Weslen T. Lakins is an experienced associate attorney at Lewis Thomason’s Knoxville office with a multifaceted legal practice encompassing construction law, real estate and business litigation and transactions, and cybersecurity and data privacy. Weslen represents individuals, lenders, real estate agents and brokers, general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and businesses in complex litigation and transactional matters, making him a trusted advisor in his areas of experience.

Weslen’s construction practice includes representing general contractors, subcontractors, and developers in disputes involving contract performance, payment claims, mechanic’s liens, and construction defects. He has handled matters at all stages of litigation, including motions practice, discovery, trial preparation, and arbitration proceedings. In addition to his litigation experience, he also advises clients on risk management, contract negotiation, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

In his extensive real estate practice, Weslen counsels property owners, investors, developers, and financial institutions on diverse matters, including title disputes, lease enforcement, boundary conflicts, and transactional matters. He adeptly manages residential and commercial real estate transactions, from property acquisition and refinancing to closings and title insurance, and skillfully negotiates and drafts intricate purchase agreements, financing documents, commercial leases, and easements. Additionally, Weslen provides strategic guidance on corporate governance matters, business formation, venture capital funding, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial litigation. He advises clients at various stages of growth and experience, leveraging his business acumen to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes effectively and efficiently.

As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Weslen possesses specialized expertise in cybersecurity and data privacy law, guiding businesses through complex regulatory landscapes and crisis management. He regularly advises clients on proactive risk assessments, privacy compliance programs, data breach response, and the implementation of robust data security frameworks.

Outside his legal practice, Weslen enjoys competing in cybersecurity challenges, contributing to open-source software projects, and mentoring startups and established companies across Tennessee. A Knoxville-area native, he enjoys spending time with his family, maintaining an active lifestyle, and cheering on the Vols.

PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES

• Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2025-2026 Board, CLE Chair East
• Kentucky Law Journal, Vol. 109, Staff Editor
• Kentucky Law Journal, Vol. 110, Senior Staff Editor
• Trial Advocacy Board (TAB), Secretary
• Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 2022 The Works Accelerator Participant
  • Strange Clouds: A Discussion of the Recent EVALI Outbreak and the FDA’s Approach to Regulating the Vaping Industry, 110 KY. L. J. ONLINE (2021)
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Student Volunteer

AFFILIATIONS

• American Bar Association
• International Association of Privacy Professionals
• Knoxville Bar Association
• Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC)
• Tennessee Bar Association

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