Joe H. Byrd, Jr.

Kim represents life science companies (including both publicly held and privately owned international pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies), clinical research organizations (CROs), academic medical centers, hospital systems, and non-profit research foundations in a wide range of matters related to medical research.

John C. Ryland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. John C., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Mark E. Beutelschies is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Economic Development Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Real Estate Law. Mark E., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laurel C. Williams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Laurel C., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laurel C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975, Mr. Cocke moved to Clarksdale, MS to begin practicing in a general litigation firm. In 1982, Mr. Cocke and Mr. Merkel left that firm and established Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and since that time the emphasis of Mr. Cocke's practice has progressed more and more toward medical malpractice. At the present time his practice is exclusively devoted to handling medical negligence cases for the plaintiff, either as a result of direc...

Ms. Wilson is a litigation attorney with Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC, practicing in the firm’s Jackson and Martin offices. She joined the firm in 2000 and concentrates her practice on Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Her work includes defending insureds and insurance companies in matters involving personal injury, wrongful death, and premises liability. A substantial portion of her practice also involves first-party insurance clai...

Mr. Henderson is the Managing Shareholder of the Memphis office. He has represented management in employment and labor relations matters for over 25 years. He has served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials in state and federal courts across the nation. His trial experience includes defending state and federal discrimination and harassment lawsuits, class actions, FMLA claims, ERISA and benefit claims, trade secret and unfair competition matters, and related state law claims. He also handl...

Jim McColgan serves as Of Counsel in our office in Memphis, Tennessee, and he concentrates his practice on medical malpractice defense and appellate work. With three decades of experience in both civil and criminal courts, Jim protects the rights of hospitals, urgent care clinics, physicians, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, risk management professionals, physician groups, administrative staff, insurers, and other health care professionals in complex and high-exposure litigation in state and feder...

Edd is an Of Counsel attorney with Spicer Rudstrom in the Memphis office. He focuses on litigation throughout Tennessee and Mississippi. Edd primarily practices in the areas of employment law, healthcare liability, insurance defense litigation, and products liability. He is also a Tennessee Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He received all league honors three years as a tight end on t...