Michael R. Kuffner

Gary L. Montle is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Patent Law and Trade Secrets Law. Gary L. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Gary L. Montle since 2021. 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 Gary L. Montle is held by other lawyers.

Daniel Crowell is a partner in Barton’s Labor and Employment Group residing in the firm’s Nashville office. His practice primarily focuses on counseling employers concerning day-to-day employment issues and defending them before administrative agencies and state and federal courts across the United States. Daniel closely advises employers as they navigate workplace issues, conduct layoffs, manage government investigations, defend against employment claims, and pursue and defend re...

Travis Swearingen assists his clients with their most complex and high stakes legal problems. Travis is a trial lawyer with first chair experience representing clients in healthcare, drug and medical device, and construction litigation. Travis also represents leading healthcare institutions across Tennessee with their regulatory, licensure and Certificate of Need matters. Most recently, he has helped lead the defense of significant mass tort litigation for a Fortune 50 medical device manufact...

Robert A. Wade is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Robert A. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Robert A. Wade since 2009. 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 Robert A. Wade is held by other lawyers.

James F. Sanders is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. James F. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized James F. Sanders since 1989. 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 James F. Sanders is held by other lawyers.

Marie Tedesco Scott is an experienced trial attorney who handles a variety of white-collar criminal defense, crisis management, and complex civil matters. Marie was recently included in the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for her White-Collar criminal defense work. She was also named a 2019 and 2020 Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star for her defense work in White-Collar criminal matters. Marie attended the University of Virginia, earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University S...

Michael B. Bressman is Of Counsel with the firm. Additionally, he serves as Professor of the Practice of Law at Vanderbilt Law School, where he has taught a variety of courses such as Contracts, the Law of Cyberspace, and Art Law. Michael directs the law school’s clerkship program, which supports students and graduates applying for post-graduation judicial clerkships. With a career spanning more than 25 years in premier law firms, as in-house corporate counsel, and as a professor at one...

Ryan A. Lee is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Ryan A. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan A. Lee 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 Ryan A. Lee is held by other lawyers.

James Looper serves as Co-Managing Partner for our Nashville office. He is currently licensed in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In addition to being licensed in a number of states, James handles complex litigation as a part of the National Trial Counsel team across the country. James’ practice is centered on medical-related issues, complex litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and health care, and he has had numerous jury trials in multiple states. Prior to attending law school...

Thor Urness practices complex business litigation, including bet-the-company cases, intellectual property litigation and related counseling. Thor has served as lead trial counsel in commercial litigation that yielded two of Tennessee’s largest jury verdicts, for $26.5 million and $18.8 million, both in favor of his clients. Thor’s practice is generally divided equally between matters in Tennessee and elsewhere.