About Donna J. Mikel

Donna has practiced employment law and litigation since graduating with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2000. She spent the first part of her career representing employers on topics such as wage and hour issues, termination considerations, and litigation strategies in a wide array of lawsuits.

Donna's practice then shifted in 2007 to representing primarily employees and their rights in the workplace. Donna has first chaired or co-chaired a number of jury trials in state and federal court and has earned multi-million dollar verdicts for her clients as a result.

Due to her wisdom acquired from representing both sides in litigation, Donna has also developed a successful mediation practice. She loves to help people find practical solutions for their employment dilemmas.

Donna grew up and attended college in Great Falls, Montana, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude. Donna went to law school at the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of the Order of the Coif.

Donna's recent awards include:

• 2019 Lawyer of the Year- Litigation--Labor & Employment, Best Lawyers in America

• Rated AV, Preeminent, Martindale Hubbell

• Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2014-present

• Client Rating 5.0 out of 5.0, Martindale Hubbell

• Federal Bar Association President's Award

Additionally, Donna has held the following offices:

• Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association--President, Past President, Government Liaison, Civics Coordinator, Editor

• Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Labor and Employment Council (2018-2019)

• Member, District Civics Committee, Eastern District of Tennessee

• Member, CJA Panel Selection Committee, U.S. District Court, Eastern District Tennessee, 2016-2019

• Barrister Member, The Justices Ray L. Brock Jr. Robert E. Cooper American Inn of Court

• Member, Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association

Although Donna's practice and professional life is thriving, she most enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and her four children. Donna came from a long line of journalists and paid her way through college by waitressing and teaching dance lessons. She understands how to fight hard and work hard for one's goals. Donna also spent a period of time as a single mother while practicing law and appreciates the challenge that parents experience trying to juggle all responsibilities. If you want an attorney with an appreciation for real-life challenges and how to overcome them, then look no further.

 

Awards

Reviews for Donna J. Mikel

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 19 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
95%
4 stars
5%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
4.9
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
November 18, 2025
Hired Attorney

This was a wonderful lawyer. Her bill was fair. She was honest with me that she thought I did not have a good chance of winning my case but she won it anyway. She dealt with the big bad corporation so I did not have to.I remain very grateful.

Labor and Employment
Posted by Robert
August 04, 2025
Hired Attorney

When an employment issue arose I inquired from several attorney friends who to speak with and they all said Donna Mikel. After speaking with Donna and explaining my situation I knew she was who I needed. She pays extreme attention to detail and is always very well prepared. Her staff was always courteous and prompt. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case and owe it all to Donna due to her knowledge, preparedness, and earned respect. In closing, If you have an Employment concern your first call should be to Donna Mikel!

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by Teresa
October 27, 2023
Hired Attorney

I was extremely pleased and blessed to have been referred to Donna Mikel. She made the entire legal process feel less intimidating and stressful. She's a very kind and down to earth person who inspires trust and confidence from the very first meeting. She listens intently and takes careful notes..she always responded quickly to my emails and calls. My case was settled easily and quickly. I couldn't be more pleased that I chose her to handle my employment litigation case.

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
October 05, 2023
Hired Attorney

Working with this attorney was very satisfying and rewarding. She had empathy for our situation as a starting point which provided a great foundation for effective representation. We are professionals and needed someone to be flexible in meeting. Our entire case was handled through Zoom meetings and this worked best given our schedules. Her knowledge and leadership in getting our case heard and our claim satisfied was critical. Finally, her note taking and paying attention to details made a big difference in result as it allowed her to position and build over time a very compelling viewpoint of the facts and the outcome we desired followed. This attorney was excellent at providing realistic expectations of the process. She also was very strategic in her advocacy with opposing counsel. Without hesitation we would recommend this attorney for employee/employment/ labor contract related cases/grievances.

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by Juanita
October 04, 2023
Hired Attorney

Working with Donna J. Mikel was truly a blessing because all of the above is her character when working with me as her client and making a difference in my life. I would not hesitate to obtain her again if the need raises. You will not go wrong.

Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
December 09, 2020
Hired Attorney

Where do I start? Donna and her team are the absolute best. From the first meeting, throughout the legal process ( 3 years for me) she is extremely thorough, consultative, and inclusive. She breaks down the nuts and bolts, giving you spot on legal advice! I truly feel blessed to have had her represent me... She will fight for you and you definitely want her on your team!

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
June 13, 2020
Hired Attorney

I originally attempted to work through a process without Counsel, but It became clear I needed an attorney to represent me. I work with several business attorneys in Chattanooga and I asked them who was the best employment/labor attorney in town. Donna Mikel’s name was mentioned repeatedly. From my first meeting with Donna, she exhibited professionalism, knowledge, and skill. Her representation gave me confidence throughout the process and her communication was excellent. I was completely satisfied with the results and she will be my first call if another situation arises in which I need employment counsel.

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
March 12, 2018
Hired Attorney

Donna J. Mikel has been an excellent lawyer representing me post employment/labor area. She provided timely, concise and knowledgeable advise. Her legal opinions were spot-on. I would recommend/retain her services again without hesitation.

Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
August 11, 2017
Hired Attorney

My luck finally changed when I met Donna Mikel. I was most pleased with the service that Donna provided - she is the utmost professional - extremely intelligent, exceptionally hard-working, and very capable.. I feel that I had the best legal representation available. I would recommend her without reservation to anyone in need of legal help.

 
Labor and Employment
Posted by anonymous
May 01, 2014
Hired Attorney

She took care of my situation with my former employer with great professionalism.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Labor and Employment
  • Other 1
    • Employment Litigation

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Mikel and Hamill PLLC
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Moates v. Hamilton County Register of Deeds, 2013 WL 5568723 (E.D. Tenn. 2013)
    Williams v. WTCI, 349 S.W. 3d 501 (Tenn Ct. App. 2011)
    White v. MPW, Inc., 236 F.R.D. 363 (E.D. Tenn. 2006)
    Hunter v. Copperhill, Tennessee, 2013 WL 5278673 (2013)
    Burdine v. Covidien, Inc., 2011 WL 2976929 (2011)
  • Pro Bono Services

    CJA Appointment Panel, E.D. Tn (caveat--this provides compensation at a reduced rate)

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2000, Tennessee
    2000, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
    2000, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • Education & Certifications
    Other Education
    University of Georgia School of Law
    Class of 2000
    J.D.
    magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Phi Kappa Phi, National Bankruptcy Institute Scholar, 1999; Member, National First Amendment Moot Court Team, 1998-2000; Recipient of CJS Award in Criminal Law, 1998; Editor in Chief, Georgia League Report, 1999-2000

    University of Great Falls
    Class of 1997
    B.S.
    summa cum laude, Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice Studies, Outstanding Student in numerous classes, Dean's List, 1997-2000
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1975
    Hamilton, Montana, July 21, 1975

Contact Donna J. Mikel

Member at Mikel and Hamill PLLC
4.7
31 reviews

620 Lindsay Street, Suite 200Chattanooga, TN 37403U.S.A.

Show on map
Fax: 423-541-5401
Office Hours:
  • Monday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:

Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Donna J. Mikel has a 4.6 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Donna J. Mikel has a 5.0 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.