and businesses with company formation, transactions, and general corporate matters. Ellie provides practical legal guidance to help clients navigate the complexities of starting and growing their businesses. In her free time, you can find Ellie at the gym training for competitive bodybuilding or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen with her fiancé.

Josh Smith is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.  His practice focuses on immigration and employment law and general litigation. A Knoxville native, Josh's background working with families in the justice system informs his empathetic, diligent approach to law, ensuring every

Josh Smith is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.  His practice focuses on immigration and employment law and general litigation. A Knoxville native, Josh's background working with families in the justice system informs his empathetic, diligent approach to law, ensuring every client receives thoughtful representation dedicated to meaningful results.