Stephen K. Heard

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-...

Dominick R. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Dominick R., 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 Dominick R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Douglas B. Janney III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Douglas B. practices law in Brentwood, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Douglas B. Janney III since 2013. 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 Douglas B. Janney III is held by other lawyers.

Chris Whitson’s practice covers the areas of corporate, commercial, sports and entertainment, financings, executive employment, and land use planning. His primary concentration lies in general corporate representation with an emphasis on financings, mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. He has acted as corporate counsel to numerous small, medium and large companies in commercial spaces ranging from charter schools to investment banking to automotive parts. However, ...

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...

Howard Herndon is a nationally recognized thought leader in the fintech and electronic payment systems space, known for his strategic counsel to next-generation businesses, financial sponsors, and key stakeholders. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Howard is widely recognized for the pivotal role he has played in establishing the city as a growing fintech hub. He is highly respected both locally and nationally and is frequently sought after to speak at major industry events across the country. W...

James B. Bristol is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - ERISA and Tax Law. James B. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized James B. Bristol 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 James B. Bristol is held by other ...

Carla F. Fenswick is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Carla F. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Carla F. Fenswick since 2014. 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 Carla F. Fenswick 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...

David's experience is primarily in the area of commercial real estate. He has a national practice in the area of complex commercial real estate transactions, including real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, financing and credit enhancements, as well as joint ventures, partnerships and limited liability company formation. Representative clients include major healthcare systems, life insurance companies, and institutional investors in commercial real estate. His practice is nation...