C. Bennett Harrison, Jr.

W. Wells Beckett III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. W. Wells, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Wells is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thor Urness practices complex business litigation, including bet-the-company cases, intellectual property litigation and related counseling. Thor has served as lead trial counsel in commercial litigation that yielded two of Tennessee’s largest jury verdicts, for $26.5 million and $18.8 million, both in favor of his clients. Thor’s practice is generally divided equally between matters in Tennessee and elsewhere.

Wes Scott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Wes, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Wes is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anita Modak-Truran is a seasoned leader in mass tort and products liability litigation, with a proven track record in high-stakes cases. With over 30 years of experience, she has handled thousands of cases, working closely with clients and legal teams to develop efficient case work up and implement effective trial strategies. A dynamic leader and tireless advocate, Anita captures the respect of clients, peers and jurors alike. Clients have found her to be dependable to a fault and an excellen...

John Bunge is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. John, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Judge Kevin Sharp is the Managing Partner of Sanford Heisler Sharp’s Nashville office. He joined the firm after serving as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee from May 2011 through April 2017, including service from 2014 to 2017 as the court’s Chief Judge. In his judicial role, Judge Sharp handled many high-profile cases, including Young v. Giles County Board of Education, granting an injunction against school officials who prevented a student f...

Joycelyn A. Stevenson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Joycelyn A., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joycelyn A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joe’s practice is focused on federal, state and local taxation, including planning and controversy resolution. Joe has represented clients successfully before the Tennessee tax administrative bodies and before Tennessee courts, including the Tennessee Supreme Court. Joe represents a number of Fortune 500 companies with respect to their Tennessee tax matters. Joe also represents clients in federal tax controversy resolution, including administrative appeals and representation before the ...

A partner based in our Nashville office, Kenneth S. Byrd is an experienced trial attorney at Lieff Cabraser, obtaining several large jury trial verdicts against Big Tobacco over the past several years. He received the Tennessee Association for Justice’s 2015 Paladin Award for his successful litigation against cigarette manufacturers R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Philip Morris USA Inc., and Lorillard Tobacco Company in Florida federal courts. The Paladin Award is TAJ’s highest hon...

Mark Westlake works with entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses to minimize their state and federal tax liabilities. In the area of business tax counseling, Mark advises clients to effectively organize and establish entities where tax burdens are a principal concern. He also represents these clients in structuring, negotiating, documenting and implementing transactions that are sensitive to tax ramifications. Mark is regularly called upon to resolve tax controversies of all sizes and level...