James C. Gooch

- 21 Platform Way S Suite 3500, Nashville, TN 37203

For individuals and families in Tennessee, securing a financial legacy and planning for the future is a critical undertaking that requires professional guidance. The complexities of business succession, tax-efficient gifting, and estate administration can be overwhelming, especially for those with high net worth. In Nashville, one name stands out as a leading authority in this specialized field: James C. Gooch. With nearly 50 years of experience, he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor, helping clients navigate critical—and often emotional—decisions about their wealth and assets. He is widely considered the "dean of estate planning in Nashville" by his peers and clients, a testament to his extensive knowledge and professional standing.

James C. Gooch is a member of the prestigious law firm Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, a firm renowned for its high-level legal services. His practice is focused on helping individuals and families design comprehensive and tax-efficient estate plans. He has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in planning for life transitions, such as exiting a business or preparing for an unexpected death or disability. His expertise is particularly invaluable for high net worth individuals and their family members, who often face more complicated legal and financial issues. Whether working with individuals, fiduciaries, or beneficiaries of an estate, James C. Gooch provides clear and strategic counsel to ensure the protection and proper administration of trusts and estates.

Mr. Gooch's commitment to his profession extends beyond his practice. He is a respected figure in the legal community, with a long history of leadership and service. He is a former chairman of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Tax Section and a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. His dedication to his community is also evident through his involvement on the boards of directors for the Nashville Symphony and Nashville Public Radio. These roles highlight his character and his commitment to not just his clients, but to the broader Nashville community. The combination of his professional achievements and his civic engagement makes him a well-rounded and highly respected legal professional.

What truly sets James C. Gooch apart is his ability to focus on the essential information and his wealth of experience. As one client noted, his "experience and ability to focus on the important information is invaluable." This skill allows him to simplify complex legal matters and provide clear, actionable advice. His long and distinguished career, which began with his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School in 1967 and an LL.M. from New York University School of Law in 1968, has given him a depth of knowledge that is difficult to match. For those in Tennessee looking for a lawyer who is not only an expert in their field but also a reliable and trusted partner, James C. Gooch is an outstanding choice.

James C. Gooch’s office is located at 21 Platform Way S, Suite 3500, in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. This central location offers convenience and easy access for clients from all over the metropolitan area and beyond. The office is situated in a modern and professional building that is designed to accommodate the needs of all visitors. Finding a legal office that is easy to get to is an important factor in reducing the stress of managing legal and financial matters.

The office building is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all clients can visit with ease. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. These amenities are crucial for individuals with mobility challenges, providing a seamless and stress-free experience from the moment they arrive. The firm understands the importance of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who seeks their counsel. To ensure that every client receives personalized and focused attention, appointments are highly recommended. This allows Mr. Gooch and his team to dedicate the necessary time to your specific needs, ensuring a thorough and productive consultation. You can simply call ahead to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

James C. Gooch’s practice is deeply specialized in trusts, estates, and tax law, providing expert counsel to individuals, families, and fiduciaries. His services are tailored to the unique needs of high net worth clients and those with complex financial situations. The firm’s expertise in this area is comprehensive, covering all aspects of estate planning, administration, and related tax matters.

• Estate Planning: He assists individuals and families in designing comprehensive estate plans, including wills and trusts, to ensure their assets are protected and their wishes are carried out effectively.

• Business Succession Planning: He provides strategic counsel to business owners on how to transfer family businesses and develop detailed plans for business succession, ensuring a smooth transition and the preservation of wealth.

• Tax Planning: Mr. Gooch specializes in general tax planning, with a focus on designing tax-efficient estate plans. This includes implementing gifting programs, charitable techniques, and life insurance strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

• Transfers of Family Businesses: He is highly skilled in the legal and financial aspects of transferring family-owned businesses to the next generation, providing strategic advice that considers both business continuity and family harmony.

• Estate Administration: He regularly provides estate administration services, assisting personal representatives with the legal process of administering estates. This includes preparing state and federal estate and inheritance tax returns and representing estates in tax audits or controversies.

• Charitable Planning: He helps clients develop effective charitable giving strategies, including the creation of charitable trusts and other charitable entities, to support their philanthropic goals while providing tax benefits.

James C. Gooch’s professional career is marked by several key features that make him a premier choice for estate planning and tax law in Tennessee. These highlights are a testament to his expertise, experience, and commitment to his clients and the legal profession.

• Decades of Experience: With nearly 50 years in the legal field, James C. Gooch brings an unparalleled level of experience and insight to every case. This extensive background allows him to handle complex legal issues with confidence and expertise.

• Specialized Expertise: His practice is deeply focused on trusts, estates, and tax law, allowing him to provide a high level of specialized counsel that is difficult to find in general practice firms. He is a true subject matter expert.

• Highly Respected: He is widely recognized by his peers and clients as a leader in his field. His selection to the Super Lawyers list and his description as the "dean of estate planning in Nashville" underscore his professional standing.

• Client-Focused: He is praised for his ability to focus on what’s important and his invaluable experience, ensuring clients receive clear, concise, and effective legal advice.

• Accessible Office: The firm’s location is fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community.

If you are in need of expert legal advice on estate planning, trusts, or tax matters, you can contact the office of James C. Gooch using the information below:

Address: 21 Platform Way S Suite 3500, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Phone: (615) 742-6247

Mobile Phone: +1 615-742-6247

For Tennessee residents, making sure a legacy is protected and passed on smoothly is a matter of great importance. Choosing the right estate planning attorney can make all the difference in achieving peace of mind. James C. Gooch stands out as a lawyer who is not only a leading expert in his field but also a trusted advisor with a proven track record. His nearly 50 years of experience give him a depth of knowledge that is a significant advantage when handling complex legal and financial matters. His ability to distill complicated information and provide clear, strategic advice is a service of invaluable worth, as praised by his own clients.

The fact that he is a member of a respected firm like Bass, Berry & Sims PLC and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer further validates his professional standing. This external validation provides confidence that you are working with an attorney who is at the top of his field. His specialized focus on trusts, estates, and tax law means he is not a generalist; he is a specialist who has dedicated his career to mastering these intricate areas. This expertise is particularly crucial for high net worth individuals who have unique legal needs that require a high level of specialized attention.

In conclusion, for anyone in Nashville or the greater Tennessee area seeking to plan for their future, administer an estate, or navigate complex tax issues, James C. Gooch offers a professional and reliable solution. His combination of extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a reputation for excellence makes him an excellent choice. By choosing him, you are securing a legal partner who will work diligently to protect your assets and ensure your legacy is secure for generations to come.

James C. Gooch

21 Platform Way S Suite 3500, Nashville, TN 37203, USA