Sam D. Hodges III

Mr. Noel is an Equity Member of the firm and located in our Nashville office. The greater part of Mr. Noel's practice hours is spent in the representation of management in Employment Law litigation and related matters, pre-litigation corporate counseling, and the creation of human resource tools. He has handled all aspects of litigation in matters involving Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, ERISA, FMLA, common law employment actions, workers’ compensation, workers’ compensation retaliat...

For more than 40 years, Harlan Dodson has been helping people and businesses solve problems and plan for the future. Clients seeking general business advice, estate planning services, or problem solving and advice generally count on his vast experience and track record of getting the job done. Dodson provides hands-on guidance for his clients, whether working with them to launch a business, structure a complex real estate deal, or draft a will. He learned this dedication from his attorney fat...

Brandon McWherter is a partner in the Firm. His key concentration areas include assisting insurance policyholders with their claims against insurance companies and other complex litigation, including class actions. Mr. McWherter has served as class counsel in consumer class actions in Tennessee and other states, and has been active in numerous residential and commercial insurance bad faith cases. Mr. McWherter received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Memphis. While in law ...

Erika Barnes is a member of the firm's Creditors' Rights and Bankruptcy Service Group and the Business Litigation Service Group. Erika is certified as a specialist in Business Bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification. Erika represents creditors and franchisors in bankruptcy cases nationwide. She also has experience representing creditors' committees and Chapter 11 trustees. Erika handles real estate curative litigation and complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal co...

Amy S. Leopard is a partner in our Health Care practice and co-chairs our Privacy and Information Security Team. She practices business law and advises a diverse array of clients in health care and technology industries. Amy is a valued business advisor in corporate matters involving health care and information technology law. She provides trusted counsel to health care providers, entrepreneurs, and service providers on licensing, payment, regulatory compliance, privacy and technology issues....

Dr. Seth Ogden focuses his practice on patent litigation and the protection of clients’ trade secrets. He has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, and chemical technology industries. His scientific background and years of experience in the laboratory give him a unique insight when working with clients in these industries. Seth litigates intellectual property cases throughout the country, in inter partes review proceedings before the U.S. Patent Tria...

MaryEllen Pickrell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Health Care Law. MaryEllen practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized MaryEllen Pickrell 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 MaryEllen Pickrell is held by other lawyers.

Eleanor McCulty is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law and Commercial Finance Law. Eleanor practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Eleanor McCulty since 2024. 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 Eleanor McCulty is held by other lawyers.

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...

Mr. Beavers' practice focuses on counseling corporate clients regarding the protection and management of their intellectual property assets, especially patents and trademarks, both in the United States and internationally. Mr. Beavers has 30 years experience in the practice of intellectual property law. He served as General Counsel to Gibson Guitar Corp. from 1995 to 1997. He has filed and prosecuted over one thousand patents in the mechanical arts. Mr. Beavers' current practice is heavily fo...