Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C., founded in 1986, offers counsel across a wide spectrum of business law. The cornerstone of the firm is its strong and diversified commercial transaction and real estate practice. Layered onto that expertise is an equally effective commercial litigation and dispute resolution practice. We also handle corporate, entrepreneurial, employment, banking, wealth management and taxation, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, construction and utility law. Long, Ragsdale & Waters represents clients that range from Fortune 500 firms and regional financial institutions to small businesses and individuals throughout Tennessee and the Southeast. We are large enough to handle major matters, yet small enough to provide fast and personal service to each of our clients. We are experienced, pragmatic, flexible and capable of representing all clients, from start-up companies to established firms.

Philosophy

Our business philosophy is to provide prompt, thorough and unparalleled legal services to our clients. We handle small matters and large, complex ones with equal diligence. Our goal is to close the deal or resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of the client. If any matter does require litigation, we are amply qualified to achieve success in court. Our attorneys find solutions, whether traditional or cutting-edge.

Client Testimonials

We are only as good as the work we do for our clients, and we strive always to represent them efficiently and effectively. Our clients appreciate the devoted effort to solve their legal matters, and we thank them for telling us about their experiences with Long, Ragsdale & Waters.

Donna Baran
Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Realty

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Garrett. He is a rock star lawyer.  He handled the quagmire in our subdivision with well–honed skills, tact and finesse.

Jenny L. Hines
Certified Public Accountant

In over 30 years of public accounting, I have never dealt with a tax attorney whose technical skills are so finely tuned and whose professional demeanor is so perfectly suited for dealing with clients in any type of situation. We have worked together closely on many complicated tax issues from estate planning to entity structuring…

Thomas M. Vester III
Pinnacle Bank

I have worked in the commercial and real estate banking business in Knoxville, Tennessee for over thirty (30) years, and I have worked with LRW attorneys for most of that time.  They are knowledgeable and experienced in representing lenders in commercial loan transactions, particularly commercial real estate loans.  Dennis Ragsdale is one of the best…

Christi Sanderson
Property Manager, Southwood Apartments

I have had the pleasure of working with Garrett for the past six years with regards to all my legal issues. In many instances, his quick response to my calls and excellent legal guidance have enabled me to be proactive in avoiding lengthy legal proceedings. Garrett always has time for me, and he is always professional and…

Greg Collins
Credit Manager, Stowers Machinery Corporation

Garrett has provided invaluable legal services to our company for over 12 years. He understands our business and the role he plays in our success. Garrett has ably prepared contracts, handled commercial collections and provided general legal advice. He knows his way around contracts and, when necessary, the courthouse. Garrett responds quickly to everything from the…

Todd Smith
President, Receivable Solutions, Inc.

I have used Garrett for several years for commercial collections. He is tenacious, but also cost-conscious. Garrett knows the ins and outs of collections, garnishments and levies. He is great at thinking outside the box in difficult cases. He is good about personally responding by telephone and email and good about providing updates. I’m glad…

Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C., founded in 1986, offers counsel across a wide spectrum of business law. The cornerstone of the firm is its strong and diversified commercial transaction and real estate practice. Layered onto that expertise is an equally effective commercial litigation and dispute resolution practice. We also handle corporate, entrepreneurial, employment, banking, wealth management and taxation, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, construction and utility law. Long, Ragsdale & Waters represents clients that range from Fortune 500 firms and regional financial institutions to small businesses and individuals throughout Tennessee and the Southeast. We are large enough to handle major matters, yet small enough to provide fast and personal service to each of our clients. We are experienced, pragmatic, flexible and capable of representing all clients, from start-up companies to established firms.

Philosophy

Our business philosophy is to provide prompt, thorough and unparalleled legal services to our clients. We handle small matters and large, complex ones with equal diligence. Our goal is to close the deal or resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of the client. If any matter does require litigation, we are amply qualified to achieve success in court. Our attorneys find solutions, whether traditional or cutting-edge.

Client Testimonials

We are only as good as the work we do for our clients, and we strive always to represent them efficiently and effectively. Our clients appreciate the devoted effort to solve their legal matters, and we thank them for telling us about their experiences with Long, Ragsdale & Waters.

I have worked in the commercial and real estate banking business in Knoxville, Tennessee for over thirty (30) years, and I have worked with LRW attorneys for most of that time.  They are knowledgeable and experienced in representing lenders in commercial loan transactions, particularly commercial real estate loans.  Dennis Ragsdale is one of the best attorneys in Tennessee for this type of work.  I also have a great working relationship with other LRW attorneys, including David Long and John Waters.  Randy Miller has provided many title policies for the bank and its borrowers.  Complex deals close smoothly and efficiently when these lawyers are involved.  I would feel very confident with LRW handling any loan our bank can make, regardless of type or size.

Thomas M. Vester IIIPinnacle Bank

The lawyers at LRW have represented Temple Enterprises and related family companies since before they consolidated into one firm. That is how long we have trusted them. Our companies own, sell, lease and operate various types of real property. We have also operated a milling company and farm supply store. Our legal services, including general business, real estate transactions, leases, entity formation, dispute resolution and estate planning, have been promptly and successfully provided. I expect our companies to continue working with these attorneys for another 30 years.

Temple Enterprises, LLC

I have been working with the attorneys at LRW for over 25 years. I have worked with David Long and Dennis Ragsdale, and John Waters has been my primary counsel since 1998. Some of my transactions have been large enough to require the participation of nearly all of the LRW attorneys. These people are deal closers. LRW has closed dozens of transactions with me, involving hundreds of millions of dollars. I can rely on John Waters and LRW for technical expertise, business savvy and moral support.  I am a real estate developer, and these guys are the best real estate development attorneys out there.

Miles E. “Budd” Cullom, Jr.CHM Development, LLC

Greystone Lodge and the Miller family companies have been a client of Long Ragsdale & Waters for many years. LRW has handled numerous transactions for our companies and for us personally. They are consummate professionals and handle each issue as if we were their only client. Having such competent representation in our own backyard allows us to focus on business and let LRW handle legal and transactional matters. I would recommend this firm to anyone.

Greystone LodgeMiller Family