Thomas W. Shumate IV

Ryan practices complex commercial litigation. Among other high-stakes business disputes, he has recently litigated covenants not to compete and trade secrets, commercial real estate transactions, contract disputes, business torts, and shareholder and corporate-governance issues. In 2025, Ryan was named the “Lawyer of the Year” in Nashville for real estate litigation. Ryan’s practice includes antitrust litigation, in which he represents large corporate clients in courts aroun...

Doug practices in the areas of business and securities law, including mergers and acquisitions and commercial finance. Doug has significant experience in the representation of businesses in various industries in mergers, sales and acquisition activities, public and private capital raising transactions and corporate governance issues. He has represented venture capital funds in their formation and strategic investment transactions. Doug also has experience in representation of issuers in publi...

James H. Nixon III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Health Care Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. James H. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized James H. Nixon III since 2015. 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 H. Nixon III is held by other l...

Autumn L. Gentry is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Autumn L. practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Autumn L. Gentry since 2025. 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 Autumn L. Gentry is held by other lawyers.

Joshua Chesser is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Construction Law. Joshua practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Joshua Chesser since 2027. 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 Joshua Chesser is held by other lawyers.

Lela M. Hollabaugh has served as the lead trial lawyer in more than a dozen jury trials, as well as more than two dozen bench trials, arbitrations and administrative hearings. She advises leading natural gas pipeline companies on issues involving location, land acquisition, construction and operations. Hollabaugh serves as lead counsel for several pipeline projects in the southeast involving more than 200 lawsuits. She also represents leading pharmaceutical, medical device and other manufactu...

John Wingo is a Member with the Business Litigation Service Group at Stites & Harbison. He provides advice and representation to regional and national clients regarding their business transactions and handles commercial litigation defense work throughout Tennessee in both State and Federal Courts. John has more than 16 years of litigation and trial experience, including complex litigation involving financial institutions, insurance companies and manufacturers. He has deep experience in bu...

Greg Pease is a business lawyer who understands that legal concerns and business considerations are intertwined. A trusted advisor and valued advocate for his clients, Greg brings a wealth of diverse experience and a practical, results-oriented approach to representing clients across the business spectrum, including in sectors such as health care, automotive, manufacturing, electronic payment processing, business services, education, distribution and publishing. Leveraging the insights he gai...

J. Ross Hutchison is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Construction. J. Ross practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized J. Ross Hutchison since 2027. 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 J. Ross Hutchison is held by other lawyers.

Steven Connor is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Steven practices law in Nashville, Tennessee Best Lawyers has recognized Steven Connor since 2025. 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 Steven Connor is held by other lawyers.