Applying his nearly 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 works directly with clients to solve complicated estate planning issues, both tax and non-tax related. His practice includes:

• Business succession planning
• Transfers of family businesses
• Gifting programs
• Charitable techniques
• Life insurance strategies
• General tax planning.

James regularly provides clients with estate administration services, including assisting personal representatives with administration of estates, preparing state and federal estate and inheritance tax returns, and representing estates with respect to tax audits or other controversies.

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

Accolades

Chambers High Net Worth Guide — Private Wealth Law, Senior Statesperson (2018-2023)

The Best Lawyers in America© — Trusts and Estates (1983-2024)

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