Michael L. Forrester

Michael Forrester has practiced with the firm since 1984. Since becoming a partner in 1990, he has enjoyed a varied and challenging state and federal court civil law practice. His primary emphasis has been on insurance coverage and interpretation issues, and employment-related litigation, particularly workers’ compensation and civil actions brought under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). He is certified by the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee as a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator, and has been involved in hundreds of mediations in service or Mediator and as representative of parties. Mr. Forrester has been fortunate to represent and work with some of the most respected and dynamic employers in Northeast Tennessee on a wide variety of issues, including employer representation in court and administrative trials and hearings, workplace training and investigations, discipline and termination matters, benefits and leave issues, accommodation and disability disputes, and drafting and enforcement of company policies, procedures and contract. Awards and Honors Honors AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell Access to Justice Award for Extraordinary Service, recipient (2013-2023) Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Volunteer Attorney Legal Aid Hall of Fame, 2019 University of Tennessee Knoxville Alumni Board of Directors, inaugural member (2009-2013) Selected to Best Lawyers (2020-2023)

• Partner

• Tennessee, 1984
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee, 1986
• U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1992
• Supreme Court of the United States of America, 2006

• American Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Tennessee Bar Foundation, Fellow since 2016
• Tennessee Bar Association, Member since 1984; House of Delegates 2010 - 2013
• Kingsport Bar Association, former President
• Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, 2018-2020
• Coordinator, Kingsport Bar Association Free Legal Clinic, 2013 to present
• Kingsport Beverage Board, Kingsport Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, Economic Development Board, Kingsport Fun Fest Executive Committee