Paul Gontarek

Mark Westlake works with entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses to minimize their state and federal tax liabilities. In the area of business tax counseling, Mark advises clients to effectively organize and establish entities where tax burdens are a principal concern. He also represents these clients in structuring, negotiating, documenting and implementing transactions that are sensitive to tax ramifications. Mark is regularly called upon to resolve tax controversies of all sizes and level...

Jim focuses his practice on representing public and private sector clients in complex matters involving zoning, condemnation, economic incentives, elections, telecommunications, municipal law, environmental law and commercial real estate. He assists clients in landfill development, obtaining economic incentives from state and local governments, locating cell towers, condemnations, election challenges, rezonings, annexation disputes and procurement challenges. Jim practiced for 18 years in the...

James F. Sanders is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. James F., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tyler Layne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Tyler, 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 Tyler is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris Puri has established himself as a nationally recognized professional in the area of long term care and senior housing. As a leader in both the provider community and within the ranks of long term care attorneys, Chris’s industry experience and depth of knowledge in long term care allows him to provide clients with a comprehensive, full-service practice capable of handling the full array of legal issues for those providers. He takes an active role in both helping to develop long te...

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...

Stacy Hooper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Stacy, 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 Stacy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Noble advises clients in their endeavors related to commercial real estate matters, commercial lending transactions and general business transactions. The majority of his practice is focused upon the representation of the firm’s clients in the acquisition, leasing, management and sale of real estate projects among all classes of real estate (office, multi-family, retail, medical, residential and hospitality developments). Michael also represents borrowers, commercial lenders and...

Thomas W. Lawless earned his JD in 1980 from the Nashville School of Law and was admitted to practice in Tennessee in 1981. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Tennessee as well as the Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is a board certified Creditors’ Rights Law Specialist by the American Board of Certification and the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Speci...

Andrea Sinclair is a trusted counselor and valued guide for individuals and families as she helps them plan for and navigate life’s joys, challenges, and transitions. She understands that the trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation matters she handles are both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. She also recognizes that clients often call upon her during times of mourning, conflict, or stress. Combining legal acumen with a deep sense of empathy and genuine concer...