John S. Wagster

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 has devoted his practice to fighting for the rights of the injured and aggrieved, representing individuals in personal injury and social security disability. A battle-tested litigator, he has tried more than 100 cases to verdict. Thanks to his legal prowess, work ethic, organization and passion for his clients, he has established an exceptional track record of success. A native of South Florida, David grew up fishing, boating, playing sports and spending entirely too much time in the su...

Stuart is a litigation attorney with over 30 years of experience. He has tried hundreds of cases in both state and federal court. Some of his noteworthy victories have been featured in local, state and national publications. Stuart is also listed as a Supreme Court Rule 31 Family Law Mediator. Following law school, Stuart was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Samuel L. Lewis, Court of Appeals for the State of Tennessee. This experience allowed Stuart to work on and author significant portion...

Kris Kemp advises public and private companies on strategic merger and acquisition transactions, securities offerings, and compliance matters. He works closely with private equity firms, portfolio companies and venture-backed companies on investments, recapitalizations and other transactions. His corporate practice also includes providing capital structure advice to emerging and growth companies. Kris is ranked in Band 1 for Corporate/M&A in Tennessee by Chambers USA , one of only three a...

Catie Lane Bailey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Catie Lane practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Catie Lane Bailey 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 Catie Lane Bailey is held by other lawyers.

Todd Panther’s practice primarily involves commercial litigation and arbitration, with a concentration in construction law. Todd has over 25 years of experience as a construction law attorney advising owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers on the applicability and compliance requirements of Tennessee’s construction laws. He also serves as an advocate for his clients in complex litigation and arbitration involving disputes over commercial and residential construction pro...

David R. Clay is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Finance Law, Health Care Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. David R. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized David R. Clay since 2022. 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 David R. Clay is held by other lawyers.

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.

Chris Whitson’s practice covers the areas of corporate, commercial, sports and entertainment, financings, executive employment, and land use planning. His primary concentration lies in general corporate representation with an emphasis on financings, mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. He has acted as corporate counsel to numerous small, medium and large companies in commercial spaces ranging from charter schools to investment banking to automotive parts. However, ...

Kevin Doherty practices in the area of insurance regulation and captive insurance. He serves as President of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association, Inc., and he helped to rewrite the captive insurance law in Tennessee in 2011. Since that time, Tennessee has formed more than 200 captives and more than 500 related cells (more than 700 risk bearing entities) and become one of the leading domestic domiciles for captives. Mr. Doherty also practices music and entertainment law and represents ...