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TDEC Creates New Division of Land Protection

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:45:00 GMT

TDEC Creates New Division of Land Protection

Within the past few days, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) has been publicizing the consolidation of two (2) divisions within the agency whose missions are closely aligned and complementary. TDEC now introduces its new Division of Land Protection , which will focus on land-based environmental programs. The enhanced Division of Land Protection will address regulatory waste management and remediation of contaminated properties that the former Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and the former Division of Remediation (DoR) separately focused upon. TDEC‘s leadership emphasizes that merging these programs will modernize and focus the agency’s "lifecycle approach" to environmental protection priorities in Tennessee -- preventing contaminant releases where possible, promoting material reuse and waste minimization, and restoring properties adversely impacted by illegal or unpermitted pollutant releases.

For further insights or to discuss whether these changes might impact you and your company, please do not hesitate to contact David Higney .

David Higney included in the Best Lawyers in America 2026 edition

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:14:23 GMT

Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. attorney David C. Higney has been selected for inclusion in three (3) practice areas for the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®️. David is recognized for his professional excellence in the following practice areas: Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental, and Energy Regulatory Law. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey. For more than four decades, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Lawyers are not required nor allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, recognition by Best Lawyers is considered a singular distinction.

About Best Lawyers: Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe.

Lawyers nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and who are located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those attorneys who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.

Chattanooga business attorney April Sawhill shares five things to never assume about artificial intelligence

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:29:51 GMT

January 1, 2024 by April Sawhill, Chattanooga Times Free Press

Click here to read the full article.

Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Technology & Innovation

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:56:52 GMT

Article by Jennifer McNally , Chattanooga Times Free Press

Click here to read the full article.

When asked about their hopes for the future, two Chattanooga professionals shared similar views: more equitable approaches to technology.

April Sawhill, director at Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison law firm says she would like to see, "greater diversity in the profession." And that's something that's especially needed for senior level positions.

"Considerable progress is still needed to achieve equal representation for women and racial and ethnic minorities within our industry," she writes.

Austin Corcoran is the associate director for programming at the UTC Center for Professional Education. His hope for the future of technology is that Chattanooga "will continue to build an internationally competitive education system that opens doors for all learners."

"I also hope we continue to invest in tech education, talent pipelines and experiences that prepare students not just for their first job, but for lifelong leadership and impact," he writes. "Broad knowledge, hands-on learning and global awareness are the tools we use to equip students to lead with confidence, no matter where their journey begins."

April Sawhill, director, Grant Konvalinka & Harrison

How is technology transforming your industry right now?

Thanks to technology, lawyers are seeing greater efficiencies in managing their daily tasks, allowing them to dedicate more time to complex legal challenges. Specifically, digital platforms, data analytic tools and AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing legal practices through task automation, more robust legal research capabilities and highly focused document review.

What is the biggest challenge your industry faces in the year ahead?

A significant and emerging challenge for the legal industry is the growing trend of nonlawyer ownership of law firms. While alternative business structures, which allow nonlawyers to invest in and potentially own legal practices, could lead to greater innovation, lower costs and improved access to justice, they also carry the risk of conflicts of interest and prioritizing profit over client needs.

What kinds of skills will workers in your industry need? Will a college degree still matter?

Increased data literacy and technology proficiency are becoming crucial for both lawyers and their support staff in the evolving legal landscape. Nonetheless, core abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, crisis management, and adaptability are key to maintaining a successful practice.

How are you using AI today, and where do you see it going?

For me, AI jumpstarts research, document review, and legal drafting, yet it cannot replicate human analysis, creativity and ingenuity. As these tools evolve, firms and individuals who best integrate AI into their workflows will have an advantage in client acquisition and retention.

Are you navigating the balance between remote and in-office work? What are some impacts you're seeing?

We have observed a growing demand from younger lawyers for increased flexibility regarding remote and in-office work. Our response to this varies depending on the area of law and client needs. Personally, I find that in-person collaboration yields the best results.

Mid-South Super Lawyers Selects Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. Attorneys

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:22:27 GMT

Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. is pleased to announce that two (2) of its attorneys and counselors are named to the 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Edition. In addition, three (3) attorneys were recognized in the Rising Stars category this year. The selected attorneys are recognized for this achievement of professional excellence and peer recognition. Each year, the Super Lawyers research team recognizes no more than 5% of Tennessee attorneys for this distinction and selects no more 2.5 % of attorneys in a state for the Rising Stars category based upon eligible candidates who are in practice for 10 years or less or 40 years old or younger.

Mid-South Super Lawyers 2024

Mid-South Super Lawyers 2024 - Rising Stars 2024

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. More information can be found at http://www.superlawyers.com/ .

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Law firm is pleased to announce that Amanda Williams and Zachary Atchley have joined the firm as an Associates.

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:07:51 GMT

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Law firm is pleased to announce that Amanda Williams and Zachary Atchley have joined the firm as an Associates.

Amanda comes from the Golden State of California, specifically San Diego. Amanda attended Boston College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics. Amanda then attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was a student-attorney in the Domestic Violence Clinic and the Expungement Clinic. She was also the Pro Bono Director during her third year of law school. Amanda was previously a summer associate with Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison during law school and joined the firm after her graduation in May 2024.

Amanda handles primarily domestic relations issues. In her practice, she addresses a variety of topics such as divorce, child custody, child support, and paternity issues.

Amanda strives to give zealous yet efficient representation while helping clients navigate one of the most emotional and challenging periods of their lives. When not in the office, Amanda can be found kayaking the rivers of Tennessee, running along the Tennessee Riverwalk, reading a great book, or cheering for the Tennessee Vols.

Zachary Atchley is the second fourth-generation attorney on his father's side who benefitted greatly from the mentorship he received from both his father, Fielding H. Atchley, and brother Trevor F. Atchley, with whom he practiced law before joining Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. Zachary practices in the areas of General Civil & Commercial Litigation, Financial and Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Business and Corporate Law.

Zachary received his B.A. from Appalachian State University Graduate in 2006. While at Appalachian State, Zachary graduated from Watauga Residential College, an alternative honors program focused on writing, discussion, complex thinking, creativity, community, and curiosity. He received a Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2010 and his J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law in 2022.

Law is Zachary's second-career as he has over 10 years' experience in nonprofit management, where he specialized in program development, grant writing and administration, organizational planning, and fundraising for nonprofits serving Chattanooga's disinvested neighborhoods and underserved populations.

Throughout his life, Zachary has been an active volunteer, involved in both church and civic activities. As a boy scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His law school emphasized the importance of engaging in community service and pro bono work is an important part of his practice. Zachary regularly volunteers at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and Center for Creative Arts. where his daughters attend, serves as a Deacon. Sunday School Facilitator, and Worship Leader at First Christian Church Chattanooga, serves as co-president of Barking Legs Theater's Board of Directors, and serves the Citv of Chattanooga as a member of its Beer Board.

David Higney has been Invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:33:15 GMT

Grant, Konvalinka and Harrison congratulates one of their own, David Higney, on being invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is excited to introduce the new board members. Each member brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our community and a passion for supporting and advocating for UTC. The new board members include: Marla Cobb, David Higney, Joyce Lloyd, Lessie Lyttle, Walker Rhodes, Taylor Rowell, Victor Sims, and Brian Wright.

April Sawhill Featured in Edge Magazine

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:51:36 GMT

Five Things to Never Assume About Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is employed in myriad ways to improve our lives -- enhance business efficiencies, diagnose medical ailments, manage smart cities and create tangible works. AI is all around us and experts agree that there is no stopping what has been coined the "Fourth Industrial Revolution." Yet, AI is still evolving, and one should not assume that it is flawless.

AI is Always Accurate

AI functions by collecting and learning from data, known as machine learning. In large language model (LLM) AI systems, algorithms are designed to source information from digital resources and analyze that data to produce a defined result. If gaps or falsehoods exist in the data, however, LLM AI can produce "hallucinations" – false or misleading information presented as fact by AI.

AI is Neutral

AI algorithms are coded by humans and feed on data produced by humans. As such, bias, discrepancies, or underrepresentation in coding or data could lead to discriminatory outcomes. Known examples include credit cards awarding bigger loans to men and job candidates with "field hockey" in their resume being selected over others. There is no moral basis by which AI operates.

AI is Predictable

Traditional AI, which executes tasks with predetermined algorithms, typically performs as expected. Generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT), however, which uses machine learning to create new content, is not always predictable. With deep machine learning, how the AI reaches its answer is unintelligible to the human mind and not explainable by the AI system. This is known as the "black box problem."

AI is Unregulated

A wide range of AI regulations are emerging globally. Legislation primarily targets Generative AI, particularly ones that endanger national security, damage public interest or are illegal. The European Union established categories of risk for AI systems, and is now considering whether Generative AI is "high risk." In the United States, there is a focus on regulating the dissemination of misinformation and deep fakes.

AI Replaces Human Thinking

AI is a tool. While it replicates many human skills, it does not have emotions, morals, intuition or ingenuity; nor can it rely on experiential knowledge. Other concerns exist that AI will replace workers. While it may reduce or eliminate job functions, it will also lead to the creation of new roles as we learn to harness AI's potential.

April Sawhill became intrigued by artificial intelligence while the Assistant Director of Research at the Center for Legal and Court Technology at William & Mary Law School in Virginia. She is now a business attorney at Grant Konvalinka & Harrison PC in Chattanooga, helping clients with their legal needs, including emerging technologies. She can be reached at asawhill@gkhpc.com .

Five Benefits to Forming a Limited Liability Company in Tennessee

Tue, 24 May 2022 14:07:31 GMT

Five Benefits to Forming a Limited Liability Company in Tennessee

If you’re starting a business or beginning to toss the idea around, you have probably heard some version of the following statement: “what about an LLC?” You may have no clue what that means.

LLCs – or limited liability companies—have become the entity of choice for millions of American businesses. As you start your new business, one of the first things you must decide is the business structure. There are several different entities to choose from: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company etc. Each different entity will have its benefits and disadvantages. This blog will solely focus on the increasingly popular limited liability company (“LLC”).

There are several reasons why LLCs continue to grow in popularity, so here are five benefits to forming an LLC:

Limited Liability – General speaking, members are not personally liable for the actions of the company. A members’ personal assets are protected. Limited liability has its limits though, and members could be personally liable if a court rules that the LLC does not protect your personal assets. For example: if the LLC was formed to commit fraud. This topic could get a blogpost on its own.

Tax Benefits - Forming an LLC provides business owners with the flexibility to elect how they wish to be taxed: as a corporation, sole proprietor, or as a partnership. When someone organizes an LLC, there are essentially two options to choose from for tax purposes:

Pass through taxation: the LLC itself will not be treated as a taxable entity, so the profits and losses of the business flow through the LLC to its owners. This may be advantageous for some business owners.
Corporate taxation: For this tax arrangement, you pay taxes at the corporation level, but you also still should worry about individual taxation. This, too, may be advantageous for some business owners.
Note: Taxation on LLCs will be different for single-member LLCs: Single-member LLCs, unless elected to be treated as a corporation or Subchapter S corporation, will be considered a “disregarded entity” and treated as a sole proprietorship for income tax purposes, i.e., profits and losses pass through to the owner.

Simple and Inexpensive – At the beginning, an LLC can be inexpensive to form and get off the ground, depending on your particular situation, and the process is rather simple to form an LLC in Tennessee. The Secretary of State of Tennessee provides adequate information to get your business up and running.
Flexibility on Management – Managing the LLC can also be quite simple: the Tennessee Revised Limited Liability Company Act (“RLLCA”) governs LLCs; however, LLC members may adopt operating agreements (basically a contract between the members) to control most aspects of the LLC’s business and management. Operating agreements can be very specific/ broad and give further flexibility to the management of the LLC, whereas the RLLCA may be more limiting.
Do you need a lawyer to form my LLC? No, you do not. Individuals can form and organize the LLC themselves, but hiring a lawyer at the beginning, even if just to form the LLC, can save you the trouble of headaches and heartaches later down the road including, but limited to: figuring out how to be taxed; in which state to organize (since all 50 states have different laws); maybe you are selling your business to a larger group; maybe you experience a fallout with a business partner and don’t know how to move forward; etc. This blogpost only covers forming an LLC, so it may be prudent to talk with a lawyer and tax professionals about the year-to-year upkeep of your business.

Additionally, an LLC may not be the best option for your business. Each situation is different, and although LLCs continue to grow in popularity, an attorney can help you weigh the benefits, consequences, and potential ramifications of forming your business.

About the Author: Patrick Morrison is an attorney with Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. (“GKH”). Patrick is a native to the Chattanooga area and a graduate from Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. Patrick graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and pursued his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Patrick is an experienced lawyer relating to contracts and business law. To learn more about Patrick or GKH , contact Patrick at 423-756-8400 or email him.

This blog is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship or provide legal advice. Please contact the author if you have any questions or comments regarding the subject matter.