Michele Johnson

William “Jay” Harbison II is a member of the firm’s litigation practice, counseling clients on various business disputes and commercial matters. Jay is recognized by Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch,” 2025 for Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants. Prior to joining the firm, Jay was a partner at the Nashville law firm Neal & Harwell, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants an...

Brooks Smith advises clients in their endeavors related to commercial real estate matters, commercial financing and general business transactions. Brooks represents developers, owners, users, borrowers and lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate development, acquisition, disposition, leasing and financing among all classes of real estate (office, retail, industrial, multi-family, and hospitality, medical and residential developments). Brooks also regularly represents lending institut...

Lauren Schick has extensive experience negotiating and drafting commercial leases for retail, healthcare, office, and industrial projects on a national basis. Representing both landlords and tenants, Lauren is well versed in handling complex leasing related matters. In addition to landlords and tenants, she advises real estate developers, real estate brokers, and property managers regarding the leasing and management of commercial real estate. Lauren has also established a practice assisting ...

Elizabeth A. Garrett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Elizabeth A., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Zan is one of the firm’s generalists, as well as a lead trial lawyer. He has tried many cases before juries, judges and administrative agencies in employment discrimination, union-management and employee benefits cases. Zan has presented arguments to several federal and state appellate courts. He advises companies concerning structuring the relationships with workers and clients, whether as employment, leased employee or independent contractor arrangements to minimize legal risks and pr...

Jeff Buschmann regularly advises clients involved in complex business transactions. He concentrates his practice on the corporate and securities law aspects of such transactions. He counsels public and private clients on corporate governance issues and advises on matters such as strategic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures; private equity and venture capital investments; debt and equity restructurings; leveraged buyouts; SEC reporting requirements; and public and private ...

Brittany Hopper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brittany, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brittany is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

S. Madison Roberts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. S. Madison, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which S. Madison is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie serves clients in the healthcare industry on an array of regulatory, operational, and transactional matters. She regularly assists hospitals, healthcare systems, and other provider types with mergers and acquisitions, particularly in connection with the complex licensure and regulatory questions that can arise in the context of a transaction. Stephanie also advises healthcare clients on Medicare and Medicaid certification, compliance, and payment matters, as well as out-of-network b...

Laurence M. Papel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law, Corporate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Real Estate Law. Laurence M., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laurence M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.