Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Legal Advocates for West Tennessee
Banks Law Firm has served the legal needs of West Tennessee since 1969, rooted in a tradition of family values and client-focused representation. With three generations of legal expertise, Attorneys Larry S. Banks, Michael J. Banks, and Gerald P. Banks have built a reputation for delivering strategic solutions in complex legal matters, prioritizing personalized service that reflects their deep community ties. The firm combines a comprehensive law library and modern technology with hands-on advocacy to address cases ranging from family law and estate planning to criminal defense and real estate transactions.Our team, including Associate Attorney Lydia Gregory and Office Manager Liza Ritchie, approaches every client relationship with commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and achieving measurable results. For nearly six decades, we have maintained an unwavering focus on protecting clients' interests while adapting to evolving legal landscapes, ensuring our clients receive counsel that balances tradition with contemporary legal strategies.
Services
Family Law
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Criminal Defense
Probate Administration
Wills & Trusts
Corporate Formation
Traffic Violations
Personal Injury Claims
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- Three generations of legal experience serving West Tennessee since 1969
- Personalized client approach combining traditional values with modern legal resources
- Proven track record in family law, estate planning, and criminal defense
- Attorneys maintain active roles in local governance and community leadership
- Comprehensive legal services spanning eight practice areas including real estate and probate
Services
Family Law
We handle complex family law matters including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and spousal support negotiations. Our attorneys prioritize protecting family interests while seeking equitable solutions. With decades of courtroom experience, we guide clients through emotional legal challenges with compassionate representation.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create comprehensive strategies for asset protection and legacy preservation. We draft customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual family needs. Lydia Gregory's specialized training in estate law ensures clients receive forward-thinking plans that address both immediate and future generational needs.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients against criminal charges ranging from traffic violations to serious felony accusations. Our approach combines thorough case investigation with strategic courtroom advocacy. With Larry Banks' membership in national trial attorney organizations, we effectively challenge evidence and negotiate reduced penalties for clients facing criminal prosecution.
Real Estate Law
Our firm manages real estate transactions, title disputes, and property ownership issues. We represent clients in both residential and commercial property matters, ensuring compliance with Tennessee land laws. Gerald Banks' membership in the American Land Title Association enhances our expertise in complex property cases.
Probate Administration
We assist executors and heirs through Tennessee's probate process, handling asset distribution and debt settlement. Our services include will validation, tax planning, and dispute resolution between beneficiaries. With multigenerational experience in estate law, we streamline probate proceedings while honoring the deceased's final wishes.
People
Larry S. Banks
Attorney
Founder Larry Banks has practiced law since 1970, serving as Brownsville City Judge and Attorney before establishing the firm. An Order of the Coif honoree from University of Tennessee Law, he combines military service experience with extensive local legal knowledge to lead the firm's strategic direction.
Michael J. Banks
Attorney
Michael Banks has served as Brownsville City Attorney since 2006, with 25+ years of litigation experience. A University of Memphis law graduate, he specializes in complex civil cases while maintaining active military service as a TN National Guard Judge Advocate, bringing disciplined advocacy to client representation.
Gerald P. Banks
Attorney
Gerald Banks contributes 50+ years of legal expertise, focusing on corporate formation and property law. His membership in national title associations enhances the firm's real estate transaction capabilities, providing clients with specialized counsel in property ownership and business establishment matters.
Lydia K. Gregory
Associate Attorney
Lydia Gregory specializes in estate planning and family law, bringing experience from Middle Tennessee's family courts. A Nashville School of Law graduate, she previously served as Smith County Commissioner, combining public service perspective with practical legal skills to create effective estate solutions for West Tennessee families.
Liza Ritchie
Office Manager
Liza Ritchie manages office operations and legal documentation, handling both corporate formation procedures and estate planning paperwork. Her dual role as legal secretary ensures efficient case management while maintaining direct client communication for the firm's administrative processes.
Questions
What practice areas does Banks Law Firm specialize in?
We focus on family law, estate planning, real estate transactions, criminal defense, and probate administration, with additional experience in corporate formation and traffic violations across West Tennessee.
How can I schedule a consultation with your attorneys?
Contact us directly at (731) 772-5300 to discuss your legal needs and arrange an initial consultation with our Brownsville-based legal team.
Do you handle cases outside Haywood County?
While based in Haywood County, we represent clients throughout West Tennessee, including Crockett, Gibson, and surrounding counties for all our practice areas.
Can I get help with creating a will or trust?
Yes, our estate planning attorneys provide personalized will and trust creation services to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are legally documented.
What experience do your attorneys have in criminal defense?
Our firm has defended clients in criminal cases for over 50 years, with membership in national trial lawyer associations and specialized training in Tennessee's criminal justice system.
Who handles real estate transactions at your firm?
Gerald Banks, with membership in the American Land Title Association, manages real estate cases including property transfers, title disputes, and land ownership issues across West Tennessee.