Darrell G. Townsend

Kendra Samson is a partner in Barton’s Nashville office. Kendra advises clients on how to avoid costly litigation, with a practice focused on employment law and commercial litigation. She believes the most effective legal counsel begins with building strong relationships—taking the time to understand a client’s business, their people, and their unique challenges. By investing in that knowledge, Kendra is able to craft practical, business-focused strategies that aim to resolv...

David Marks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. David, 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 David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Emily Bowman represents financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, and corporate clients in a variety of commercial and real estate lending and other real estate transactional matters. Emily also regularly issues legal opinions in connection with multi-state projects and as local counsel for transactions originated outside of Tennessee secured by real property located within the State. Her commercial and real estate lending practice includes representation of lenders and...

Chris Puri has established himself as a nationally recognized professional in the area of long term care and senior housing. As a leader in both the provider community and within the ranks of long term care attorneys, Chris’s industry experience and depth of knowledge in long term care allows him to provide clients with a comprehensive, full-service practice capable of handling the full array of legal issues for those providers. He takes an active role in both helping to develop long te...

Rick Nickels is a member of the firm’s Tax and Trusts and Estates practice groups. Rick practices at the intersection of business, tax and estate planning. A significant portion of his practice involves advising private companies and their owners, directors and executives on an array of state and federal tax, governance and corporate matters. Rick regularly assists with matters ranging from early-stage structure and funding to mid-stage buyouts and divorces to late-stage exits. He has s...

Jeff Beemer is a business lawyer who works with clients to achieve effective resolution of a variety of business disputes. He provides proactive advice on litigation avoidance and risk management, including daily counseling for employers on all aspects of employment law. As a seasoned trial advocate, Jeff has significant experience achieving favorable results for clients in employment cases and commercial disputes, as well as in litigation involving significant personal injury claims, product...

Mike focuses his practice on the intersection of business litigation and business bankruptcy. He is able to not only obtain a judgment, but also take steps to ensure that the judgment is “worth the paper it is written on,” by preventing efforts to dissipate assets. On the other side of the equation, he advises companies and individuals who are defending litigation who are simultaneously exploring their bankruptcy options. This confluence of business disputes and ability-to-pay iss...

Elisa M. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Elisa M., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elisa M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert Roe Campbell, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Project Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Robert Roe, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert Roe is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauren Curry’s practice is focused primarily on business disputes, complex commercial litigation, employment matters, and evaluating and resolving insurance coverage controversies. She provides counsel to businesses and executives navigating employment disputes or litigation and advises them on day-to-day employee relations. In her insurance coverage practice, Lauren represents insurance companies and policyholders and has assisted clients in resolving multi-million dollar coverage disp...