Ryan D. Thomas

Phil Walker focuses his practice on intellectual property counseling, including the procurement and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. He counsels his clients on the economic benefits and implications of intellectual property protection and litigation. Phil advises his clients in the evaluation and protection of complex technologies, including inventions in the mechanical, medical, telecommunications, optical, materials, chemical, computer software and Internet business arts....

Austin McMullen approaches his clients’ projects with a zeal to discover creative solutions to their problems. For Austin, the difficult and complex issues prove to be the most interesting and drive him to figure out all the contours of the law to help his clients. Focusing his practice on bankruptcy law, government relations, and commercial litigation, Austin represents creditors and Chapter 11 debtors; candidates in election contests; and clients involved in federal, state and local p...

Steven Connor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Steven, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

M. Kimberly Stagg, of counsel in Dickinson Wright’s Nashville office, focuses her practice on automotive distressed supplier and contract negotiations. Kim has significant experience in preparing and negotiating production and non-production purchasing contracts, managing disputes under those contracts and addressing distressed supplier issues that are unique to just-in-time supply chain situations. She also is active in supporting certified minority businesses through formation and the...

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...

Michael A. Cottone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Michael A., 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 Michael A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Carver practices primarily in the areas of real estate, finance and corporate law. He regularly works on real estate matters such as acquisitions and dispositions, development, leasing, zoning, title insurance and financing. Mark also frequently represents both borrowers and lenders on loan transactions, including serving as Tennessee counsel on many multi-state deals. He regularly represents bank trust departments on real estate matters. His practice also involves providing general busi...

Lauren Jacques focuses her practice on healthcare transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures, and the regulatory and operational issues that affect healthcare providers. Lauren routinely represents both publicly traded and privately held companies, including national hospital and surgery center companies. She has experience handling a wide variety of transactions across the country, including transactions involving hospitals, home health agencies, hospices,...

David Lemke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. David, who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William E. Blackstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. William E., who practices law in Franklin, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.