Applying over 50 years of experience, James Gooch helps individuals and families design business succession plans, gifting strategies and other estate plans in a tax efficient manner. Planning for life transitions, such as exiting a business or an unexpected death or disability, is often increasingly complicated for high net worth individuals and their family members. Whether working with individuals, fiduciaries and/or beneficiaries of an estate, James helps clients make critical – and often emotional – decisions about the protection and administration of trusts and estates.
James C. Gooch
Member
Nashville
Notice
Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
James C. Gooch
Member
Nashville
jgooch@bassberry.com
https://www.bassberry.com/professionals/gooch-james-c/
Memberships
Nashville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association — Tax Section, Chairman (1983)
American Bar Association — Taxation Section
Leadership Nashville — 45th Class (2021-2022)
Nashville Symphony — Board of Directors, Chairman
Nashville Public Radio — Board of Directors
Applying over 50 years of experience, James Gooch helps individuals and families design business succession plans, gifting strategies and other estate plans in a tax efficient manner. Planning for life transitions, such as exiting a business or an unexpected death or disability, is often increasingly complicated for high net worth individuals and their family members. Whether working with individuals, fiduciaries and/or beneficiaries of an estate, James helps clients make critical – and often emotional – decisions about the protection and administration of trusts and estates.
Memberships
Nashville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association — Tax Section, Chairman (1983)
American Bar Association — Taxation Section
Leadership Nashville — 45th Class (2021-2022)
Nashville Symphony — Board of Directors, Chairman
Nashville Public Radio — Board of Directors
Representative Experience
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Represented Lochinvar Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of commercial and residential boilers, in its $420 million acquisition by A.O. Smith Corporation
Representative Experience
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Client Type: Private Company
Publications
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May 27, 2020 | Firm Publication
Media Mentions & Firm News
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July 23, 2026 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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August 21, 2025 | Best Lawyers®
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July 25, 2025 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
Publications
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May 27, 2020 | Firm Publication
Media Mentions & Firm News
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July 23, 2026 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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August 21, 2025 | Best Lawyers®
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July 25, 2025 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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August 15, 2024 | Best Lawyers®
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July 19, 2024 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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August 17, 2023 | Best Lawyers®
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November 29, 2022 | Super Lawyers
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August 18, 2022 | The Best Lawyers in America ©
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July 15, 2022 | Chambers High Net Worth
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November 30, 2021 | Super Lawyers
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August 19, 2021 | The Best Lawyers in America©
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July 26, 2021 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021
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July 1, 2021 | Leadership Nashville
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December 11, 2020 | Mid-South Super Lawyers
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August 20, 2020 | The Best Lawyers in America©
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July 13, 2020 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2020
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November 5, 2019 | Mid-South Super Lawyers
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August 15, 2019 | The Best Lawyers in America©
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July 15, 2019 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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November 9, 2018 | Mid-South Super Lawyers
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August 17, 2018 | The Best Lawyers in America
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July 20, 2018 | Chambers High Net Worth Guide
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November 7, 2017
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August 15, 2017
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November 8, 2016
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August 15, 2016
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November 9, 2015
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August 24, 2015
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November 5, 2014
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August 18, 2014
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November 18, 2013
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August 15, 2013
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November 11, 2012
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August 29, 2012
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March 6, 2012
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November 22, 2011
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September 7, 2011
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April 1, 2011
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16 Bass, Berry & Sims Attorneys Honored by Nashville Post in 2011 “Nashville’s 101 Top Lawyers” ListMarch 1, 2011
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January 18, 2011
Accolades
Chambers High Net Worth Guide — Private Wealth Law, Senior Statesperson (2018-2026)
The Best Lawyers in America© — Trusts and Estates (1983-2026)
Best Lawyers® — Nashville Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year” (2010)
Lawdragon 500
Lawdragon 3000 Leading Lawyers in America
Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2022)
Top 50 Nashville Super Lawyers (2014, 2016)
Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers (2011, 2014, 2016)
Nashville Business Journal “Best of the Bar”
Nashville Post “Nashville’s 101 Top Lawyers” (2011)
Nashville Post “In Charge” (2012)
Southern Federal Tax Institute — Board of Trustees (1993-2011)
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel — Fellow
Tennessee Federal Tax Institute — Board of Trustees (1980-1988); President (1986)
Vanderbilt Law Review — Case Editor (1966-1967)
Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Delta Phi
Accolades
Chambers High Net Worth Guide — Private Wealth Law, Senior Statesperson (2018-2026)
The Best Lawyers in America© — Trusts and Estates (1983-2026)
Best Lawyers® — Nashville Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year” (2010)
Lawdragon 500
Lawdragon 3000 Leading Lawyers in America
Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2022)
Top 50 Nashville Super Lawyers (2014, 2016)
Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers (2011, 2014, 2016)
Nashville Business Journal “Best of the Bar”
Nashville Post “Nashville’s 101 Top Lawyers” (2011)
Nashville Post “In Charge” (2012)
Southern Federal Tax Institute — Board of Trustees (1993-2011)
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel — Fellow
Tennessee Federal Tax Institute — Board of Trustees (1980-1988); President (1986)
Vanderbilt Law Review — Case Editor (1966-1967)
Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Delta Phi
Related Services
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New York University School of Law - LL.M., 1968
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Vanderbilt Law School - L.L.B., 1967
Order of the Coif
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Vanderbilt University - B.A., 1965
Education
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New York University School of Law - LL.M., 1968
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Vanderbilt Law School - L.L.B., 1967
Order of the Coif
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Vanderbilt University - B.A., 1965
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Tennessee, 1967
Admissions
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Tennessee, 1967
Chambers High Net Worth Guide
"James Gooch designs business succession plans as well as assisting clients with estate administration." Client feedback: "James Gooch is an icon in the industry." and "Whether navigating nuanced regulatory issues or advising on strategic decisions, James' wisdom and professionalism have been invaluable. His responsiveness and collaborative spirit make him not only a trusted adviser but a true partner in delivering outstanding service to our clients."
From Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026