Deep Roots. Experienced Counsel. A Clear Way Forward.
For decades, the people behind Milliken & Matthews have served Middle Tennessee through important property, business, and personal decisions.
Our firm is built around a simple belief: clients deserve legal counsel that combines knowledge and precision with clear communication, trusted relationships, and genuine care.
A Practice That Began in 1989
In 1989, the practice that would eventually become Milliken & Matthews began with a small office, one legal assistant, a handful of supplies, and a belief that legal work could help people move forward in constructive ways.
What followed was decades of growth, relationships, real estate transactions, business decisions, complicated problems, and clients who returned when the next chapter brought another question.
Today, Milliken & Matthews carries that history forward as a firm grounded in Middle Tennessee and focused on the legal needs surrounding property, business, family, and legacy.
The names may evolve and the office may grow, but the foundation remains remarkably consistent: know the client, understand the matter, communicate clearly, and provide experienced counsel when it matters.
The People Behind the Practice
Trudy Milliken
Trudy Milliken has been practicing law in Tennessee since 2004 and has been a partner of the firm since 2010. Her practice has included residential and commercial real estate, entity formation, and construction-related matters, with longstanding relationships throughout the Gallatin and Middle Tennessee communities.
Trudy is also an owner of Luminary Title Group, an independent title and settlement company serving Middle Tennessee.
Preston Matthews
Preston Matthews is an honors graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, where his legal studies focused on real estate and corporate law. His education also included international law study at Cambridge University. Preston became a partner of the firm in January 2025 and is actively involved with local real estate organizations and the Middle Tennessee community.
Preston is also an owner of Luminary Title Group, an independent title and settlement company serving Middle Tennessee.
Connor Graves
Connor Graves, J.D., is part of the Milliken & Matthews team and a 2026 graduate of the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law. Additional biography and practice information coming soon.
What Guides Our Work
The principles behind how we serve clients, colleagues, and the community.
Relationship-Driven
We believe strong legal counsel begins with understanding the client, not simply the matter.
Clear
Legal issues can be complicated. Our job is to explain them in a way clients can understand and act on.
Proactive
We look ahead, communicate clearly, and work to identify issues before they become larger problems.
Experienced
Decades of legal and real estate experience give our team perspective that extends beyond the immediate question.
Grounded
We are deeply connected to the Middle Tennessee community and the people, businesses, and properties that shape it.
The Brian L. Smith Wing
As Milliken & Matthews expands its home at 1164 Nashville Pike, the new addition will carry the name of the man whose vision helped establish the practice more than three decades ago.
The Brian L. Smith Wing is intended as more than a name on a building. It is a permanent acknowledgement of the foundation he created, the opportunities he gave others, and the relationships and standards that continue to shape the firm today.