Back to Attorneys

Rusty is a Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  His practice has focused on first party/bad faith defense for insurance carriers, arson/fraud claims, professional negligence, insurance coverage and premises liability for major retailers.  He has also served as lead counsel on high exposure cases in the Southeast including complex litigation.

Rusty has a passion for writing publications for and presenting at continuing education programs mainly for attorneys, particularly younger attorneys with limited trial experience, but also to other professional groups and law enforcement.

Rusty also provides service as a mediator in all types of matters that are already in or headed to litigation.  His background as an experienced trial lawyer has assisted parties in reaching an amicable resolution in over 90% of the cases Rusty has mediated.

                       

Rusty has tried well over one-hundred jury trials in both state and federal court in Tennessee and surrounding states with a very high success rate and also has extensive appellate experience.

Rusty has presented many programs in Tennessee but also in other states as well.  Topics have included writing and speaking on preparing for and trying jury trials with separate programs on each phase of both pretrial discovery and trials and other related subjects.  His extensive trial experience has allowed him to gain unique perspectives on the craft of trying civil trials resulting in presentations that have been recognized for originality and insight.

Rusty is a recipient of the 2025 Pillars of Excellence Award by the University of Memphis Alumni Association Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Chapter to recognize attorneys in the Memphis-area legal community who have made significant contributions to the practice of law in their civic and professional lives. Rusty is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and is also a Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been recognized in the Top 100 Attorneys in Tennessee by Super Lawyers and also has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law for many consecutive years.

Rusty has served on two United States Magistrate Judge Selection Committees, chairing one of those and serves on the Pillars Committee consisting of Past Presidents of the University of Memphis Law School. He also serves as Chair of the Jackson/Madison County Airport Authority.

Practice Areas

Insurance Coverage
Insurance Defense
Mediation Services
Professional Liability
Tort Litigation

Education

University of Memphis, J.D. 1980 (with honors)

University of Mississippi and University of Memphis, B.A. 1976

Bar Admissions

The Supreme Court of the United States
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Courts for West, Middle and Eastern Districts of Tennessee
U.S. District Courts of Mississippi
U.S. District Courts of Arkansas
Tennessee Supreme Court

Interests

Away from the practice, Rusty's main interest is spending time and traveling with his wife Charleyn, four children, and four grandchildren.  He loves snow skiing, golf, distance running, word-working, and playing guitar on his couch.  He is also an instrument-rated pilot.  In addition, he is an avid fan of Ole Miss football, Memphis basketball, the Tennessee Titans, and the Nashville Predators.

Organizations

Fellow-American College of Trial Lawyers and currently serving on the Tennessee State Committee Federal Defense & Corporate Counsel
Defense Research Institute
International Association of Defense Counsel
Tennessee Bar Association
The Mississippi Bar
Arkansas Bar Association
Master-Howell Edmunds Inn of Court
Fellow-Tennessee Bar Foundation
Fellow-Memphis Bar Foundation