Duncan Young Manley

Duncan Y. Manley is a trial lawyer with more than 40 years of experience. He is a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee where he obtained a B.A. degree majoring in political science.

 Thereafter, he was accepted to and graduated from the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, obtaining his commission as an Ensign. While on active duty, he served on U.S. Navy ships on the West Coast of the United States. After completing his Naval service, he entered Vanderbilt University School of Law and upon graduation, began his legal career with the law firm of Rives, Peterson, Pettus & Conway. In due course, Mr. Manley was made a partner and subsequently served on the Executive Committee and was managing partner for many years. The firm, then known as Rives & Peterson, was disolved in 2001 and the firm was renamed Christian & Small LLP.

Early in his career, Mr. Manley earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is its highest rating and is based upon peer review. This rating relates to Mr. Manley's ethical standards and legal ability and is based upon demonstrated legal skills and adherence to professional standards of conduct. 

Under Mr. Manley's leadership, Christian & Small became a member of The International Society of Primerus Law Firms. The firm was admitted to Primerus only after a rigorous evaluation from lawyers, judges, current and former clients and insurance carriers.

Mr. Manley has been active in this organization serving as the chairman of the Primerus Defense Institute from 2004 to 2007. He was named Chair Emeritus in 2007, a position he currently holds. In 2011, Mr. Manley was a presenter at the Primerus Defense Institute Annual Convocation. Manley spoke on Attorneys as Problem Solvers - How Companies Can Control Litigation Costs.