Jack Waddey

Reg. Pat. Attorney

Jack Waddey is the patriarch of intellectual property law in Tennessee. He was a co-founder of Nashville’s first IP specific boutique firm in the early ‘90’s, but his IP legacy dates back to the late ‘60’s when he entered Georgetown Law School and paid his way through school by working as a patent examiner in the USPTO. He brings 50+ years of experience to the table, having secured hundreds of patents and trademarks for his clients, helping clients with IP strategy to strengthen their businesses, protecting the IP of his clients in litigation, and defending infringement claims against his clients in patent, copyright, and trademark disputes of every nature. Since 1998, he has served as a mediator in helping others to resolve their conflicts.

Chanelle Acheson

Partner, Attorney

Chanelle Acheson is a founding partner at Waddey Acheson. Recognized for her exceptional legal skills and commitment to her clients, she has a wealth of experience representing clients in a broad range of complex litigation matters. Chanelle has represented corporate and individual clients in cases across the litigation and governmental investigation spectrum, including Intellectual Property, entertainment law, state and federal civil enforcement actions, high-stakes contract and fraud claims, anti-kickback allegations, privacy issues, and healthcare fraud and abuse. Chanelle has also been on the leading edge of technology in case and client management, developing a highly secure web-based project management tool for a multi-billion dollar, multi-party client in an ongoing case which allowed the parties to distribute internal workflow and edit documents, provide feedback to the larger group, and execute required voting procedures, all within the highest security parameters. She believes in using technology to work smarter and engineer around human friction whenever possible.

Chanelle graduated from the University of Colorado in 2001 with a BS in Political Science and furthered her studies in International Law at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Chanelle earned her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2004.

Prior to going into private practice, Chanelle served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2005 to 2011, rising through the ranks with exemplary leadership. Her tenure in the Marines honed the strategic acumen and unwavering determination that she now channels into her legal practice, ensuring her clients receive the utmost dedication and results-driven representation.

Jessica G. Markanich

Paralegal

Jessica is a seasoned paralegal who has been working in the legal field since 2007. She has amassed extensive experience in multiple areas of law, including complex litigation, tax law, healthcare law, and medical malpractice. With a strong background in case and document management, eDiscovery, and overseeing large-scale cases, Jessica is a valuable asset to our legal team.

Jessica has acquired significant trial experience in both state and federal courts, and is familiar with the intricacies of the legal process. She is a graduate of the Sewanee: The University of the South, where she graduated with Honors. 

In addition to her legal achievements, Jessica is also an accomplished artist and painter. This unique blend of creativity and analytical acumen makes her a well-rounded professional who brings a unique perspective to her work.

Khira Chavez

Paralegal

Khira Chavez was born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas. Her federal service began in 2001, when she joined the United States Marine Corps.  As an enlisted Marine, she served 12 years on active duty as a Legal Service Specialist (4421) and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in June 2013.

During her military career, Mrs. Chavez was stationed at The Joint Law Center, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California (2001-2004), serving in support of the Administrative Law Section, which handles the Administrative Legal processes for MCAS Miramar, including Administrative Separations. Legal Services Support Section, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan (2004-2006), serving as the Non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of Legal Assistance, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Family Law, and Deployment Briefs for military servicemembers and families. Combat Logistics Regiment-17, Legal Services Support Section, Camp Pendleton, California (2006-2009), serving as the NCOIC for the Post-Trial Review Section, which handles the review, storage, and destruction of military courts-martial.  Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, The Depot Law Center, Parris Island, South Carolina (2009-2013), Legal Assistance Chief, providing legal assistance and customer service for servicemembers and their families.  Defense Service Chief, supporting Military Counsel in the representation of Marines and Sailors during every stage of the military justice process.  While stationed in Parris Island, Ms. Chavez took on extracurricular activities as the Depot Narrator. 

After leaving the Military in 2013, Ms. Chavez moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where she became the Salon Manager of Palm Beach Tan Salons in North Alabama.  She worked and managed multiple locations including, Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, and Cullman. 

Her federal civil service career began in 2018 where she served as a Legal Assistant in the Civil Division for the United States Attorney, District of Kansas.  Mrs. Chavez was offered a position as a Department of Army Civilian with the United States Army Reserve in Puerto Rico, where she served as the Secretary, Executive Assistant and Command Protocol Officer for the Commanding General, 1st Mission Support Command from September 2020 to May 2024. 

Mrs. Chavez possesses a bachelor’s degree in business management, and a master’s degree in justice and security from the University of Phoenix.  She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, University of Phoenix Chapter.  Mrs. Chavez has also completed a Paralegal Certificate program through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has also completed Protocol Officer Training through the Protocol School of Washington. 

Mrs. Chavez’ Military and Civilian awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Gold Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, multiple Certificates of Commendation and Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Civilian Service Commendation Medal’s, Civilian Service Achievement Medal, Certificate of Achievement and performance awards for exceptional duty performance.

Mrs. Chavez is married to Payton Dugas and has 2 children, Craig Jr. (18) and Ava (15).