Christopher N. Davis, JD, LLM Tax Law
Business & Corporate Law
From the day you form your business to the day you sell it, every major decision has legal implications. As a Tennessee business and corporate lawyer, Chris Davis helps entrepreneurs and business owners build, protect, and grow on a foundation of sound legal counsel — with tax-smart strategies at every stage.
Starting a business without proper legal structure is one of the most common and costly mistakes entrepreneurs make. The right entity type, the right operating agreement, and the right contracts from the beginning can save you from serious personal liability and significant expense down the road.
Chris works with businesses at every stage — from startup formation to governance matters, contract disputes, and everything in between. He also assists nonprofits and faith-based organizations with formation, 501(c)(3) applications, and governance structures. He brings the experience of someone who has not only practiced business law but has built a business himself, understanding firsthand what is at stake when you sign your name to a contract or take on a partner.
For businesses engaged in interstate commerce, Chris also counsels clients on the legal implications of tariffs, trade regulations, and cross-border commercial activity. As the regulatory landscape around interstate trade continues to shift, having counsel who understands both the business and legal dimensions of these changes is increasingly essential.
The Davis Firm serves small businesses, family-owned companies, and growing enterprises across Tennessee — and out-of-state businesses with Tennessee operations or interests — with practical, tax-smart business counsel grounded in strategy and personal attention. The firm also advises nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and clients with government-related legal matters including contracts, agency disputes, and regulatory compliance.
It depends on your goals, number of owners, and tax situation. LLCs are the most common choice for small businesses and startups in Tennessee — flexible, protective, and tax-efficient. Corporations may be preferable if you're seeking outside investment. Chris evaluates your specific situation and recommends the structure that fits, with tax implications factored in from the start.
Yes — every time. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and nearly impossible to prove in court. A well-drafted contract defines each party's obligations, protects you if the relationship breaks down, and reduces the likelihood of a dispute in the first place. Chris drafts and reviews business contracts with an eye toward both protecting your interests today and anticipating problems before they arise.
Before you sign anything significant. The most common and costly mistake business owners make is consulting an attorney after a problem arises rather than before. Formation, partnership agreements, commercial leases, vendor contracts, and employment matters all carry legal consequences that are far easier to address proactively. Chris works with businesses at every stage — from startup through growth and eventual transition.
An operating agreement governs how your LLC is managed — member roles, profit distribution, decision-making authority, and what happens if a member exits or the business dissolves. Tennessee does not legally require one, but without it your LLC is governed by default state rules that may not reflect your intentions. For any LLC with more than one member, an operating agreement is essential. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one to reinforce the separation between personal and business assets.
Yes. Chris advises private clients on contracts with government bodies, disputes with agencies, regulatory compliance, and municipal law matters. His experience as City Attorney for the Town of Alamo gives him firsthand understanding of how government entities operate on behalf of private clients.
Yes. The Davis Firm assists nonprofits with formation, governance, board disputes, contracts, and tax-exempt status issues under federal and Tennessee law. Chris's LLM in Taxation brings particular depth to 501(c)(3) and compliance matters.
Every matter starts with a conversation. Reach out today and let's discuss how The Davis Firm can help.
