About W. Michael
W. Michael Baisley studied political science and philosophy at Furman University, earning his B.A. in 2002. He continued his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law and received his J.D. in 2005. Those years set the foundation for a career based in Tennessee courts and firms.
He began practicing law the year he left law school. In 2005 he joined Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen & Carpenter, PLLC as an associate. Four years later he moved into partnership at Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC. In 2018 he became a partner at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C., where he remains on the firm’s roster.
Baisley’s professional life has been anchored in local bar organizations. He has been a member of the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association and the Knoxville Bar Association since 2005. He served in leadership roles as well. He was president of the Knoxville Barristers during his time with that group and served on the Knoxville Bar Association Board of Governors from 2009 to 2010.
Across his roles he has worked on matters typical for lawyers who move from associate to partner: advising clients, taking depositions, drafting pleadings and appearing in court. His career shows steady progression through Tennessee law practices, from a courtroom-focused associate to law firm partner. Colleagues describe him as steady and practical in approach. He has kept a Tennessee-centered practice throughout his career.
Baisley was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 2005 and maintains active membership in statewide and local bar groups. His involvement in bar leadership in Knoxville reflects an interest in the organizational side of the profession as well as case work.
Today he practices at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C. in Tennessee, continuing the trajectory that began after law school and balancing firm responsibilities with participation in bar activities. He practices law in Tennessee at Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.
