Philip M. "Phil" Kirkpatrick

J. Cole Dowsley, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. J. Cole, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Cole is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Donald B. Stuart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Tax Law. Donald B., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Donald B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A partner based in our Nashville office, Kenneth S. Byrd is an experienced trial attorney at Lieff Cabraser, obtaining several large jury trial verdicts against Big Tobacco over the past several years. He received the Tennessee Association for Justice’s 2015 Paladin Award for his successful litigation against cigarette manufacturers R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Philip Morris USA Inc., and Lorillard Tobacco Company in Florida federal courts. The Paladin Award is TAJ’s highest hon...

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

Kara is a member and Practice Group Leader for Butler Snow’s Labor and Employment group. She regularly advises clients in a variety of industries on employment law compliance. She has extensive employment litigation and agency experience in Tennessee and around the country.

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...

Sharon O. “Sheri” Jacobs concentrates her practice in the areas of Environmental Law and Administrative Law. Sheri has administrative, environmental law, environmental litigation experience at the federal, state and local levels, as well as with administrative agencies. This experience includes matters associated with sustainability, solid and hazardous waste, Brownfield redevelopment, underground storage tanks, water pollution, environmental citizen suits, Superfund remediation p...

Stephen is a Partner at Burr & Forman LLP where he serves on the firm's Executive Committee. He is a member of the Labor & Employment and Commercial Litigation Practice Groups. Stephen’s practice focuses primarily on employment law and litigation. His practice also focuses on business and intellectual property litigation. He frequently defends employers against claims for alleged employment discrimination, retaliatory discharge, and wage and hour violations. He also handles non-...

J. Chase Cole is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. J. Chase, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Chase is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David G. Thompson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law. David G., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.