Garrett P. Swartwood

Garrett Swartwood's practice is concentrated in the areas of civil trials, commercial litigation and business and real estate law. His practice includes commercial collections, judgment recovery, foreclosures, construction litigation, landlord-tenant and real estate litigation, probate litigation, business dispute resolution and complex litigation. He also represents clients in contract and lease negotiations and preparation. Garrett has extensive experience in state and federal trial courts, bankruptcy courts and appellate courts. In addition to court appearances, he represents clients before special masters, arbitrators and administrative judges.

Garrett has practiced law for over twenty years and has received a prestigious AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a steady, trusted legal advisor, helping clients solve legal issues and accomplish their economic goals even when litigation becomes necessary. Garrett steers clients through all phases of litigation, including bench and jury trials. Among other accomplishments, his track record of success includes: collection of millions of dollars in outstanding accounts receivable for local, regional and national businesses; winning a judgment for a general contractor at trial in a construction lawsuit involving claims in excess of $1 million; establishing insurance rights on behalf of company directors and officers in multi-million dollar bankruptcy litigation; successfully defending an architect in a week-long jury trial of a construction lawsuit; successfully settling claims asserted by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Fair Housing Act against property owners in federal court; preparing a standard lease agreement, credit application and associated documents for a major equipment distributor; obtaining a favorable settlement on behalf of a lender in complex Chapter 12 bankruptcy proceedings; and successfully prosecuting and settling claims for nearly one-half million dollars in sales commissions against a governmental contractor.

Garrett has also written several articles and seminar materials on subjects related to his areas of practice, including writings on collection strategies and landlord-tenant law. His is a regular lecturer for attorneys and trade groups.

Before joining Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C., Garrett served as an officer and judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Captain. While in the Marines, Garrett also served as a company commander and an instructor in the laws of war and rules of engagement. He lives in the Farragut area of Knox County, Tennessee, with his wife and three children. He and his family enjoy the outdoor and sporting activities available in East Tennessee.