James W. "Jim" Berry, Jr.

Rebecca Blair is a Problem Solver. Having litigated cases in state and federal courts for twenty-five years, Rebecca understands that litigation is about solving a problem. Whether the litigation is the means for solving the problem or litigation is the problem, Rebecca knows that what her clients need is a solution. Rebecca knows that no one enters into litigation lightly. Litigation is time-consuming, expensive, and stressful, but sometimes necessary. Rebecca knows how much is at stake for ...

Colin Ferguson provides counsel to business entities and individuals in corporate, real estate and financing transactions. His clients range from startups to higher education institutions and publicly-traded companies. Colin regularly advises on: The acquisition, sale, leasing and development of retail, industrial, office, medical, multifamily residential and mixed-use real property, including pre- and post-license legalized cannabis industry properties and multi-purpose entertainment venues;...

Michael A. Cottone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Michael A. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Michael A. Cottone since 2026. 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 Michael A. Cottone is held by other lawyers.

Phil Walker focuses his practice on intellectual property counseling, including the procurement and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. He counsels his clients on the economic benefits and implications of intellectual property protection and litigation. Phil advises his clients in the evaluation and protection of complex technologies, including inventions in the mechanical, medical, telecommunications, optical, materials, chemical, computer software and Internet business arts....

Sam Lipshie practices in the areas of entertainment, music, intellectual property and commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He also has extensive experience in connection with the acquisition and disposition of media, broadcast and other intellectual property. Sam has practiced before Tennessee trial and appellate courts, as well as federal, district and appellate courts in many states. He has handled copyright, royalty (publishers, producers and talent) and intellectual property liti...

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.

Pat Alexander practices primarily in the areas of public finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and franchising. Pat has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of public finance, including tax-exempt and taxable debt financing transactions. He serves as bond counsel to various public authorities and other entities, including Nashville Electric Service and the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency.

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...

Tyler Layne is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Health Care Law. Tyler practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Tyler Layne 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 Tyler Layne is held by other lawyers.

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...