Minor, Bell & Neal

Minor, Bell & Neal

Conveniently located on the I-75 corridor, Minor, Bell & Neal is experienced in a variety of practice areas.

Minor, Bell & Neal

Minor, Bell & Neal

Conveniently located on the I-75 corridor, Minor, Bell & Neal is experienced in a variety of practice areas.

Firm Overview

Connected to our northwest Georgia & Chattanooga area communities, and committed to preventing and solving a variety of complex legal problems for our local, national and international clientele. For information about our different practice areas, please review each of our areas of Expertise.

Yesterday

In 1983 with only three attorneys, two secretaries and a part-time real estate abstractor, the vision of Tom Minor, III became a reality with the opening of a small law firm in Dalton, Georgia. By the end of 1985, the firm had welcomed Bill Bell and John Neal, and the professional corporation of Minor, Bell & Neal, P.C. was formed. The name has remained constant over the years; however the firm has continued to grow.

Today

Tom Minor, III is now retired, but his son, his grandson, and 11 other attorneys make up the Minor, Bell & Neal team.

Minor, Bell and Neal's attorneys are known throughout northwest Georgia, Chattanooga and beyond, not only for continuing the firm's tradition of legal excellence in their practice areas of Business Law, Domestic Relations, Elder Law, Employment Law, Government, Health Care, Litigation, Real Estate, Risk Management, and Wills Trusts Estates, but also for their committed service to their clients and communities. With over 200 years combined experience among 12 attorneys, the current Minor, Bell & Neal team, like the firm's founders, is recognized for providing expertise, leadership and guidance both within and without the legal profession.

Main Office

Main Office
745 College Drive
Suite B
Dalton, GA 30720

Phone

706-259-2586

Business

Since the inception of Minor, Bell & Neal, its business attorneys have counseled small, medium and large companies that are engaged in, provide support to, or do business with the floor covering industry.

This involvement has afforded the Minor, Bell & Neal business attorneys considerable experience in understanding and responding to the needs of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.

Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have also gained broad and in-depth industry-specific experience through longtime counseling of health care providers, real estate developers, contractors, utilities, financial service providers and local governments.

In addition to services to these specific industries, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have years of experience in providing legal counsel for a myriad of small, medium and large businesses as they are created, develop legal relationships, deal with human resource issues, obtain capital for growth, merge with or acquire others, plan for their leadership and ownership succession and generally deal with the day-to-day challenges of doing business.

Relationships.
Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have long recognized that the most effective way to meet the legal needs of their clients is to get to know them and their personal and business goals, strategies, and manners of conducting their business. Through the development of relationships that may extend beyond the scope of the legal representation, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys are best positioned to meet the clients' needs and expectations. As a result of this personalized approach, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have client relationships that trace their roots to the 1950's.

Expertise.
Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys provide a broad array of legal services. The phrase "general business legal services" broadly defines what the business attorneys deliver to their clients, but by no means tells the entire story of what the business attorneys do. While not intended as an exhaustive list of the services provided, the following is illustrative of some of legal work typically done by the business attorneys:

- Choice of business form
- Business organization
- Business governance
- Relationships among business owners
- Business succession planning
- Contracts (with employees, suppliers, distributors, customers, etc.)
- Employment issues
- Dispute resolution and risk management (See Litigation)
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Financing
- Regulatory matters

Minor, Bell & Neal
William W. Bell Jr.

aving practiced law for 39 years, Bill knows that the key to fulfillment in the legal field is dedication to clients and fervent community service. Though he spends much of his time serving clients and staying current on the dynamic body of law that affects his clients, Bill has never been too busy to accept leadership roles in the many organizations in which he participates. Through the years, Bill has served as a director and chair of Community News Television; secretary and president of the Conasauga Circuit Bar Association; director, secretary, vice president and president of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton; a district chair and lieutenant governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis.

Community:
-Community News Television - CNTV (Chair)
-Creative Arts Guild (past Director)
-Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
-Dalton Little Theatre (past Director)
-Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past committee Chair)
-Heritage Foundation
-Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
-Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
-Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 1988)
-United Way of Northwest Georgia
-Varnell United Methodist Church (Education Chair)


Professional:
-American Bankruptcy Institute
-American Bar Association
-Court of Appeals of Georgia
-Conasauga Bar Association (past President)
-Conasauga Circuit Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
-Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
-Supreme Court of Georgia
-United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
-United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
-United States Tax Court

Practices:
-Business Law
-Elder Law
-Wills Trusts Estates (Section Chair)

Education:
-University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 1973)
-University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1968)

Bar Admissions:
-Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
William W. Bell Jr.

aving practiced law for 39 years, Bill knows that the key to fulfillment in the legal field is dedication to clients and fervent community service. Though he spends much of his time serving clients and staying current on the dynamic body of law that affects his clients, Bill has never been too busy to accept leadership roles in the many organizations in which he participates. Through the years, Bill has served as a director and chair of Community News Television; secretary and president of the Conasauga Circuit Bar Association; director, secretary, vice president and president of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton; a district chair and lieutenant governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis.

Community:
-Community News Television - CNTV (Chair)
-Creative Arts Guild (past Director)
-Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
-Dalton Little Theatre (past Director)
-Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past committee Chair)
-Heritage Foundation
-Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
-Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
-Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 1988)
-United Way of Northwest Georgia
-Varnell United Methodist Church (Education Chair)


Professional:
-American Bankruptcy Institute
-American Bar Association
-Court of Appeals of Georgia
-Conasauga Bar Association (past President)
-Conasauga Circuit Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
-Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
-Supreme Court of Georgia
-United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
-United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
-United States Tax Court

Practices:
-Business Law
-Elder Law
-Wills Trusts Estates (Section Chair)

Education:
-University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 1973)
-University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1968)

Bar Admissions:
-Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
James H. Bisson, III

For 33 years, Jim has worked diligently to assist clients in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, Governmental Law, Mediation, and Bankruptcy Law. Jim's blended experience in business law and litigation provides a solid foundation of legal insight unique to his practice. His expertise in mediating issues between parties aids in preventing and resolving their concerns. Jim's strong values and awareness of current legal issues result in quality legal advice for his clients.

Community:
City Attorney
Creative Arts Guild (past director)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past board member)
First Presbyterian Church of Dalton

Professional:
American Bar Association
Board of Governors of State Bar of Georgia 2004-2012
Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
United States Supreme Court
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law
Government (Section Chair)

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 1976)
University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Minor, Bell & Neal
James H. Bisson, III

For 33 years, Jim has worked diligently to assist clients in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, Governmental Law, Mediation, and Bankruptcy Law. Jim's blended experience in business law and litigation provides a solid foundation of legal insight unique to his practice. His expertise in mediating issues between parties aids in preventing and resolving their concerns. Jim's strong values and awareness of current legal issues result in quality legal advice for his clients.

Community:
City Attorney
Creative Arts Guild (past director)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past board member)
First Presbyterian Church of Dalton

Professional:
American Bar Association
Board of Governors of State Bar of Georgia 2004-2012
Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
United States Supreme Court
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law
Government (Section Chair)

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 1976)
University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Minor, Bell & Neal
Jonathan L. Bledsoe

Jonathan's broad litigation practice allows him to assist clients in achieving a variety of goals. The foundation for successfully pursuing any of these cases, however, is hard work and preparation. It is with a commitment to these ideals that he advises clients in commercial disputes, real estate litigation, probate litigation, banking matters, appeals, shareholder's disputes, truck wrecks, personal injury cases, motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation and other disputes. Jonathan specializes in business litigation and medical malpractice defense. He represents numerous manufacturing facilities, insurance companies, physicians, hospitals, banks, and individuals located throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Jonathan is also a registered mediator and arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. He holds an AV peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Jonathan's Representative Cases:

Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App.626 (2008)
Staten v. Beaulieu Group, LLC, 278 Ga. App. 179 (2006)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Jackson v. Tolliver, 277 Ga. 58 (2003)

Community:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains Board of Directors
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee
First Baptist Church of Dalton
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyer's Club of Atlanta
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Alumni Association
Rotary Club of Dalton


Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation
Managing Risk

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2002)
Mercer University (B.A., 1999)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Martindale-Hubbell Profile:
Jonathan Bledsoe
online at
Super Lawyers

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Jonathan L. Bledsoe

Jonathan's broad litigation practice allows him to assist clients in achieving a variety of goals. The foundation for successfully pursuing any of these cases, however, is hard work and preparation. It is with a commitment to these ideals that he advises clients in commercial disputes, real estate litigation, probate litigation, banking matters, appeals, shareholder's disputes, truck wrecks, personal injury cases, motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation and other disputes. Jonathan specializes in business litigation and medical malpractice defense. He represents numerous manufacturing facilities, insurance companies, physicians, hospitals, banks, and individuals located throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Jonathan is also a registered mediator and arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. He holds an AV peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Jonathan's Representative Cases:

Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App.626 (2008)
Staten v. Beaulieu Group, LLC, 278 Ga. App. 179 (2006)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Jackson v. Tolliver, 277 Ga. 58 (2003)

Community:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains Board of Directors
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee
First Baptist Church of Dalton
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyer's Club of Atlanta
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Alumni Association
Rotary Club of Dalton


Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation
Managing Risk

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2002)
Mercer University (B.A., 1999)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Martindale-Hubbell Profile:
Jonathan Bledsoe
online at
Super Lawyers

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Sarah M. Carmichael

Sarah began practicing with Minor, Bell & Neal after earning her law degree in 2012. She has worked on a variety of legal issues including insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and property disputes. Sarah looks forward to increasing her knowledge in these areas as well as expanding her practice to other areas. She is interested in developing a practice in probate litigation and risk management.

Sarah grew up in Dalton and is an alumna of Dalton High School. As such, she is dedicated to the community and is always seeking ways to serve and to improve it.

Community:
St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Member)
Whitfield-Dalton Day Care (Board Member)

Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., 2012)
University of Georgia (B.S., 2008; B.A., 2008)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Mississippi School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Sarah M. Carmichael

Sarah began practicing with Minor, Bell & Neal after earning her law degree in 2012. She has worked on a variety of legal issues including insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and property disputes. Sarah looks forward to increasing her knowledge in these areas as well as expanding her practice to other areas. She is interested in developing a practice in probate litigation and risk management.

Sarah grew up in Dalton and is an alumna of Dalton High School. As such, she is dedicated to the community and is always seeking ways to serve and to improve it.

Community:
St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Member)
Whitfield-Dalton Day Care (Board Member)

Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., 2012)
University of Georgia (B.S., 2008; B.A., 2008)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Mississippi School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
William F. Jourdain

With over 25 years of experience handling complex litigation matters, Bill is the Chair of Minor, Bell & Neal's litigation section. In recent years, Bill's primary focus has been on business and health care suits, representing floor covering businesses, hospitals and individual medical providers through associations with several medical malpractice insurers. His health care law experience has not been limited to litigation, and he also regularly counsels his clients in risk management and medical staff (peer review) matters. Bill has handled numerous matters as a licensed attorney in both Georgia and Tennessee, and has also been admitted pro hac vice to represent floor covering clients in litigation in several other states. Bill has devoted much of his free time to his community, having served as Chair of numerous volunteer boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross.

Bill's Recent presentations:
Emergency Medical Treatments and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)

Bill's Representative Cases:
Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App. 626 (2008)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Payne v. Harbin, 254 Ga. App. 402 (2002)
Kittle v. ConAgra Poultry Co., Inc., 247 Ga. App. 102 (2000)
Dominy v. Shumpert, 235 Ga. App. 500 (1998)
Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Advanced Adhesive Technology, Inc., 73 F.3d 335 (1996)
White v. Arthur Enterprises, Inc., 219 Ga. App. 124 (1995)

Community:
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (past northwest Georgia District Emergency Coordinator)
Dalton Amateur Radio Club (past President)
Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past Chair)
Looper Speech and Hearing Center (past Chair)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (past Chair)
Leadership Georgia
United Way of Northwest Georgia
Voluntary Action Center of Northwest Georgia (past Chair)


Professional:
American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Defense Research Institute
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia (Fellow)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Middle District of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States District Court Southern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
Volunteer Counsel, American Radio Relay League

Practices:
Employment Law (Section Chair)
Health Care
Litigation (Section Chair)
Risk Management

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1986)
Furman University (B.A., 1983)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Minor, Bell & Neal
William F. Jourdain

With over 25 years of experience handling complex litigation matters, Bill is the Chair of Minor, Bell & Neal's litigation section. In recent years, Bill's primary focus has been on business and health care suits, representing floor covering businesses, hospitals and individual medical providers through associations with several medical malpractice insurers. His health care law experience has not been limited to litigation, and he also regularly counsels his clients in risk management and medical staff (peer review) matters. Bill has handled numerous matters as a licensed attorney in both Georgia and Tennessee, and has also been admitted pro hac vice to represent floor covering clients in litigation in several other states. Bill has devoted much of his free time to his community, having served as Chair of numerous volunteer boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross.

Bill's Recent presentations:
Emergency Medical Treatments and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)

Bill's Representative Cases:
Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App. 626 (2008)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Payne v. Harbin, 254 Ga. App. 402 (2002)
Kittle v. ConAgra Poultry Co., Inc., 247 Ga. App. 102 (2000)
Dominy v. Shumpert, 235 Ga. App. 500 (1998)
Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Advanced Adhesive Technology, Inc., 73 F.3d 335 (1996)
White v. Arthur Enterprises, Inc., 219 Ga. App. 124 (1995)

Community:
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (past northwest Georgia District Emergency Coordinator)
Dalton Amateur Radio Club (past President)
Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past Chair)
Looper Speech and Hearing Center (past Chair)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (past Chair)
Leadership Georgia
United Way of Northwest Georgia
Voluntary Action Center of Northwest Georgia (past Chair)


Professional:
American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Defense Research Institute
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia (Fellow)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Middle District of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States District Court Southern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
Volunteer Counsel, American Radio Relay League

Practices:
Employment Law (Section Chair)
Health Care
Litigation (Section Chair)
Risk Management

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1986)
Furman University (B.A., 1983)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Minor, Bell & Neal
Michael J. McNeill

Michael is a 2012, magna cum laude graduate of Mercer Law School. While in law school, Michael was a published member of the Mercer Law Review; placed third in the sixteen-state Southern Region of the International Trademark Association's Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition; and wrote and co-organized Mercer's Hugh Lawson Memorial 1L Moot Court Competition. In addition, Michael participated in Mercer's Habeas Project clinic, offering free legal aid to inmates challenging their convictions in habeas corpus proceedings.

Michael now comes to the Minor, Bell & Neal litigation team with wide and varied experience in the Georgia court system. During law school, he interned for now-Chief Justice Hugh Thompson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, as well as Judges Tilman Self, III, and Edgar Ennis, Jr, of the Superior Court of Bibb County. After graduation, Michael clerked for the Superior Courts of the Macon Judicial Circuit, where he assisted Chief Judge S. Phillip Brown with the Court's civil docket, reviewed adoption cases, and served as the resident habeas corpus expert under Judge Howard Simms.

In past employment, Michael has also worked as a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, an undercover food critic, and a bar and poker room operator.


Michael's Representative Cases:
Duvall v. State, 289 Ga. 540 (2011).
Fullwood v. State, 290 Ga. 335 (2012).
Hughes v. State, 291 Ga. 65 (2012).

Publication:
Crack, Congress, and the Normalization of Federal Sentencing: Why 12,040 Federal Inmates Believe that Their Sentences Should Be Reduced, and Why They and Others Like Them May Be Right, 63 Mercer L. Rev. 1359 (2012).

Professional:
American Bar Association
American Mensa
Georgia Court of Appeals
Macon Bar Association
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
Mercer University (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Michael J. McNeill

Michael is a 2012, magna cum laude graduate of Mercer Law School. While in law school, Michael was a published member of the Mercer Law Review; placed third in the sixteen-state Southern Region of the International Trademark Association's Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition; and wrote and co-organized Mercer's Hugh Lawson Memorial 1L Moot Court Competition. In addition, Michael participated in Mercer's Habeas Project clinic, offering free legal aid to inmates challenging their convictions in habeas corpus proceedings.

Michael now comes to the Minor, Bell & Neal litigation team with wide and varied experience in the Georgia court system. During law school, he interned for now-Chief Justice Hugh Thompson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, as well as Judges Tilman Self, III, and Edgar Ennis, Jr, of the Superior Court of Bibb County. After graduation, Michael clerked for the Superior Courts of the Macon Judicial Circuit, where he assisted Chief Judge S. Phillip Brown with the Court's civil docket, reviewed adoption cases, and served as the resident habeas corpus expert under Judge Howard Simms.

In past employment, Michael has also worked as a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, an undercover food critic, and a bar and poker room operator.


Michael's Representative Cases:
Duvall v. State, 289 Ga. 540 (2011).
Fullwood v. State, 290 Ga. 335 (2012).
Hughes v. State, 291 Ga. 65 (2012).

Publication:
Crack, Congress, and the Normalization of Federal Sentencing: Why 12,040 Federal Inmates Believe that Their Sentences Should Be Reduced, and Why They and Others Like Them May Be Right, 63 Mercer L. Rev. 1359 (2012).

Professional:
American Bar Association
American Mensa
Georgia Court of Appeals
Macon Bar Association
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
Mercer University (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
J. Tom Minor, IV

Tom has worked in the area of real property law for 32 years. During this time, Tom has been involved in almost every type of real estate transaction you might imagine, from very complex commercial transactions to residential home and lot purchases. Tom brings his unique knowledge of north Georgia and his passion for real estate to work with his clients in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Tom represents developers, lenders, corporations and individuals who have need of advice in the area of real property law. He has been involved in many community activities since returning to his hometown of Dalton in 1983 having served as a director on numerous volunteer boards, including the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, the Creative Arts Guild and the Dalton Little Theatre. Tom is a past director of the Georgia Real Property Closing Attorneys Association and has served on the executive committee of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council (past President)
Creative Arts Guild (Trustee, past Director and President)
Dalton Little Theater, Inc. (past Director and President)
Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (past Trustee)
Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (past Chair)
St. Marks Episcopal Church of Dalton (past Vestry and Sr. Warden)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Professional Division Chair)
Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (Trustee)
Whitfield County Board of Tax Assessors (Past Chair)

Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association, Inc. (past Director)
State Bar of Georgia Real Property Section (past Member of Executive Committee)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Tax Court

Practices:
Real Estate (Section Chair)
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1981)
Mercer University (B.A., 1978)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
J. Tom Minor, IV

Tom has worked in the area of real property law for 32 years. During this time, Tom has been involved in almost every type of real estate transaction you might imagine, from very complex commercial transactions to residential home and lot purchases. Tom brings his unique knowledge of north Georgia and his passion for real estate to work with his clients in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Tom represents developers, lenders, corporations and individuals who have need of advice in the area of real property law. He has been involved in many community activities since returning to his hometown of Dalton in 1983 having served as a director on numerous volunteer boards, including the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, the Creative Arts Guild and the Dalton Little Theatre. Tom is a past director of the Georgia Real Property Closing Attorneys Association and has served on the executive committee of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council (past President)
Creative Arts Guild (Trustee, past Director and President)
Dalton Little Theater, Inc. (past Director and President)
Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (past Trustee)
Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (past Chair)
St. Marks Episcopal Church of Dalton (past Vestry and Sr. Warden)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Professional Division Chair)
Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (Trustee)
Whitfield County Board of Tax Assessors (Past Chair)

Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association, Inc. (past Director)
State Bar of Georgia Real Property Section (past Member of Executive Committee)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Tax Court

Practices:
Real Estate (Section Chair)
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1981)
Mercer University (B.A., 1978)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
John T. Minor V

Having been a part of the Minor, Bell & Neal family since he was three years old, John knows what it means to help clients find solutions. John believes that if you really understand a problem and you have the creativity, expertise, and determination to solve it, a solution will come easily. John values personal attention and communication as the foundation of effective problem-solving; he makes it his goal to truly know and care about his clients and the issues they face.

Although the majority of his work focuses on the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estates, Elder Law, Health Care, and Business, his unique position at Minor, Bell & Neal has given him the opportunity to experience a wide variety of legal issues. Regardless of the matter or issue, John brings creative expertise to the Minor, Bell & Neal team that helps clients get results.

Recent Presentations by John:

An Overview of the Affordable Care Act
HIPAA: Important New Rules that Affect You and Your Practice
Wills and Other Important Documents

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Counsel
Eagle Scout
Leadership Catoosa
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
Mediator (registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution)
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practice:
Business Law
Elder Law
Health Care
Real Estate
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer Law School (J.D., 2006)
Vanderbilt University, (B.Mus., 2003)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer Law School
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
John T. Minor V

Having been a part of the Minor, Bell & Neal family since he was three years old, John knows what it means to help clients find solutions. John believes that if you really understand a problem and you have the creativity, expertise, and determination to solve it, a solution will come easily. John values personal attention and communication as the foundation of effective problem-solving; he makes it his goal to truly know and care about his clients and the issues they face.

Although the majority of his work focuses on the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estates, Elder Law, Health Care, and Business, his unique position at Minor, Bell & Neal has given him the opportunity to experience a wide variety of legal issues. Regardless of the matter or issue, John brings creative expertise to the Minor, Bell & Neal team that helps clients get results.

Recent Presentations by John:

An Overview of the Affordable Care Act
HIPAA: Important New Rules that Affect You and Your Practice
Wills and Other Important Documents

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Counsel
Eagle Scout
Leadership Catoosa
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
Mediator (registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution)
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practice:
Business Law
Elder Law
Health Care
Real Estate
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer Law School (J.D., 2006)
Vanderbilt University, (B.Mus., 2003)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer Law School Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Kenneth L. Mishoe, IV

Ken joined Minor, Bell and Neal in 2006 after serving as Law Clerk to the Honorable William T. Boyett and the Honorable Robert B. Adams in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. He grew up in Van Meter, Iowa and moved to the Dalton area after law school to enjoy the benefits of living in northwest Georgia combined with the practice of complex business law. The unique makeup of the businesses and the people in northwest Georgia provide the challenges that make the practice of law satisfying. Ken has experience in a wide variety of business transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, supply agreements, and joint ventures. Ken also concentrates his practice in business financing and taxation.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council
Conasauga Bar Association
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
Murray County Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Volunteer)
United Way Young Leaders Society


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Business Law
Elder Law
Wills Trusts Estates

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 2005, cum laude)
Drake University (M.B.A.)
Drake University (B.S.)

Honors:
University of Georgia Law Review, Articles Editor

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Kenneth L. Mishoe, IV

Ken joined Minor, Bell and Neal in 2006 after serving as Law Clerk to the Honorable William T. Boyett and the Honorable Robert B. Adams in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. He grew up in Van Meter, Iowa and moved to the Dalton area after law school to enjoy the benefits of living in northwest Georgia combined with the practice of complex business law. The unique makeup of the businesses and the people in northwest Georgia provide the challenges that make the practice of law satisfying. Ken has experience in a wide variety of business transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, supply agreements, and joint ventures. Ken also concentrates his practice in business financing and taxation.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council
Conasauga Bar Association
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
Murray County Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Volunteer)
United Way Young Leaders Society


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Business Law
Elder Law
Wills Trusts Estates

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 2005, cum laude)
Drake University (M.B.A.)
Drake University (B.S.)

Honors:
University of Georgia Law Review, Articles Editor

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Savannah B. Moore

After obtaining her law degree in 2011, Savannah began a clerkship for the Honorable Jack Partain of the Superior Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. During her clerkship, she reviewed adoption petitions for compliance and acquired substantial knowledge of the adoption code and the mechanics of seeking adoptions in Georgia courts. Now that she has entered private practice, Savannah plans to put this experience into action by assisting families who wish to adopt.

Savannah came to Minor, Bell & Neal in 2012. A part of the Litigation Section, she has worked on a variety of legal issues including medical malpractice defense, commercial lease disputes, and insurance defense. Savannah seeks to expand her litigation practice by gaining expertise in these areas and by expanding her practice base to other areas. She also has an interest in developing an agricultural law practice that is specifically designed to help agricultural producers navigate the complex federal and state regulatory scheme, to plan for the future with estate planning that is tailored to farming families, and to resolve other legal issues as they arise.

Community:

Emerging Leaders Institute (Class of 2013)
First Baptist Church of Dalton (Sanctuary Choir, Young Adult Ensemble)
Friendship House Day Care (Board Member)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Class of 2014)

Professional:

American Agricultural Law Association
American Bar Association
American Soybean Association-DuPont Young Leaders Program (Class of 2014 - Georgia Representative)
Conasauga Bar Association (Secretary/Treasurer)
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Health Care
Litigation
Risk Management

Education:
University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 2011)
Mercer University (B.Mus., 2007)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Savannah B. Moore

After obtaining her law degree in 2011, Savannah began a clerkship for the Honorable Jack Partain of the Superior Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. During her clerkship, she reviewed adoption petitions for compliance and acquired substantial knowledge of the adoption code and the mechanics of seeking adoptions in Georgia courts. Now that she has entered private practice, Savannah plans to put this experience into action by assisting families who wish to adopt.

Savannah came to Minor, Bell & Neal in 2012. A part of the Litigation Section, she has worked on a variety of legal issues including medical malpractice defense, commercial lease disputes, and insurance defense. Savannah seeks to expand her litigation practice by gaining expertise in these areas and by expanding her practice base to other areas. She also has an interest in developing an agricultural law practice that is specifically designed to help agricultural producers navigate the complex federal and state regulatory scheme, to plan for the future with estate planning that is tailored to farming families, and to resolve other legal issues as they arise.

Community:

Emerging Leaders Institute (Class of 2013)
First Baptist Church of Dalton (Sanctuary Choir, Young Adult Ensemble)
Friendship House Day Care (Board Member)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Class of 2014)

Professional:

American Agricultural Law Association
American Bar Association
American Soybean Association-DuPont Young Leaders Program (Class of 2014 - Georgia Representative)
Conasauga Bar Association (Secretary/Treasurer)
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Health Care
Litigation
Risk Management

Education:
University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 2011)
Mercer University (B.Mus., 2007)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
John P. Neal, III

John spent most of the first decade of his career in the win-lose world of trial practice. During this time, an opportunity to handle a business transaction led John to discover a greater challenge, and what has become the focus of his practice: helping clients achieve their business goals through negotiating and documenting win/win business relationships. John has successfully closed hundreds of business transactions, from simple contracts to complex joint ventures; from business formations to mergers and acquisitions; from simple buy-sell agreements to long-term supply agreements. John's ability to successfully conclude these transactions is enhanced by keeping his focus and the focus of the parties on the reality that if business relationships are to successfully work over time, all parties must achieve their business objectives. His ability to seek, formulate and negotiate these mutually beneficial relationships has led small to large businesses to seek his legal expertise. When not practicing law, John practices these same principles while volunteering with organizations committed to the betterment of the community where he lives and practices.

John's Representative Cases:
Guthrie v. Dalton City School Dist., 446 S.E.2d 526, (Ga.App., 1994)
In re Colortex Industries, Inc., 19 F.3d 1371, (11th Cir. (Ga.),1994)
Varsity Carpet Services, Inc. v. Richardson, 146 B.R. 881, (N.D.Ga., 1992)
Trout v. Harrison, 372 S.E.2d 651, (Ga.App., 1988)
Badische Corp. v. Caylor, 806 F.2d 231, (11th Cir. (Ga.), 1986)
Sofate of America, Inc. v. Brown, 318 S.E.2d 771, (Ga.App., 1984)

Community

Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia (Board Chair)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair)
First United Methodist Church of Dalton
Friendship House, Inc. (Advisory Board)
Grow Greater Dalton (General Chair)
Hamilton Medical Center Ethics Committee
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Past Chair)
Rotary Club of Dalton (Past President)
Target Tomorrow (Past Chair)

Professional

American Bar Association (Sections on Health Care Law and Public Utilities Law)
American Health Lawyers Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Energy Bar Association
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys (Past Director)
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law (Section Chair)
Government Law
Health Care

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., magna cum laude, 1976)
Georgia Institute of Technology (B.I.E., with honor, 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
John P. Neal, III

John spent most of the first decade of his career in the win-lose world of trial practice. During this time, an opportunity to handle a business transaction led John to discover a greater challenge, and what has become the focus of his practice: helping clients achieve their business goals through negotiating and documenting win/win business relationships. John has successfully closed hundreds of business transactions, from simple contracts to complex joint ventures; from business formations to mergers and acquisitions; from simple buy-sell agreements to long-term supply agreements. John's ability to successfully conclude these transactions is enhanced by keeping his focus and the focus of the parties on the reality that if business relationships are to successfully work over time, all parties must achieve their business objectives. His ability to seek, formulate and negotiate these mutually beneficial relationships has led small to large businesses to seek his legal expertise. When not practicing law, John practices these same principles while volunteering with organizations committed to the betterment of the community where he lives and practices.

John's Representative Cases:
Guthrie v. Dalton City School Dist., 446 S.E.2d 526, (Ga.App., 1994)
In re Colortex Industries, Inc., 19 F.3d 1371, (11th Cir. (Ga.),1994)
Varsity Carpet Services, Inc. v. Richardson, 146 B.R. 881, (N.D.Ga., 1992)
Trout v. Harrison, 372 S.E.2d 651, (Ga.App., 1988)
Badische Corp. v. Caylor, 806 F.2d 231, (11th Cir. (Ga.), 1986)
Sofate of America, Inc. v. Brown, 318 S.E.2d 771, (Ga.App., 1984)

Community

Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia (Board Chair)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair)
First United Methodist Church of Dalton
Friendship House, Inc. (Advisory Board)
Grow Greater Dalton (General Chair)
Hamilton Medical Center Ethics Committee
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Past Chair)
Rotary Club of Dalton (Past President)
Target Tomorrow (Past Chair)

Professional

American Bar Association (Sections on Health Care Law and Public Utilities Law)
American Health Lawyers Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Energy Bar Association
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys (Past Director)
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law (Section Chair)
Government Law
Health Care

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., magna cum laude, 1976)
Georgia Institute of Technology (B.I.E., with honor, 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Judy L. Poag

Judy has been assisting employers with employment-related legal issues for over thirteen years. A native of Chatsworth, she began her legal career in Atlanta where she worked for a nationally recognized employment law defense firm where her goal was to become an expert on how defense firms successfully litigated harassment and discrimination claims so that she could later successfully represent plaintiff employees. Shortly after she began representing employers, however, she discovered that the majority of the employers she was dealing with were either being unfairly accused by disgruntled employees or had taken the wrong action with respect to an employee based upon a misunderstanding of what the complicated state and federal employment laws required. As a result, she decided to focus her career on counseling and defending employers in employment-related issues. When Judy relocated back to the Dalton area, she joined Minor, Bell & Neal where she counsels employers of all sizes. She is a frequent speaker before employer groups on employment-related issues, and she is very active in the local community.

Community:

Boys and Girls Club of Gordon, Murray and Whitfield Counties (Corporate Board Member, Personnel Committee Member, Steak-and-Stake Committee Member, Murray County Advisory Board President)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (Graduate 2009)
Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center (Board Member)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Young Leaders Society)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit

Practices:
Business Law
Employment Law

Education:
Georgia State University (J.D., cum laude, 1996)
University of Georgia (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Georgia State University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Judy L. Poag

Judy has been assisting employers with employment-related legal issues for over thirteen years. A native of Chatsworth, she began her legal career in Atlanta where she worked for a nationally recognized employment law defense firm where her goal was to become an expert on how defense firms successfully litigated harassment and discrimination claims so that she could later successfully represent plaintiff employees. Shortly after she began representing employers, however, she discovered that the majority of the employers she was dealing with were either being unfairly accused by disgruntled employees or had taken the wrong action with respect to an employee based upon a misunderstanding of what the complicated state and federal employment laws required. As a result, she decided to focus her career on counseling and defending employers in employment-related issues. When Judy relocated back to the Dalton area, she joined Minor, Bell & Neal where she counsels employers of all sizes. She is a frequent speaker before employer groups on employment-related issues, and she is very active in the local community.

Community:

Boys and Girls Club of Gordon, Murray and Whitfield Counties (Corporate Board Member, Personnel Committee Member, Steak-and-Stake Committee Member, Murray County Advisory Board President)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (Graduate 2009)
Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center (Board Member)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Young Leaders Society)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit

Practices:
Business Law
Employment Law

Education:
Georgia State University (J.D., cum laude, 1996)
University of Georgia (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Georgia State University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
James F. Tucker, Jr.

Jim has practiced law with Minor, Bell & Neal since receiving his law degree in 2005. His practice focuses on the needs of small businesses and incorporates both transactions and litigation. In that regard, he regularly handles litigation on contract disputes, suits on account, defends employers in workers' compensation claims, and defends employers in Department of Labor appeals hearings. In transactions, Jim assists with small business formation and advises in intellectual property matters. He has successfully prosecuted numerous trademark registration applications with the Patent & Trademark Office and successfully represented clients in reversing initial rejections to registration.

In law school Jim was a member of Mercer Law Review for 2004/05. He also participated in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition in 2005 presenting a case in trademark and unfair competition law.

Community:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Dalton Ward)
Dalton State College (Former Instructor)
Internet Chess Club (Member)
Dalton-Whitfield Emerging Leaders Institute (Graduate 2009)
United Karate Studios (Dalton, Student)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 2011)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals - 11th Circuit

Practices:
Litigation
Risk Management
Intellectual Property

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2005)
Brigham Young (B.A., 1993)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
James F. Tucker, Jr.

Jim has practiced law with Minor, Bell & Neal since receiving his law degree in 2005. His practice focuses on the needs of small businesses and incorporates both transactions and litigation. In that regard, he regularly handles litigation on contract disputes, suits on account, defends employers in workers' compensation claims, and defends employers in Department of Labor appeals hearings. In transactions, Jim assists with small business formation and advises in intellectual property matters. He has successfully prosecuted numerous trademark registration applications with the Patent & Trademark Office and successfully represented clients in reversing initial rejections to registration.

In law school Jim was a member of Mercer Law Review for 2004/05. He also participated in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition in 2005 presenting a case in trademark and unfair competition law.

Community:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Dalton Ward)
Dalton State College (Former Instructor)
Internet Chess Club (Member)
Dalton-Whitfield Emerging Leaders Institute (Graduate 2009)
United Karate Studios (Dalton, Student)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 2011)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals - 11th Circuit

Practices:
Litigation
Risk Management
Intellectual Property

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2005)
Brigham Young (B.A., 1993)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Firm Overview

Connected to our northwest Georgia & Chattanooga area communities, and committed to preventing and solving a variety of complex legal problems for our local, national and international clientele. For information about our different practice areas, please review each of our areas of Expertise.

Yesterday

In 1983 with only three attorneys, two secretaries and a part-time real estate abstractor, the vision of Tom Minor, III became a reality with the opening of a small law firm in Dalton, Georgia. By the end of 1985, the firm had welcomed Bill Bell and John Neal, and the professional corporation of Minor, Bell & Neal, P.C. was formed. The name has remained constant over the years; however the firm has continued to grow.

Today

Tom Minor, III is now retired, but his son, his grandson, and 11 other attorneys make up the Minor, Bell & Neal team.

Minor, Bell and Neal's attorneys are known throughout northwest Georgia, Chattanooga and beyond, not only for continuing the firm's tradition of legal excellence in their practice areas of Business Law, Domestic Relations, Elder Law, Employment Law, Government, Health Care, Litigation, Real Estate, Risk Management, and Wills Trusts Estates, but also for their committed service to their clients and communities. With over 200 years combined experience among 12 attorneys, the current Minor, Bell & Neal team, like the firm's founders, is recognized for providing expertise, leadership and guidance both within and without the legal profession.

Main Office

Main Office
745 College Drive
Suite B
Dalton, GA 30720

Phone

706-259-2586

Business

Since the inception of Minor, Bell & Neal, its business attorneys have counseled small, medium and large companies that are engaged in, provide support to, or do business with the floor covering industry.

This involvement has afforded the Minor, Bell & Neal business attorneys considerable experience in understanding and responding to the needs of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.

Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have also gained broad and in-depth industry-specific experience through longtime counseling of health care providers, real estate developers, contractors, utilities, financial service providers and local governments.

In addition to services to these specific industries, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have years of experience in providing legal counsel for a myriad of small, medium and large businesses as they are created, develop legal relationships, deal with human resource issues, obtain capital for growth, merge with or acquire others, plan for their leadership and ownership succession and generally deal with the day-to-day challenges of doing business.

Relationships.
Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have long recognized that the most effective way to meet the legal needs of their clients is to get to know them and their personal and business goals, strategies, and manners of conducting their business. Through the development of relationships that may extend beyond the scope of the legal representation, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys are best positioned to meet the clients' needs and expectations. As a result of this personalized approach, Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys have client relationships that trace their roots to the 1950's.

Expertise.
Minor, Bell & Neal's business attorneys provide a broad array of legal services. The phrase "general business legal services" broadly defines what the business attorneys deliver to their clients, but by no means tells the entire story of what the business attorneys do. While not intended as an exhaustive list of the services provided, the following is illustrative of some of legal work typically done by the business attorneys:

- Choice of business form
- Business organization
- Business governance
- Relationships among business owners
- Business succession planning
- Contracts (with employees, suppliers, distributors, customers, etc.)
- Employment issues
- Dispute resolution and risk management (See Litigation)
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Financing
- Regulatory matters

Minor, Bell & Neal
William W. Bell Jr.

aving practiced law for 39 years, Bill knows that the key to fulfillment in the legal field is dedication to clients and fervent community service. Though he spends much of his time serving clients and staying current on the dynamic body of law that affects his clients, Bill has never been too busy to accept leadership roles in the many organizations in which he participates. Through the years, Bill has served as a director and chair of Community News Television; secretary and president of the Conasauga Circuit Bar Association; director, secretary, vice president and president of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton; a district chair and lieutenant governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis.

Community:
-Community News Television - CNTV (Chair)
-Creative Arts Guild (past Director)
-Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
-Dalton Little Theatre (past Director)
-Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past committee Chair)
-Heritage Foundation
-Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
-Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
-Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 1988)
-United Way of Northwest Georgia
-Varnell United Methodist Church (Education Chair)


Professional:
-American Bankruptcy Institute
-American Bar Association
-Court of Appeals of Georgia
-Conasauga Bar Association (past President)
-Conasauga Circuit Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
-Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
-Supreme Court of Georgia
-United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
-United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
-United States Tax Court

Practices:
-Business Law
-Elder Law
-Wills Trusts Estates (Section Chair)

Education:
-University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 1973)
-University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1968)

Bar Admissions:
-Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
William W. Bell Jr.

aving practiced law for 39 years, Bill knows that the key to fulfillment in the legal field is dedication to clients and fervent community service. Though he spends much of his time serving clients and staying current on the dynamic body of law that affects his clients, Bill has never been too busy to accept leadership roles in the many organizations in which he participates. Through the years, Bill has served as a director and chair of Community News Television; secretary and president of the Conasauga Circuit Bar Association; director, secretary, vice president and president of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton; a district chair and lieutenant governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis.

Community:
-Community News Television - CNTV (Chair)
-Creative Arts Guild (past Director)
-Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
-Dalton Little Theatre (past Director)
-Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past committee Chair)
-Heritage Foundation
-Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
-Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
-Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 1988)
-United Way of Northwest Georgia
-Varnell United Methodist Church (Education Chair)


Professional:
-American Bankruptcy Institute
-American Bar Association
-Court of Appeals of Georgia
-Conasauga Bar Association (past President)
-Conasauga Circuit Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
-Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
-Supreme Court of Georgia
-United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
-United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
-United States Tax Court

Practices:
-Business Law
-Elder Law
-Wills Trusts Estates (Section Chair)

Education:
-University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 1973)
-University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1968)

Bar Admissions:
-Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
James H. Bisson, III

For 33 years, Jim has worked diligently to assist clients in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, Governmental Law, Mediation, and Bankruptcy Law. Jim's blended experience in business law and litigation provides a solid foundation of legal insight unique to his practice. His expertise in mediating issues between parties aids in preventing and resolving their concerns. Jim's strong values and awareness of current legal issues result in quality legal advice for his clients.

Community:
City Attorney
Creative Arts Guild (past director)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past board member)
First Presbyterian Church of Dalton

Professional:
American Bar Association
Board of Governors of State Bar of Georgia 2004-2012
Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
United States Supreme Court
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law
Government (Section Chair)

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 1976)
University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Minor, Bell & Neal
James H. Bisson, III

For 33 years, Jim has worked diligently to assist clients in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, Governmental Law, Mediation, and Bankruptcy Law. Jim's blended experience in business law and litigation provides a solid foundation of legal insight unique to his practice. His expertise in mediating issues between parties aids in preventing and resolving their concerns. Jim's strong values and awareness of current legal issues result in quality legal advice for his clients.

Community:
City Attorney
Creative Arts Guild (past director)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past board member)
First Presbyterian Church of Dalton

Professional:
American Bar Association
Board of Governors of State Bar of Georgia 2004-2012
Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
United States Supreme Court
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law
Government (Section Chair)

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 1976)
University of Georgia (B.B.A., 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Minor, Bell & Neal
Jonathan L. Bledsoe

Jonathan's broad litigation practice allows him to assist clients in achieving a variety of goals. The foundation for successfully pursuing any of these cases, however, is hard work and preparation. It is with a commitment to these ideals that he advises clients in commercial disputes, real estate litigation, probate litigation, banking matters, appeals, shareholder's disputes, truck wrecks, personal injury cases, motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation and other disputes. Jonathan specializes in business litigation and medical malpractice defense. He represents numerous manufacturing facilities, insurance companies, physicians, hospitals, banks, and individuals located throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Jonathan is also a registered mediator and arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. He holds an AV peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Jonathan's Representative Cases:

Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App.626 (2008)
Staten v. Beaulieu Group, LLC, 278 Ga. App. 179 (2006)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Jackson v. Tolliver, 277 Ga. 58 (2003)

Community:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains Board of Directors
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee
First Baptist Church of Dalton
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyer's Club of Atlanta
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Alumni Association
Rotary Club of Dalton


Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation
Managing Risk

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2002)
Mercer University (B.A., 1999)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Martindale-Hubbell Profile:
Jonathan Bledsoe
online at
Super Lawyers

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Jonathan L. Bledsoe

Jonathan's broad litigation practice allows him to assist clients in achieving a variety of goals. The foundation for successfully pursuing any of these cases, however, is hard work and preparation. It is with a commitment to these ideals that he advises clients in commercial disputes, real estate litigation, probate litigation, banking matters, appeals, shareholder's disputes, truck wrecks, personal injury cases, motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation and other disputes. Jonathan specializes in business litigation and medical malpractice defense. He represents numerous manufacturing facilities, insurance companies, physicians, hospitals, banks, and individuals located throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Jonathan is also a registered mediator and arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. He holds an AV peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Jonathan's Representative Cases:

Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App.626 (2008)
Staten v. Beaulieu Group, LLC, 278 Ga. App. 179 (2006)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Jackson v. Tolliver, 277 Ga. 58 (2003)

Community:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains Board of Directors
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee
First Baptist Church of Dalton
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyer's Club of Atlanta
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Alumni Association
Rotary Club of Dalton


Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation
Managing Risk

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2002)
Mercer University (B.A., 1999)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Martindale-Hubbell Profile:
Jonathan Bledsoe
online at
Super Lawyers

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Sarah M. Carmichael

Sarah began practicing with Minor, Bell & Neal after earning her law degree in 2012. She has worked on a variety of legal issues including insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and property disputes. Sarah looks forward to increasing her knowledge in these areas as well as expanding her practice to other areas. She is interested in developing a practice in probate litigation and risk management.

Sarah grew up in Dalton and is an alumna of Dalton High School. As such, she is dedicated to the community and is always seeking ways to serve and to improve it.

Community:
St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Member)
Whitfield-Dalton Day Care (Board Member)

Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., 2012)
University of Georgia (B.S., 2008; B.A., 2008)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Mississippi School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Sarah M. Carmichael

Sarah began practicing with Minor, Bell & Neal after earning her law degree in 2012. She has worked on a variety of legal issues including insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and property disputes. Sarah looks forward to increasing her knowledge in these areas as well as expanding her practice to other areas. She is interested in developing a practice in probate litigation and risk management.

Sarah grew up in Dalton and is an alumna of Dalton High School. As such, she is dedicated to the community and is always seeking ways to serve and to improve it.

Community:
St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Member)
Whitfield-Dalton Day Care (Board Member)

Professional:
American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., 2012)
University of Georgia (B.S., 2008; B.A., 2008)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Mississippi School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
William F. Jourdain

With over 25 years of experience handling complex litigation matters, Bill is the Chair of Minor, Bell & Neal's litigation section. In recent years, Bill's primary focus has been on business and health care suits, representing floor covering businesses, hospitals and individual medical providers through associations with several medical malpractice insurers. His health care law experience has not been limited to litigation, and he also regularly counsels his clients in risk management and medical staff (peer review) matters. Bill has handled numerous matters as a licensed attorney in both Georgia and Tennessee, and has also been admitted pro hac vice to represent floor covering clients in litigation in several other states. Bill has devoted much of his free time to his community, having served as Chair of numerous volunteer boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross.

Bill's Recent presentations:
Emergency Medical Treatments and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)

Bill's Representative Cases:
Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App. 626 (2008)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Payne v. Harbin, 254 Ga. App. 402 (2002)
Kittle v. ConAgra Poultry Co., Inc., 247 Ga. App. 102 (2000)
Dominy v. Shumpert, 235 Ga. App. 500 (1998)
Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Advanced Adhesive Technology, Inc., 73 F.3d 335 (1996)
White v. Arthur Enterprises, Inc., 219 Ga. App. 124 (1995)

Community:
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (past northwest Georgia District Emergency Coordinator)
Dalton Amateur Radio Club (past President)
Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past Chair)
Looper Speech and Hearing Center (past Chair)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (past Chair)
Leadership Georgia
United Way of Northwest Georgia
Voluntary Action Center of Northwest Georgia (past Chair)


Professional:
American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Defense Research Institute
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia (Fellow)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Middle District of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States District Court Southern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
Volunteer Counsel, American Radio Relay League

Practices:
Employment Law (Section Chair)
Health Care
Litigation (Section Chair)
Risk Management

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1986)
Furman University (B.A., 1983)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Minor, Bell & Neal
William F. Jourdain

With over 25 years of experience handling complex litigation matters, Bill is the Chair of Minor, Bell & Neal's litigation section. In recent years, Bill's primary focus has been on business and health care suits, representing floor covering businesses, hospitals and individual medical providers through associations with several medical malpractice insurers. His health care law experience has not been limited to litigation, and he also regularly counsels his clients in risk management and medical staff (peer review) matters. Bill has handled numerous matters as a licensed attorney in both Georgia and Tennessee, and has also been admitted pro hac vice to represent floor covering clients in litigation in several other states. Bill has devoted much of his free time to his community, having served as Chair of numerous volunteer boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross.

Bill's Recent presentations:
Emergency Medical Treatments and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)

Bill's Representative Cases:
Pottinger v. Smith, 293 Ga. App. 626 (2008)
Christian v. Atha, 267 Ga. App. 186 (2004)
Houston v. Bedgood, 263 Ga. App. 139 (2003)
Payne v. Harbin, 254 Ga. App. 402 (2002)
Kittle v. ConAgra Poultry Co., Inc., 247 Ga. App. 102 (2000)
Dominy v. Shumpert, 235 Ga. App. 500 (1998)
Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Advanced Adhesive Technology, Inc., 73 F.3d 335 (1996)
White v. Arthur Enterprises, Inc., 219 Ga. App. 124 (1995)

Community:
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (past northwest Georgia District Emergency Coordinator)
Dalton Amateur Radio Club (past President)
Dalton/Whitfield Chapter of the American Red Cross (past Chair)
Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (past Chair)
Looper Speech and Hearing Center (past Chair)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (past Chair)
Leadership Georgia
United Way of Northwest Georgia
Voluntary Action Center of Northwest Georgia (past Chair)


Professional:
American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Defense Research Institute
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia (Fellow)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States District Court Middle District of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States District Court Southern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
Volunteer Counsel, American Radio Relay League

Practices:
Employment Law (Section Chair)
Health Care
Litigation (Section Chair)
Risk Management

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1986)
Furman University (B.A., 1983)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Minor, Bell & Neal
Michael J. McNeill

Michael is a 2012, magna cum laude graduate of Mercer Law School. While in law school, Michael was a published member of the Mercer Law Review; placed third in the sixteen-state Southern Region of the International Trademark Association's Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition; and wrote and co-organized Mercer's Hugh Lawson Memorial 1L Moot Court Competition. In addition, Michael participated in Mercer's Habeas Project clinic, offering free legal aid to inmates challenging their convictions in habeas corpus proceedings.

Michael now comes to the Minor, Bell & Neal litigation team with wide and varied experience in the Georgia court system. During law school, he interned for now-Chief Justice Hugh Thompson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, as well as Judges Tilman Self, III, and Edgar Ennis, Jr, of the Superior Court of Bibb County. After graduation, Michael clerked for the Superior Courts of the Macon Judicial Circuit, where he assisted Chief Judge S. Phillip Brown with the Court's civil docket, reviewed adoption cases, and served as the resident habeas corpus expert under Judge Howard Simms.

In past employment, Michael has also worked as a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, an undercover food critic, and a bar and poker room operator.


Michael's Representative Cases:
Duvall v. State, 289 Ga. 540 (2011).
Fullwood v. State, 290 Ga. 335 (2012).
Hughes v. State, 291 Ga. 65 (2012).

Publication:
Crack, Congress, and the Normalization of Federal Sentencing: Why 12,040 Federal Inmates Believe that Their Sentences Should Be Reduced, and Why They and Others Like Them May Be Right, 63 Mercer L. Rev. 1359 (2012).

Professional:
American Bar Association
American Mensa
Georgia Court of Appeals
Macon Bar Association
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
Mercer University (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Michael J. McNeill

Michael is a 2012, magna cum laude graduate of Mercer Law School. While in law school, Michael was a published member of the Mercer Law Review; placed third in the sixteen-state Southern Region of the International Trademark Association's Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition; and wrote and co-organized Mercer's Hugh Lawson Memorial 1L Moot Court Competition. In addition, Michael participated in Mercer's Habeas Project clinic, offering free legal aid to inmates challenging their convictions in habeas corpus proceedings.

Michael now comes to the Minor, Bell & Neal litigation team with wide and varied experience in the Georgia court system. During law school, he interned for now-Chief Justice Hugh Thompson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, as well as Judges Tilman Self, III, and Edgar Ennis, Jr, of the Superior Court of Bibb County. After graduation, Michael clerked for the Superior Courts of the Macon Judicial Circuit, where he assisted Chief Judge S. Phillip Brown with the Court's civil docket, reviewed adoption cases, and served as the resident habeas corpus expert under Judge Howard Simms.

In past employment, Michael has also worked as a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, an undercover food critic, and a bar and poker room operator.


Michael's Representative Cases:
Duvall v. State, 289 Ga. 540 (2011).
Fullwood v. State, 290 Ga. 335 (2012).
Hughes v. State, 291 Ga. 65 (2012).

Publication:
Crack, Congress, and the Normalization of Federal Sentencing: Why 12,040 Federal Inmates Believe that Their Sentences Should Be Reduced, and Why They and Others Like Them May Be Right, 63 Mercer L. Rev. 1359 (2012).

Professional:
American Bar Association
American Mensa
Georgia Court of Appeals
Macon Bar Association
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Litigation

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
Mercer University (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
J. Tom Minor, IV

Tom has worked in the area of real property law for 32 years. During this time, Tom has been involved in almost every type of real estate transaction you might imagine, from very complex commercial transactions to residential home and lot purchases. Tom brings his unique knowledge of north Georgia and his passion for real estate to work with his clients in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Tom represents developers, lenders, corporations and individuals who have need of advice in the area of real property law. He has been involved in many community activities since returning to his hometown of Dalton in 1983 having served as a director on numerous volunteer boards, including the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, the Creative Arts Guild and the Dalton Little Theatre. Tom is a past director of the Georgia Real Property Closing Attorneys Association and has served on the executive committee of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council (past President)
Creative Arts Guild (Trustee, past Director and President)
Dalton Little Theater, Inc. (past Director and President)
Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (past Trustee)
Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (past Chair)
St. Marks Episcopal Church of Dalton (past Vestry and Sr. Warden)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Professional Division Chair)
Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (Trustee)
Whitfield County Board of Tax Assessors (Past Chair)

Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association, Inc. (past Director)
State Bar of Georgia Real Property Section (past Member of Executive Committee)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Tax Court

Practices:
Real Estate (Section Chair)
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1981)
Mercer University (B.A., 1978)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
J. Tom Minor, IV

Tom has worked in the area of real property law for 32 years. During this time, Tom has been involved in almost every type of real estate transaction you might imagine, from very complex commercial transactions to residential home and lot purchases. Tom brings his unique knowledge of north Georgia and his passion for real estate to work with his clients in northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Tom represents developers, lenders, corporations and individuals who have need of advice in the area of real property law. He has been involved in many community activities since returning to his hometown of Dalton in 1983 having served as a director on numerous volunteer boards, including the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, the Creative Arts Guild and the Dalton Little Theatre. Tom is a past director of the Georgia Real Property Closing Attorneys Association and has served on the executive committee of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council (past President)
Creative Arts Guild (Trustee, past Director and President)
Dalton Little Theater, Inc. (past Director and President)
Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges (past Trustee)
Kiwanis Club of Dalton (past President)
Kiwanis Club of Georgia (past Lt. Governor)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (past Chair)
St. Marks Episcopal Church of Dalton (past Vestry and Sr. Warden)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Professional Division Chair)
Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (Trustee)
Whitfield County Board of Tax Assessors (Past Chair)

Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association, Inc. (past Director)
State Bar of Georgia Real Property Section (past Member of Executive Committee)
Supreme Court of Georgia
Supreme Court of Tennessee
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Tax Court

Practices:
Real Estate (Section Chair)
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 1981)
Mercer University (B.A., 1978)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia
Tennessee

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
John T. Minor V

Having been a part of the Minor, Bell & Neal family since he was three years old, John knows what it means to help clients find solutions. John believes that if you really understand a problem and you have the creativity, expertise, and determination to solve it, a solution will come easily. John values personal attention and communication as the foundation of effective problem-solving; he makes it his goal to truly know and care about his clients and the issues they face.

Although the majority of his work focuses on the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estates, Elder Law, Health Care, and Business, his unique position at Minor, Bell & Neal has given him the opportunity to experience a wide variety of legal issues. Regardless of the matter or issue, John brings creative expertise to the Minor, Bell & Neal team that helps clients get results.

Recent Presentations by John:

An Overview of the Affordable Care Act
HIPAA: Important New Rules that Affect You and Your Practice
Wills and Other Important Documents

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Counsel
Eagle Scout
Leadership Catoosa
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
Mediator (registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution)
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practice:
Business Law
Elder Law
Health Care
Real Estate
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer Law School (J.D., 2006)
Vanderbilt University, (B.Mus., 2003)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer Law School
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
John T. Minor V

Having been a part of the Minor, Bell & Neal family since he was three years old, John knows what it means to help clients find solutions. John believes that if you really understand a problem and you have the creativity, expertise, and determination to solve it, a solution will come easily. John values personal attention and communication as the foundation of effective problem-solving; he makes it his goal to truly know and care about his clients and the issues they face.

Although the majority of his work focuses on the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estates, Elder Law, Health Care, and Business, his unique position at Minor, Bell & Neal has given him the opportunity to experience a wide variety of legal issues. Regardless of the matter or issue, John brings creative expertise to the Minor, Bell & Neal team that helps clients get results.

Recent Presentations by John:

An Overview of the Affordable Care Act
HIPAA: Important New Rules that Affect You and Your Practice
Wills and Other Important Documents

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Counsel
Eagle Scout
Leadership Catoosa
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
Mediator (registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution)
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practice:
Business Law
Elder Law
Health Care
Real Estate
Wills Trusts Estates


Education:
Mercer Law School (J.D., 2006)
Vanderbilt University, (B.Mus., 2003)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer Law School Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Kenneth L. Mishoe, IV

Ken joined Minor, Bell and Neal in 2006 after serving as Law Clerk to the Honorable William T. Boyett and the Honorable Robert B. Adams in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. He grew up in Van Meter, Iowa and moved to the Dalton area after law school to enjoy the benefits of living in northwest Georgia combined with the practice of complex business law. The unique makeup of the businesses and the people in northwest Georgia provide the challenges that make the practice of law satisfying. Ken has experience in a wide variety of business transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, supply agreements, and joint ventures. Ken also concentrates his practice in business financing and taxation.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council
Conasauga Bar Association
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
Murray County Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Volunteer)
United Way Young Leaders Society


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Business Law
Elder Law
Wills Trusts Estates

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 2005, cum laude)
Drake University (M.B.A.)
Drake University (B.S.)

Honors:
University of Georgia Law Review, Articles Editor

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Kenneth L. Mishoe, IV

Ken joined Minor, Bell and Neal in 2006 after serving as Law Clerk to the Honorable William T. Boyett and the Honorable Robert B. Adams in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. He grew up in Van Meter, Iowa and moved to the Dalton area after law school to enjoy the benefits of living in northwest Georgia combined with the practice of complex business law. The unique makeup of the businesses and the people in northwest Georgia provide the challenges that make the practice of law satisfying. Ken has experience in a wide variety of business transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, supply agreements, and joint ventures. Ken also concentrates his practice in business financing and taxation.

Community:

Cherokee Area Estate Planning Council
Conasauga Bar Association
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield
Murray County Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Volunteer)
United Way Young Leaders Society


Professional:

American Bar Association
Conasauga Bar Association

Practices:
Business Law
Elder Law
Wills Trusts Estates

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., 2005, cum laude)
Drake University (M.B.A.)
Drake University (B.S.)

Honors:
University of Georgia Law Review, Articles Editor

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Savannah B. Moore

After obtaining her law degree in 2011, Savannah began a clerkship for the Honorable Jack Partain of the Superior Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. During her clerkship, she reviewed adoption petitions for compliance and acquired substantial knowledge of the adoption code and the mechanics of seeking adoptions in Georgia courts. Now that she has entered private practice, Savannah plans to put this experience into action by assisting families who wish to adopt.

Savannah came to Minor, Bell & Neal in 2012. A part of the Litigation Section, she has worked on a variety of legal issues including medical malpractice defense, commercial lease disputes, and insurance defense. Savannah seeks to expand her litigation practice by gaining expertise in these areas and by expanding her practice base to other areas. She also has an interest in developing an agricultural law practice that is specifically designed to help agricultural producers navigate the complex federal and state regulatory scheme, to plan for the future with estate planning that is tailored to farming families, and to resolve other legal issues as they arise.

Community:

Emerging Leaders Institute (Class of 2013)
First Baptist Church of Dalton (Sanctuary Choir, Young Adult Ensemble)
Friendship House Day Care (Board Member)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Class of 2014)

Professional:

American Agricultural Law Association
American Bar Association
American Soybean Association-DuPont Young Leaders Program (Class of 2014 - Georgia Representative)
Conasauga Bar Association (Secretary/Treasurer)
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Health Care
Litigation
Risk Management

Education:
University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 2011)
Mercer University (B.Mus., 2007)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Savannah B. Moore

After obtaining her law degree in 2011, Savannah began a clerkship for the Honorable Jack Partain of the Superior Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. During her clerkship, she reviewed adoption petitions for compliance and acquired substantial knowledge of the adoption code and the mechanics of seeking adoptions in Georgia courts. Now that she has entered private practice, Savannah plans to put this experience into action by assisting families who wish to adopt.

Savannah came to Minor, Bell & Neal in 2012. A part of the Litigation Section, she has worked on a variety of legal issues including medical malpractice defense, commercial lease disputes, and insurance defense. Savannah seeks to expand her litigation practice by gaining expertise in these areas and by expanding her practice base to other areas. She also has an interest in developing an agricultural law practice that is specifically designed to help agricultural producers navigate the complex federal and state regulatory scheme, to plan for the future with estate planning that is tailored to farming families, and to resolve other legal issues as they arise.

Community:

Emerging Leaders Institute (Class of 2013)
First Baptist Church of Dalton (Sanctuary Choir, Young Adult Ensemble)
Friendship House Day Care (Board Member)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Class of 2014)

Professional:

American Agricultural Law Association
American Bar Association
American Soybean Association-DuPont Young Leaders Program (Class of 2014 - Georgia Representative)
Conasauga Bar Association (Secretary/Treasurer)
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia

Practices:
Health Care
Litigation
Risk Management

Education:
University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 2011)
Mercer University (B.Mus., 2007)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
John P. Neal, III

John spent most of the first decade of his career in the win-lose world of trial practice. During this time, an opportunity to handle a business transaction led John to discover a greater challenge, and what has become the focus of his practice: helping clients achieve their business goals through negotiating and documenting win/win business relationships. John has successfully closed hundreds of business transactions, from simple contracts to complex joint ventures; from business formations to mergers and acquisitions; from simple buy-sell agreements to long-term supply agreements. John's ability to successfully conclude these transactions is enhanced by keeping his focus and the focus of the parties on the reality that if business relationships are to successfully work over time, all parties must achieve their business objectives. His ability to seek, formulate and negotiate these mutually beneficial relationships has led small to large businesses to seek his legal expertise. When not practicing law, John practices these same principles while volunteering with organizations committed to the betterment of the community where he lives and practices.

John's Representative Cases:
Guthrie v. Dalton City School Dist., 446 S.E.2d 526, (Ga.App., 1994)
In re Colortex Industries, Inc., 19 F.3d 1371, (11th Cir. (Ga.),1994)
Varsity Carpet Services, Inc. v. Richardson, 146 B.R. 881, (N.D.Ga., 1992)
Trout v. Harrison, 372 S.E.2d 651, (Ga.App., 1988)
Badische Corp. v. Caylor, 806 F.2d 231, (11th Cir. (Ga.), 1986)
Sofate of America, Inc. v. Brown, 318 S.E.2d 771, (Ga.App., 1984)

Community

Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia (Board Chair)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair)
First United Methodist Church of Dalton
Friendship House, Inc. (Advisory Board)
Grow Greater Dalton (General Chair)
Hamilton Medical Center Ethics Committee
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Past Chair)
Rotary Club of Dalton (Past President)
Target Tomorrow (Past Chair)

Professional

American Bar Association (Sections on Health Care Law and Public Utilities Law)
American Health Lawyers Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Energy Bar Association
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys (Past Director)
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law (Section Chair)
Government Law
Health Care

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., magna cum laude, 1976)
Georgia Institute of Technology (B.I.E., with honor, 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
John P. Neal, III

John spent most of the first decade of his career in the win-lose world of trial practice. During this time, an opportunity to handle a business transaction led John to discover a greater challenge, and what has become the focus of his practice: helping clients achieve their business goals through negotiating and documenting win/win business relationships. John has successfully closed hundreds of business transactions, from simple contracts to complex joint ventures; from business formations to mergers and acquisitions; from simple buy-sell agreements to long-term supply agreements. John's ability to successfully conclude these transactions is enhanced by keeping his focus and the focus of the parties on the reality that if business relationships are to successfully work over time, all parties must achieve their business objectives. His ability to seek, formulate and negotiate these mutually beneficial relationships has led small to large businesses to seek his legal expertise. When not practicing law, John practices these same principles while volunteering with organizations committed to the betterment of the community where he lives and practices.

John's Representative Cases:
Guthrie v. Dalton City School Dist., 446 S.E.2d 526, (Ga.App., 1994)
In re Colortex Industries, Inc., 19 F.3d 1371, (11th Cir. (Ga.),1994)
Varsity Carpet Services, Inc. v. Richardson, 146 B.R. 881, (N.D.Ga., 1992)
Trout v. Harrison, 372 S.E.2d 651, (Ga.App., 1988)
Badische Corp. v. Caylor, 806 F.2d 231, (11th Cir. (Ga.), 1986)
Sofate of America, Inc. v. Brown, 318 S.E.2d 771, (Ga.App., 1984)

Community

Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia (Board Chair)
Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair)
First United Methodist Church of Dalton
Friendship House, Inc. (Advisory Board)
Grow Greater Dalton (General Chair)
Hamilton Medical Center Ethics Committee
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Past Chair)
Rotary Club of Dalton (Past President)
Target Tomorrow (Past Chair)

Professional

American Bar Association (Sections on Health Care Law and Public Utilities Law)
American Health Lawyers Association
Conasauga Bar Association (Past President)
Energy Bar Association
Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys (Past Director)
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia

Practices:
Business Law (Section Chair)
Government Law
Health Care

Education:
University of Georgia (J.D., magna cum laude, 1976)
Georgia Institute of Technology (B.I.E., with honor, 1973)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

University of Georgia Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
Judy L. Poag

Judy has been assisting employers with employment-related legal issues for over thirteen years. A native of Chatsworth, she began her legal career in Atlanta where she worked for a nationally recognized employment law defense firm where her goal was to become an expert on how defense firms successfully litigated harassment and discrimination claims so that she could later successfully represent plaintiff employees. Shortly after she began representing employers, however, she discovered that the majority of the employers she was dealing with were either being unfairly accused by disgruntled employees or had taken the wrong action with respect to an employee based upon a misunderstanding of what the complicated state and federal employment laws required. As a result, she decided to focus her career on counseling and defending employers in employment-related issues. When Judy relocated back to the Dalton area, she joined Minor, Bell & Neal where she counsels employers of all sizes. She is a frequent speaker before employer groups on employment-related issues, and she is very active in the local community.

Community:

Boys and Girls Club of Gordon, Murray and Whitfield Counties (Corporate Board Member, Personnel Committee Member, Steak-and-Stake Committee Member, Murray County Advisory Board President)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (Graduate 2009)
Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center (Board Member)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Young Leaders Society)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit

Practices:
Business Law
Employment Law

Education:
Georgia State University (J.D., cum laude, 1996)
University of Georgia (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Georgia State University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
Judy L. Poag

Judy has been assisting employers with employment-related legal issues for over thirteen years. A native of Chatsworth, she began her legal career in Atlanta where she worked for a nationally recognized employment law defense firm where her goal was to become an expert on how defense firms successfully litigated harassment and discrimination claims so that she could later successfully represent plaintiff employees. Shortly after she began representing employers, however, she discovered that the majority of the employers she was dealing with were either being unfairly accused by disgruntled employees or had taken the wrong action with respect to an employee based upon a misunderstanding of what the complicated state and federal employment laws required. As a result, she decided to focus her career on counseling and defending employers in employment-related issues. When Judy relocated back to the Dalton area, she joined Minor, Bell & Neal where she counsels employers of all sizes. She is a frequent speaker before employer groups on employment-related issues, and she is very active in the local community.

Community:

Boys and Girls Club of Gordon, Murray and Whitfield Counties (Corporate Board Member, Personnel Committee Member, Steak-and-Stake Committee Member, Murray County Advisory Board President)
Leadership Dalton Whitfield (Graduate 2009)
Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center (Board Member)
United Way of Northwest Georgia (Young Leaders Society)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit

Practices:
Business Law
Employment Law

Education:
Georgia State University (J.D., cum laude, 1996)
University of Georgia (B.A.)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Georgia State University Juris Doctorate,


Minor, Bell & Neal
James F. Tucker, Jr.

Jim has practiced law with Minor, Bell & Neal since receiving his law degree in 2005. His practice focuses on the needs of small businesses and incorporates both transactions and litigation. In that regard, he regularly handles litigation on contract disputes, suits on account, defends employers in workers' compensation claims, and defends employers in Department of Labor appeals hearings. In transactions, Jim assists with small business formation and advises in intellectual property matters. He has successfully prosecuted numerous trademark registration applications with the Patent & Trademark Office and successfully represented clients in reversing initial rejections to registration.

In law school Jim was a member of Mercer Law Review for 2004/05. He also participated in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition in 2005 presenting a case in trademark and unfair competition law.

Community:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Dalton Ward)
Dalton State College (Former Instructor)
Internet Chess Club (Member)
Dalton-Whitfield Emerging Leaders Institute (Graduate 2009)
United Karate Studios (Dalton, Student)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 2011)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals - 11th Circuit

Practices:
Litigation
Risk Management
Intellectual Property

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2005)
Brigham Young (B.A., 1993)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University
Juris Doctorate,

Minor, Bell & Neal
James F. Tucker, Jr.

Jim has practiced law with Minor, Bell & Neal since receiving his law degree in 2005. His practice focuses on the needs of small businesses and incorporates both transactions and litigation. In that regard, he regularly handles litigation on contract disputes, suits on account, defends employers in workers' compensation claims, and defends employers in Department of Labor appeals hearings. In transactions, Jim assists with small business formation and advises in intellectual property matters. He has successfully prosecuted numerous trademark registration applications with the Patent & Trademark Office and successfully represented clients in reversing initial rejections to registration.

In law school Jim was a member of Mercer Law Review for 2004/05. He also participated in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition in 2005 presenting a case in trademark and unfair competition law.

Community:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Dalton Ward)
Dalton State College (Former Instructor)
Internet Chess Club (Member)
Dalton-Whitfield Emerging Leaders Institute (Graduate 2009)
United Karate Studios (Dalton, Student)
Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (Graduate 2011)


Professional:

American Bar Association
Court of Appeals of Georgia
Supreme Court of Georgia
United States District Court Northern District of Georgia
United States Court of Appeals - 11th Circuit

Practices:
Litigation
Risk Management
Intellectual Property

Education:
Mercer University (J.D., 2005)
Brigham Young (B.A., 1993)

Bar Admissions:
Georgia

Education

Mercer University Juris Doctorate,


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