mclimer, Author at Tressler Associates

In today’s digital age, technological advancements are revolutionizing the legal industry. One such breakthrough is the integration of Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) technology into law firms. This cutting-edge language model, powered by artificial intelligence, has the potential to streamline and optimize various aspects of legal practice. By utilizing certain aspects of Chat GPT, law firms can enhance their efficiency, improve client experiences, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Legal Research Made Easy

One of the most time-consuming tasks for legal professionals is conducting extensive research to build strong cases and support arguments. Chat GPT can significantly reduce the burden of legal research by providing quick access to relevant information. Lawyers can use the chat-based interface to ask questions or seek guidance on complex legal issues, and the AI model will generate detailed responses based on its vast knowledge base. This saves valuable time and allows legal professionals to focus on higher-level tasks, such as case analysis and strategy.

Automated Document Generation

Law firms deal with large amounts of paperwork. From contracts and agreements to legal opinions and briefs, Chat GPT can automate the document generation process by generating drafts based on predefined templates and specifications. Lawyers can provide the necessary inputs, such as factual details and case notes, and the AI model can generate accurate and customized documents. Chat GPT can help streamline the workflow, minimizes errors, and improves overall productivity.

Enhanced Client Communication

Effective client communication is critical for every law firm. Chat GPT can be utilized as a virtual assistant, interacting with clients through chat interfaces and addressing their inquiries in a prompt and personalized manner. This ensures clients receive timely updates and clarifications, fostering stronger client relationships. Moreover, Chat GPT can assist in providing initial legal advice, screening client inquiries, and offering general information on legal processes, thereby improving accessibility and client satisfaction.

Predictive Analytics and Case Assessment

Another valuable application of Chat GPT in law firms is its ability to analyze large volumes of case-related data and provide insights. By leveraging machine learning techniques, the AI model can identify patterns, highlight relevant precedents, and offer predictions on case outcomes. This assists lawyers in making more informed decisions and devising effective legal strategies. Furthermore, Chat GPT can assist in risk assessment, aiding in the evaluation of potential legal challenges and their associated probabilities.

New Technology Brings New Potential

The integration of Chat GPT technology in law firms has the potential to revolutionize legal practice, offering numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction. By automating tasks such as legal research and document generation, providing enhanced client communication, offering predictive analytics, and facilitating ongoing legal education, Chat GPT can empower law firms to adapt to the demands of the digital age. Embracing this AI-powered technology enables law firms to optimize their operations, deliver better outcomes for clients, and stay at the forefront of the legal profession.

It is important to note that Chat GPT is not a replacement for an educated attorney. However, it is a tool that attorneys may utilize in modern times to be more efficient in practice management.

Photo Credit: James Williams Photography

Want to know the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get from our clients? Check out the top Tressler FAQ and answers.

As a law firm, we get asked lots of questions every day. We don’t mind because we understand people make better decisions when they are fully informed. It’s one of the many ways we are committed to being different from other law firms. We never want you to feel afraid to contact our team. Afterall, you are the reason we do what we do and answering your questions is one way we can help.  

These questions are the most asked for a reason, because legal and title services can sometimes be confusing, and everyone goes through moments in their life when they need a legal team they can trust. 

Business Law

Is there a consultation fee to speak with an attorney?

No. At Tressler, we take the time to understand your needs before taking any transactional steps. You will have the opportunity to speak with an attorney about your matter without any upfront financial obligation. 

What is a retainer fee?

A retainer fee is an upfront amount of money paid in full for future services performed by our team. We keep our clients updated on the status of their allotted retainer funds as we handle their matter. Should the maximum amount be reached before your matter is complete, our team will reach out before the retainer reaches its limit to discuss next steps. Portions of retainer fees are refunded if the services you requested end up costing less than originally planned. Please reach out to our team if you have any questions about retainer fees.

Do I need an Operating Agreement for my LLC?

Yes. To protect the business’ limited liability status: Operating agreements give members protection from personal liability to the LLC. Without this specific formality, your LLC can closely resemble a sole proprietorship or partnership, jeopardizing your personal liability.

Real Estate Law

Why should I de-title a mobile home on my property?

Mobile homes have a title exactly the same as a motor vehicle. The title shows the name of the person(s) who legally owns the mobile home. The title alone does not make the mobile home a permanent part of the real estate. The de-titling process legally combines the manufactured home with the land. It is often required by lenders before financing.

Why is a title examination important in a real estate transaction?

A title is a document that shows evidence of right or ownership of real property. If you are purchasing a home or commercial property, it is important to make sure the title is reviewed. The proper transfer of ownership will depend on whether the title is clear and can help you avoid future problems if you wish to sell the property at a later date.

When a real estate dispute arises, is litigation the only option?

Disputes are possible in any legal field, including real estate. If you are dealing with any type of real estate dispute, such as a property defect or boundary dispute, you may be able to resolve the matter outside of the courtroom through negotiation. This will usually be an attorney’s first course of action, with litigation only considered if it is impossible to reach an out-of-court agreement.

Title & Escrow

What is title insurance?

Title insurance is a policy that protects you from any issues that may call your ownership into question or keep you from completing your purchase. These issues could include illegal deeds, unknown liens, forged documents, missing heirs and unknown easements. Title insurance provides financial security to address any issues that may arise. 

How long does my title insurance policy last?

For a one-time fee, your owner’s title insurance protects your property rights for as long as you or your heirs own the home.

What do I need to bring to my real estate closing?

Some of the items you will need to bring to closing are a photo ID, a cashier’s check made payable to Tressler Title or wire instructions for transferring funds electronically. Don’t worry, our team will reach out before your scheduled closing day to ensure you know all the details and what to expect at closing.

Estate Planning

What is Probate?

Probate is a legal process that validates the last will and testament of a person who has died, appoints an executor (if one is not named in the will) and oversees the distribution of assets outlined in the will. This process occurs before the deceased’s assets can be distributed. Probate also ensures the deceased debts are paid. When the deceased does not leave behind a will, Tennesse’s intestacy laws determine how their assets will be distributed.

What happens if I die without a will? 

If you die without a will in Tennessee, your assets will go to your closest relatives under state “intestate succession” laws.

How do I know if I would benefit from a trust?  

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you have a net worth of at least $100,000 and have a substantial amount of assets in real estate, or have very specific instructions on how and when you want your estate to be distributed among your heirs after you die, then a trust could be for you.

Need more answers?

We understand every situation is unique. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We would be glad to speak with you, answer your questions and learn how we can help.

Some people may benefit from having a trust, or multiple trusts, in addition to their will. Trusts can often be misunderstood and overlooked. You may believe trusts are only for those with significantly large estates, but that is not true. Trusts can be a great solution for many estate plans. Our team can help you to decide if a trust makes sense for your estate plans and which one would be the most beneficial. 

How Does a Trust Work? 

Trusts are another way to pass assets from one person to another. A trust is a fiduciary arrangement where a grantor may give a trustee permission to hold their assets on behalf of a beneficiary. The trustee is then responsible for distributing assets according to the trust. The grantor can choose who they want to act as their trustee and who is to receive certain assets through the trust. 

This is different from a will, which is a document that allows you to state what assets you want to be passed to which beneficiaries. A will only goes into effect after the grantor passes away, while a trust goes into effect as soon as assets are placed in them. In some cases, trusts can be much more beneficial, as they can help you save on estate taxes, avoid probate, and give you more control over your assets. 

Types of Trusts

There are various types of trusts to choose from, so which one benefits you and your beneficiaries the most will depend on your specific situation. Our team can discuss your needs and help you assess the different types of trust to help you utilize the right one.

Revocable Trusts

Revocable trusts give the grantor the ability to change the trust after it’s been created. After the grantor passes away, assets in the trust will be distributed to beneficiaries. This gives the grantor a greater level of flexibility should anything change and the trust needs to be updated.

Irrevocable Trusts

Unlike a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust cannot be changed so easily. An irrevocable trust can only be changed with permission from the beneficiaries. To create an irrevocable trust, a grantor is required to give up the legal rights to assets being placed in the trust. While this doesn’t provide the flexibility of a revocable trust, it has many benefits that a revocable trust does not. 

Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust is for those who want to use part of their estate to provide for a disabled or chronically ill loved one. With a special needs trust, the beneficiary can receive their inheritance without being disqualified from government programs. This will ensure your loved one has financial resources and access to the care they need.

Charitable Trusts

Assets from a trust don’t have to go to an individual. Rather, some may choose to give a portion of their estate to a charitable organization. Charitable trusts are specific types of trusts used for charitable purposes, while also providing certain tax benefits. The two main types of charitable trusts are charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts.

Trust Tressler

Trusts can be a great way to preserve and manage your wealth. If you feel your estate plans may benefit from including a trust, reach out to a team you can trust. At Tressler & Associates, we’ll help you understand everything to know about trusts to ensure you make the best decision for your future.

Contact our trust attorneys today to get started.

Since its inception we have remained committed to being different from traditional law firms. We share a true passion for making a difference in the lives of others, and our mission keeps us united and focused on making everyday full of meaning and purpose. Along with our mission, our core values are the guiding principles that shape every decision we make, and at Tressler we strive to incorporate our values into everything we do. We have four core values that empower our team every day. 

Compassion

We are motivated to care for others. We understand our attitudes and decisions impact our community. Showing compassion enables us to respond with kindness to the needs of others and build meaningful relationships that promote problem-solving and inspire action. 

Accountability

We work together to become better. We understand we each share a responsibility to offer our best, own our mistakes and follow through. We leverage our unique strengths to support one another to achieve our goals. 

Service

Our business is rooted in service. We believe in treating others how we want to be treated and going the extra mile to help others achieve their goals. We strive to show gratitude in meaningful ways and be a positive influence in the lives of others. 

Courage

We are driven to do what is right, no matter what. We value honesty and believe everyone deserves the truth. We stand strong when challenges arise and remain committed to being a trailblazer in our industry by delivering an approachable legal experience unlike anyone else. 

To learn more about our vision and mission at Tressler & Associates, visit tresslerassociates.com/our-vision.

In case you haven’t heard, we launched a new website! The project began last fall, and we are so excited to be able to share it with you. Read why a new website became a top priority and the decisions that led us to design a more client-centric web experience. 

Why redesign our website

Redesigning our website was the last thing on Todd Tressler’s mind when he invited Megan Climer to join the Tressler leadership team back in August. The team had recently launched a new website with a modern and bold design. 

Just a few weeks into her new role, Megan led the team through a series of brand development sessions. It was during these sessions we began to see the disconnect in our brand message and visual identity. Together we worked to develop a clear brand identity and unique ways to share our brand story. 

After we settled on our brand vision, mission values and essence, Megan dove into web design and user experience (UX) resources to develop a concept to present to the team. We all agreed a rebrand was necessary, and our website would be a top priority. 

A new web experience

With our brand clearly defined, it was easier to identify what changes needed to be made to offer a web experience that felt warm, inviting and helpful. Our goal was to share our brand story and deliver a more approachable legal experience to our clients and the community. 

Approachable 

As we defined the essence and personality of our brand, approachable was an attribute that rose to the top. From our warm color palette and personal photos, to the site’s tonal narrative and logo, approachability is experienced throughout the site. It was important our new website to foster connection and build trust with our audience. 

Simplicity

Our new website is simple in both structure and design. The site’s navigation logic sets clear expectations and predictable paths. With each click, a user can easily anticipate what comes next. No one likes to work hard when they are exploring a website. We wanted our content experience to be natural and intuitive. You can learn about us without sifting through overwhelming amounts of legalese and extra talk. 

Add value

After carefully auditing the content of our previous website, we were able to downsize our website from 90 pages to 26. The information we removed will have new purpose as informative blogs, podcasts, videos, and downloadables. These resources can be found in our new ‘Resources’ library which will continue to grow and hopefully add value to our clients and community. 

Transparency

One of the barriers we face as a law firm is most people are afraid to contact us because they assume the costs are too high, the services are too hard to understand, and the attorneys are too out of touch. This may be true for some law firms, but not for us. We know most lawfirms do not openly publish pricing, but we’re not like most lawfirms. We share our prices because we believe we all make better decisions when we are fully informed. We want our clients to feel confident when making a decision. We aim to earn their trust, and keep it. 

Tell our brand story 

Our new website invites users to learn more about us, our history, our team and our culture. Through these pages you can learn who we are as individuals, who we are as a team, and what you can expect when you choose to work with us. 

What’s next from the Tressler brand

We’re incredibly excited about our new brand and web experience. With our brand aligned and our brand experience focused on you, we hope you find the answers and support you need with our team. You are the reason we do what we do, and we are grateful for your support, encouragement, friendship and trust. You can explore our new website at https://tresslerassociates.com

Tressler & Associates, PLLC is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website, tresslerassociates.com. The redesign is part of Tressler’s rebranding initiative, which aims to deliver a more approachable legal experience to clients and the community. 

The new website features new navigation highlighting the law firm’s practice areas and pricing while inviting users to learn more about the Tressler brand and team. The site also features sister title and escrow company Tressler Title, LCC. To add more value to this client-centric experience, users can now search available resources on various legal, business, and real estate topics including: blogs, news, and free digital downloads.

The website content is easy to navigate and users can quickly locate the answers they need without sifting through pages of information. 

“Our new website affirms our commitment to offering approachable legal services to our community,” said Todd Tressler, Founder, and CEO of Tressler & Associates, PLLC. “Our new brand and website reflect who we really are. The content connects directly with our users and where they are in the discovery process. Every click brings them to the next level of discovery without unnecessary pages of overwhelming legal and industry jargon. We instead invite our users to explore our catalog of resources to learn more about our areas of expertise and topics that are of interest and help to them,” he added. 

Since its inception, Tressler & Associates has maintained its commitment to being different from traditional law firms. 

“Our new website offers an online brand experience unlike traditional law firms in our market,” said Megan Climer, Chief Marketing Officer of Tressler and Associates, PLLC. “My goal was to ensure our design not only told our brand story but also offered our users an intuitive content experience. I want our content to direct and guide our users down a logical path to their next steps. We are excited to see how everyone interacts with our new design,” she added. 

Tressler & Associates invites visitors to explore their new website at www.tresslerassociates.com to learn more about their legal services, title services, pricing, brand story and educational resources

Tressler & Associates, PLLC today announced the launch of a new range of bundled legal services available to clients in Tennessee. The new line of legal services consists of five affordable bundles, including new business set up for rising entrepreneurs, contract review, estate planning, legal advice, as well as a real estate bundle for property owners who choose to sell without broker representation. 

The legal bundles are the first product launch since the company began in November 2009.  

“I am so pleased our firm is able to offer a new legal experience to our community,” said Todd Tressler, Founder and CEO of Tressler & Associates, PLLC. “I founded Tressler & Associates to help bring compassion, service and honor back to the profession I love. Our flat fees and bundles offer our community legal solutions that are both approachable and accessible. Our new approach breaks down industry barriers and provides an opportunity to rebuild trust in the legal profession and meet a need, ” he added.

Since its inception, Tressler & Associates has maintained its commitment to be different from traditional law firms. 

“Too often people are afraid to contact a law firm because they assume the costs are too high, the services are too hard to understand, and the attorneys are too out of touch, ” said Megan Climer, Chief Marketing Officer of Tressler and Associates, PLLC. “We believe our clients deserve access to legal solutions with the highest standard of legal expertise without the fear of unknown financial commitments. By reviewing our most requested services, we have been able to create focused service bundles that include all the legal documentation, experienced counsel and support our clients need to resolve their matters without the worry of costly hourly fees.”

The firm’s practice is focused in business law, estate planning and real estate law. Tressler openly publishes their pricing and fees for their services on their website. 

“It’s not often you find prices listed on a law firm’s website, ” said Tressler, “but we’re not like most law firms. We understand people make better decisions when they are fully informed, which is why we openly share our pricing and fees. We want people to feel confident before making a decision. We never want the fear of costs to prevent our team from helping others.”

In the coming weeks, Tressler plans to release a series of free digital resources to offer more education around their bundles and practice areas. Digital downloads, blogs, webinars and a new podcast will be available on their new website which launched in March 2023. 

For more information about Tressler & Associates, PLLC legal services and bundles visit www.tresslerassociates.com

An Interview with CMO Megan Climer

 

Learn how Chief Marketing Officer Megan Climer transformed the Tressler brand and her advice to business owners considering a brand refresh. 

A new role brings new opportunities

When Megan Climer joined Tressler & Associates in August 2022, she was eager to dive into brand development. Just a couple of weeks into her new role, she began to see opportunities for Tressler to differentiate itself from other law firms in the market. In this interview, she explains what makes a brand and shares how she developed their new visual identity. 

Most people think a brand is a name and logo. How do you define a brand?

Their definition isn’t wrong, just incomplete. I have spent the majority of my professional career learning what makes a great brand. A brand is a name and a logo, but I believe it offers so much more. Your brand is your unique identity. And like a person, it has exterior and interior attributes and characteristics that make it identifiable to the world. Like a person, a brand has dreams and a purpose (a vision and a mission), values, a personality, a voice, a story, and an overall essence or feeling. Really, a brand is powerful. It is the foundation that informs and supports your overall business strategy. And it can be your most valuable asset for managing growth. 

What did you do first to start developing the new brand?

The first thing I did was take a detailed look at our competition and the overall market. It sounds counterintuitive to spend your time analyzing everyone else, but a competitive analysis is critical to building a brand. By evaluating our competitors, I learned where we fit into the market and the unique opportunities we had to stand out. 

What did you do after you finished the competitor analysis?

The next thing I did was complete an audit of our brand. I reviewed the competitor data to see how we measured up, which is always an eye opening experience. It allowed me to see where our brand was falling short and where we had opportunities to shine. 

Like many service industries, the legal industry lacks uniqueness. The brand landscape looks very similar in both styling and messaging. I have always said that if everyone else is saying it, it probably isn’t worth saying. Industry platitudes and buzz words become expectations, not differentiators. I knew if we were committed to being different from traditional law firms, our brand had to look and feel different from a traditional law firm. It was our time to break away from the industry brand “standards” and offer a new brand experience. 

What inspired the new logo?

After comparing and analyzing for several weeks, I began to brainstorm ideas for how our brand style could be unique. I knew right away what visual elements did not fit our brand personality and what opportunities were available to stand out among our competitors. 

I also spoke with Todd and Lisa about our culture and brand personality to get a sense of who we are and what a Tressler brand experience feels like. Todd shared some of his grandfather’s old business papers with an added sticky note that said “brand inspo.” From all of this I began to visualize what our brand style could be. Using combinations of color, texture, pattern, typography, photography, videography, illustration and tone, you can build a complete brand identity that is unique and powerful. I pulled inspo from lots of visuals and created a mood board that kick-started my design.

What did you design first?

I started with our typography. Almost all of our competitors use typography that is traditional and serious in tone. It just made sense to try to design our logo icon using lower case letters. By making the “ta” lowercase, it now feels more approachable, accessible and warm, all things we believe make up the Tressler experience. The lowercase nods to the era of typewriters (inspo from the old papers) and adds a vintage flair to the brand. I used a sans type as our accent font instead of a traditional all caps serif for our business name. Our brand now feels modernized and more relevant to today’s consumer. 

Tressler brand refresh side by side comparison

It’s great to learn the logic behind the letters. What led you to choose orange as your new brand color?

This part was fun. Color psychology is actually a thing, and it is fascinating! Did you know color works at a subconscious level faster than words or images and creates a gut response? So color choices matter. For us, our previous brand colors were black, red and gray. This overall palette communicated a more bold, corporate, serious and traditional feel all things we believe do not represent who we are. It was also a common color palette used by others in our industry. By changing our colors, we could instantly add visual uniqueness and more accurately communicate our brand personality and essence to our target audience. 

Here are some of the insights that influenced this decision. Orange is known as a creative, abundant, positive, passionate, secure and comforting color. The redder tones of orange can communicate strength, stamina and determination, and brown is a color that is viewed as grounding, reliable, balanced, honest, sincere and warm. From all of these attributes, we developed the Tressler orange. 

What can we expect next from the Tressler brand?

We are so excited for what is to come! We just launched our new website this month. Our website partner FortyAU, helped me bring our new brand experience to life. Our website showcases our new look, but more importantly, offers a user experience unlike anyone else in our market. 

Our social media will also see a refresh. These platforms will continue to be a place we tell our story and engage in meaningful ways with our audiences. Our team also plans to release a series of free digital resources to offer more education around our practice areas to include; digital downloads, blogs, webinars and a new podcast. These extra resources will all be available on our website. As a marketer, I live in creative mode. A new brand offers so many opportunities to educate, entertain and add value to our audience. 

What advice do you have for business owners considering a brand refresh?

Wow, that could be a whole other interview! But I’ll do my best to keep this short. Maybe we’ll answer in more detail on a future podcast. (smiles and winks)

1. Define your goals.

When starting any new project having a goal in mind is always a great first step. Why are you choosing to work on your brand? Defining what you want your brand to do for your business will help you create a brand identity that delivers results. Are you a start-up preparing to launch, or are you a small business getting ready to roll out a new product or service? Are you trying to stay competitive and looking for ways to gain more market share, or do you already have a brand but feel it’s time for a makeover? No matter what your reasons are, declaring your motives will enable you to set goals and stay focused as you work through the process. 

2. Do the research.

Get to know your target customer and analyze your competition. I didn’t mention customer analysis earlier, but they also influence and impact your identity. Because the truth is, without our customers, we have no business. A deep dive into their personality and habits can help you learn what will resonate most with them. Knowing your competition is powerful. An analysis will take some time to complete, but it is insight you can use to position your brand for lasting success in your market. 

3. Be true to who you are.

Know who you are and who you want to be. Your brand is more than a hip logo or slackline. Your brand is your story, your personality, your values, your mission and much more! It is an experience, and one that should be all your own. Your brand can do so many things for your business. It should set you apart, communicate a clear message, tell a story, build credibility, connect with your audience, motivate action, create memorable experiences and loyal fans. You can start your brand refresh today by doing a simple brand audit. Ask yourself how your brand is doing? How well does it do all the things listed above? Where are there opportunities to improve, and where can YOU shine? 

About Megan

As Chief Marketing Officer of Tresler & Associates, Megan leads the marketing, communication and development initiatives for the Tressler brands. She works to strengthen the company’s position as a trusted leader in the legal and real estate industries. 

Megan is an award winning web and graphic designer and writer with nearly two decades of business to consumer experience with large and small organizations in marketing, communications, business development, public relations, advertising and brand innovation. She’s an experienced consultant, working with large and small businesses in brand development and marketing strategy and leads brand development workshops for rising and seasoned entrepreneurs. Megan is currently working to complete her first book on brand development estimated for release in late 2023. 

Megan is always happy to talk shop about branding. You can follow her on Instagram @mlclimer, connect with her on LinkedIn, or reach out to her directly at megan@tresslerassociates.com

We believe teamwork does in fact make the dream work! We have to say, we love our team and the work we do everyday. Keep reading to meet the Tressler team.

Todd A. Tressler, II – Founder, CEO & Attorney

Todd founded Tressler & Associates in 2009 and Tressler Title in 2016. As CEO, he leads the vision and strategic direction of both companies. He is a skilled attorney with an extensive background in real estate law, business law and estate planning. Todd loves to travel and see the world with his fiance’ and is a passionate Tennessee Vols football fan. His latest trip was to Antarctica, Buuurrrrrr! You can learn more about our founder here.

Lisa Peterson Chaney – Chief Operations Officer

Lisa leads the business operations of the law firm and title company. She has owned and led many businesses, ranging from retail clothing to geothermal technology. Lisa brings balance and clarity to every situation – one of the many reasons the team calls her “Queen Mother”. She loves to read with her standard poodle, August, snuggled up next to her, and spend time with her five grandchildren. 

Megan Climer – Chief Marketing Officer

Megan is a talented brand and marketing expert who brings nearly two decades of experience in marketing, communications, business development, public relations, advertising and brand innovation. She builds strategies to effectively lead the marketing and communication initiatives for both companies. Megan loves to be creative and enjoys writing, painting, reading and gardening. She’s also a yogi who loves any day at the lake with her husband and two boys. 

Turner Smith Evans – Attorney, Estate Planning

Turner joined the team as a full-time legal assistant in 2019. While working full-time, he attended the Nashville School of Law and graduated summa cum laude with a JD degree in 2022. Turner’s law practice is focused in the firm’s estate planning and probate services. Turner enjoys watching movies, going to the gym and playing fetch with his bulldog Bully. 

Christen Tressler Rabe – Processor

Christen has an extensive background in the real estate industry. She was not only raised by two successful realtors, but she began her professional career helping others purchase and sell real estate as a mortgage loan officer. As lead processor for Tressler Title, Christen applies her knowledge to our client experience to ensure every step of the closing process runs smoothly. Christen is a busy wife and mother of two. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling and cheering on her Tennessee Vols. 

Christy Malone Smith – Post Closing Coordinator

Christy joined the Tressler team not once, but twice. After a successful career as a loan docs specialist 3 at Wells Fargo, Christy joined Tressler Title as a processor to help clients navigate the closing process. After three years, she left to help her mother in her business before rejoining the team in 2021. Christy lives on her family farm with her husband and beloved yorkie, Bently. She loves music, attending concerts and Tennessee Vols football. 

Sherri McDonald- Paralegal

Sherri earned her paralegal certificate from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and has been an integral part of the Tressler team since 2015. She keeps our team on task and organized and she brings a level of excellence to all our processes. Sherri loves spending time with her husband and children, and enjoys attending all their school activities. 

Mykela Lesso – Legal Assistant

Mykela (Myk) joined the Tressler team in 2022. She is an entrepreneur at heart and prides herself on her great communication skills and work ethic. She supports the team in a variety of ways and identifies new opportunities to help everyone succeed. Myk is in her final year of law school at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Once she is a licensed attorney, she plans to focus her practice in real estate law with the firm. Myk is a free spirit who loves to learn new things. She enjoys attending music festivals, playing her ukulele and writing music. 

Josh Harris – Legal Assistant

Josh Harris joined the Tressler team in 2022. He served six years in the United States Air Force and is now finishing his last semester of law school at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He brings his attention to detail and sharp problem-solving skills to everything he does. He works to offer ongoing support to the team and strives to always bring solutions to the table. Once Josh is a licensed attorney, he plans to focus his practice in business law with the firm. Josh loves spending time with his wife and two pups, Mia and Trigger. He is a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and in his spare time enjoys training and competing at local competitions. 

August Franklin Chaney – Puplick Relations Officer

August was born in Albany, Kentucky in March 2018 and adopted by his mom Lisa Chaney when he was only eight weeks old. August has been a beloved team member for three years. He loves humans and takes his job as puplick relations officer very seriously. He starts every morning greeting each team member with a motivational pup talk, followed by an invitation to scratch him behind the ears. August lifts everyone’s spirits, including any visitors we have to the office that day. August loves his mom Lisa, scratches behind the ears, chasing off birds and squirrels and anything you’re eating. 

We all share a passion for helping our clients achieve their goals, even August. Now that you have met our team, we can’t wait to meet you in person and get to know you more. Our vision and values unite us in our work everyday. To contact our team email attorneys@tresslerassociates.com.