Patrick, Beard, Schulman & Jacoway, P.C. was founded May 1, 1984 by Gary R. Patrick and John W. Beard. Mr. Patrick and Mr. Beard decided to leave one of the largest law firms in the South to start a firm dedicated to providing the same high quality legal services offered by their former firm in an atmosphere conducive to enjoying the practice of law and their colleagues. They believed that practicing law in such an environment would facilitate the provision of the highest caliber legal services and their vision has reached fruition. Over time, the firm, which started as a small enterprise, has grown organically as the needs of firm clients required. The growth has been managed primarily by identifying firm and client needs and then targeting attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their fields within these areas of need. This disciplined growth has produced a mid-sized, agile law firm with attorneys who practice at the highest-levels in the region. As evidence of this expertise, many of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized by their peers for excellence and honored with recognition by publications such as Best Lawyers of America, Martindale Hubbell, Super Lawyers, US News, and Who’s Who and by professional associations through the grant of fellowships and similar awards. But, even better evidence of the firm’s quality legal services than the peer accolades is the trust placed in the firm by its clients. Many of the firm’s clients, for example, have used the firm for years if not decades as the firm and its attorneys have been trusted advisors for these clients through thick and thin. The firm, in point of fact, has represented three and even four generations of some families in their business and other legal needs. Since its inception, the firm has focused primarily on servicing the across the board needs of businesses and business owners. The firm’s business clients reflect the Chattanooga region’s economic makeup and include construction companies, fina