Joanie Abernathy
About Joanie Abernathy
Joanie Abernathy is a lawyer based in Franklin, TN and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2011. Joanie Abernathy is recognized in the following practice area:
- Franklin, Tennessee
- Family Law
Current Firm: Story, Abernathy, Campbell, Ashworth, McGill, Walters PLLP
Education: Nashville School of Law, J.D., graduated 1985
Location: Franklin, TN
Nearby Lawyers
Chris Cardwell is a trial lawyer in GSRM’s Litigation and Labor and Employment practice groups. He serves on the firm’s management, marketing and staff committees, and leads the Litigation and Labor and Employment practice groups. Chris represents life sciences, healthcare, railroad and transportation, and entertainment companies in complex commercial, employment, and intellectual property lawsuits.
Margaret L. Behm has earned the reputation as the go-to person in 45 years of representing clients and forging coalitions for change. After beginning her legal career in 1976 at Legal Services if Middle Tennessee, Inc., Behm and Marietta Shipley in 1980 founded Shipley and Behm, the city's first all-woman law firm. “Back then, women just weren’t taken seriously as business owners or lawyers,” Behm says. “I wanted to run my own business and demonstrate that women could ...
Mr. Noel is an Equity Member of the firm and located in our Nashville office. The greater part of Mr. Noel's practice hours is spent in the representation of management in Employment Law litigation and related matters, pre-litigation corporate counseling, and the creation of human resource tools. He has handled all aspects of litigation in matters involving Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, ERISA, FMLA, common law employment actions, workers’ compensation, workers’ compensation retaliat...
Bryant Witt has extensive experience in all aspects of the representation of hospitals, physicians, and other health care organizations. He has also handled many complex regulatory issues. Bryant has substantial trial experience defending health care entities in professional liability matters and business litigation. He served as leader of his former law firm’s health care practice group.
Brian C. Mayberry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Nonprofit / Charities Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Brian C., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
William T. Ramsey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Entertainment Law - Music. William T., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
David practices primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and commercial real estate involving hospitals and other healthcare businesses. During the past 15 years, David has represented numerous publicly traded and privately held healthcare companies in transactions involving the purchase, sale or lease of more than 200 hospitals across the country with a combined value of more than $5 billion. He regularly represents healthcare companies in all aspects of their real estate operation...
David Taylor has for nearly 30 years been a commercial litigator, with an emphasis on construction and real estate dispute resolution. David has a national construction practice representing all participants in the construction industry, and has tried cases and disputes all across the United States. He has a national "neutrals" practice, and has been chosen more than 300 times by lawyers all over the country to help them either settle their clients’ disputes through mediation, or to ren...
J.W. previously served as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation under Governor Ned McWherter. He is a member of Butler Snow’s Regulatory and Government group and his practice includes representation in environmental, public utility, and other regulatory matters.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer