James S. "Jim" Tate, Jr.

John Farringer is a trial lawyer focusing on complex business and commercial litigation. He practices in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate level and before administrative agencies. John is also experienced with all forms of alternative dispute resolution, regularly advises clients regarding litigation avoidance and assessment, and is listed as a Rule 31 General Civil Mediator. With over two decades of experience, John has litigated many high-stakes and high-profile matt...

Andy Murray’s practice is focused primarily on healthcare mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, and on the regulatory issues that affect healthcare providers. He represents publicly-traded and privately-held companies, including several national hospital and surgery center companies. Andy has extensive experience handling transactions for clients across the country, including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, hom...

Elizabeth A. Garrett is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Elizabeth A. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth A. Garrett since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Elizabeth A. Garrett is held by other lawyers.

Charles W. (Chuck) Cagle is a shareholder member of the Education Law and Government Relations Practice Group and practices statewide from the Nashville office of the firm. The education law group represents over 70 public boards of education, private schools, charter schools, private universities and a private medical school. Mr. Cagle also serves as the general counsel for the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).

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...

Talbott Ottinger is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Finance Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Talbott practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Talbott Ottinger since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which ...

Tara Sarosiek practices in the firm’s Government Enforcement and Investigations and Litigation practice groups. She assists clients faced with civil and criminal investigations, enforcement actions and compliance issues, and False Claims Act matters, where she has defended clients against allegations of wrongdoing by the government and qui tam plaintiffs. Tara has a diverse litigation practice and has successfully represented clients in federal and state courts, as well as in arbitratio...

Kevin Tran is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law and Financial Services Regulation Law. Kevin practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Kevin Tran since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kevin Tran is held by other lawyers.

J. Douglas Sloan III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. J. Douglas practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized J. Douglas Sloan III since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which J. Douglas Sloan III is held by other lawyers.

Dale Bay is a shareholder in Lewis Thomason's Nashville office, where he previously served as managing shareholder for 20 years and was a founding member of the board of directors and compensation committee. Since joining the firm in 1984, Dale has focused on civil jury trial litigation in state and federal courts across Tennessee and the southeastern United States. Dale’s current litigation work primarily involves medical malpractice (Healthcare Liability), professional malpractice def...