MIKEL & HAMILL

Donna has practiced employment law and litigation since graduating with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2000.  She spent the first part of her career at one of the oldest and most respected litigation law firms in Chattanooga, representing business and employers in a wide array of employment and business litigation matters.

Donna's practice then shifted in 2007 to representing primarily employees and their rights in the workplace.  In this role, Donna serves clients at all stages, including pre-employment contracts or non-compete considerations, while individual are still employed, during  terminations (or proposed separation agreements), in post-employment administrative charges, and through litigation in the judicial or arbitration system. Although many employment law matters can be resolved with assertive representation and wise counsel, Donna has first chaired or co-chaired a number of jury trials in state and federal court and in arbitration and has earned sizeable verdicts for her clients in certain cases as a result. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution has developed into an additional focal point for Donna’s practice. Due to her experience representing both sides in litigation, Donna has developed a successful mediation practice.  She loves to help people find practical solutions for their employment dilemmas.  Donna also recently became a member of the American Arbitration Association Employment Panel and enjoys serving as an arbitrator.

Donna grew up and attended college in Great Falls, Montana, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude.  Donna then completed law school at the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of the Order of the Coif, a member of the National First Amendment Moot Court Team, and as editor of the Georgia Law Report, a small publication distributed to Georgia governmental officials. Donna came from a long line of Montana journalists and paid her way through law school by waitressing and teaching dance lessons.  She understands how to fight hard and work hard for one's goals and values the opportunity to assist others in the same pursuit. 

Donna's recent relevant honors include:

• Member,  American College of Trial Lawyers, 2024-present
• 2019 and 2023 Lawyer of the Year- Litigation--Labor & Employment, Best Lawyers in America
• Rated AV, Preeminent, Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rating and 5 out of 5 in client reviews
• Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2021-present
• Federal Bar Association, Chattanooga Chapter Bill Carter Civility Award winner and President's Award Winner

Additionally, Donna has participated in the following law-related activities:

• Panel Member, AAA Arbitration Employment Panel
• Federal Bar Association—Sixth Circuit Vice President, Chattanooga Chapter President, Past President, Government Liaison, Civics Coordinator, Newsletter Editor
• Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Labor and Employment Council
• Member, District Civics and Divisional Civics Committees, Eastern District of  Tennessee
• Member, CJA Panel Selection Committee, U.S. District Court, Eastern District Tennessee
• Master Member, The Justices Ray L. Brock Jr. Robert E. Cooper American Inn of Court
• Member, Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association

Although Donna's practice and professional life is thriving, she most enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their four children.   Together they love to participate in their kids' sports/interests and also find time when able to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Tennessee Valley and North Georgia Mountains.