Como Lawyers

Dave has extensive courtroom experience as a military Judge Advocate, as a public defender, and as a private practice attorney. Born in Ohio, Dave grew up in the Appalachian region. After high school, he wanted to experience more of the world, and decided to enlist in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. With a military career spanning two decades, Dave retired in February 2023 as a lieutenant colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the Tennessee Army National Guard. During his military career, Dave worked on cutting edge military victims’ rights law at National Guard Bureau, leading the team of Army...

For attorney John Griffith, it’s all about creating relationships. And for the past 13 years, John has relied on his ability to form these important relationships with clients, juries, peers, and the community to help him successfully represent personal injury victims across Middle Tennessee. Starting his career as an insurance claims adjuster, he saw how his decisions could impact people’s lives—positively or negatively—after they’d been seriously injured by someone else’s carelessness. That’s when he began to realize the frustration of working for insurance companies, whose main products are promises in exchange for money—and those promises of coverage were broken...

Joe has litigated cases in Ohio to successful conclusion over the past 26 years with amounts in controversy ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars in dispute. He has been recognized by his peers as an Ohio Super Lawyer, a recognition given to only 5 percent of the state’s attorneys. Mr. Griffith has been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a National Civil Trail Advocacy since 2004. During his career, Mr. Griffith has conducted well over 100 trials and has had many successful jury verdicts for his clients. Joe Griffith is a native of Portsmouth,...

Jonaka grew up knowing she wanted a career of service to others. Inspired by that motivation, she loves the satisfaction she hears from clients when her conversation and work has made a difference in their day, especially those who are experiencing a very dark time in their lives. Jonaka White Hall focuses her practice on a variety of types of personal injury cases. Originally from Cromwell, Kentucky, Jonaka earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University. Following her undergraduate career, Jonaka earned her Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Prior to joining...

Mariana was born and raised in Brazil until the age of fifteen when her family moved to the United States. During her childhood, Mariana learned her appreciation for hard work and commitment to the safety and well being of others from her father, an engineer, and her mother, a physician. These qualities drove her passion to become an attorney.

Following secondary school, Mariana attended the University of Louisville where she received a full athletic scholarship playing tennis. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a minor in chemistry. Mariana then proceeded to attend the Louis D. Brandeis School of...

J. Ross Pepper is an AV rated trial attorney with over 27 years of experience with litigation, arbitration and mediation. Mr. Pepper's trial, courtroom and deposition experience is extensive and benefits his clients incalculably. Mr. Pepper is the founding member of Pepper Law, PLC, a boutique litigation law firm which handles litigation matters in Nashville and throughout Tennessee.

Mr. Pepper has acted as lead counsel in a wide range of commercial, employment, probate, insurance, and real estate cases. Notably, Mr. Pepper acted as lead counsel in a nationwide class action involving the sale and marketing...

Norman D. McKellar practices law in the areas of IRS tax resolution and federal criminal defense, with an emphasis on tax fraud and white collar federal crimes. Mr. McKellar has successfully defended clients in criminal cases in both federal and state courts and in U.S. Tax Court. Mr. McKellar was voted by his peers as a “Top Attorney” for 8 straight years by Knoxville’s CityView magazine. In 2014, Mr. McKellar was selected as a member of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers, and he also received this same award in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and...

Scott grew up on a family farm just outside of Sparta, Kentucky. Since 1995, Scott has successfully represented injured clients in matters involving wrongful death, brain injury, dismemberment and disfigurement. Scott has successfully represented injured clients in civil actions against corporate giants such as Ford Motor Company, Firestone Tire, Kubota Tractor and Rifle Coal Company. Scott attended high school in Owen County, Kentucky. Following high school, he pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of the Arts in English. In his pursuit to follow his dreams, Scott received...

I am Joseph Warren Fuson. I am a Husband, Father, Outdoorsman and Lawyer. I am an experienced trial lawyer who spends a large majority of my time in a courtroom defending people who have been charged with a crime, fighting to recover money for people who have been injured, or litigating in civil court on behalf of my individual client or for my small business clients. My law partner Mark Freeman and I have owned and operated Freeman & Fuson for over 15 years. Mark is a civil trial specialist and heads up the civil litigation and appellate division of...

Jill knew at a very early age that she wanted to become an attorney, but the journey to her chosen profession did not come easily. Attending law school was difficult, especially as a single mother. Jill started with Hughes & Coleman as a runner in 1996 while attending law school. During this difficult and strenuous time of her life, she worked, went to school and came home to be a mom. This conditioned her to fight harder than anyone else for the things she wanted in life.

After graduating from Nashville School of Law in 1997, Jill immediately began...

I am a Vanderbilt educated lawyer living in Nashville, Tennessee, and primarily practicing in the areas of Family and Employment Law (Plaintiff's side). I have been involved in litigation since 2007, with experience in complex litigation in federal courts. When I am not working, you can find me at a Preds game or watching the University of Louisville and Vanderbilt on tv.

Tom Shumate is the founder of Meridian Law, PLLC, which represents individuals and businesses across Tennessee in a variety of civil matters including business, contract, and employment litigation; disputes involving non-competition agreements and theft of trade secrets; insurance defense; personal injury and wrongful death actions; and probate cases. Mr. Shumate graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 1995 and from Notre Dame Law School in 1998. He has practiced in Nashville, Tennessee since that time. In 2011 and 2013, Mr. Shumate was selected as a “Rising Star” by the Mid-South edition of Super Lawyers Magazine. He...

Focused on building practical skills to assist his future career, C.J. spent the majority of his law school career working in litigation. C.J. gained experience as a law clerk working for a prominent family law firm in Memphis. Through this law firm, he was able to learn through court room trials, hearings, and deposition observations. He was also able to work on high profile cases such as one involving the legitimacy of marriages conducted by ministers who were ordained through online churches. On top of being a law clerk, C.J. served as a student attorney at the same time in the...

Nashville attorney Zach Scott Gainous was born in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating high school, Zach moved to Nashville to pursue his bachelor's degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Zach attended MTSU's College of Media & Entertainment and studied in the Recording Industry program where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business.

While attending MTSU, Zach completed courses in artist management, music publishing, music production, concert promotion & touring, record label marketing, record label operations, A&R, copyright law, music business contracts and legal issues, and more. During his studies at MTSU, Zach also began working as an independent producer...

Gregory Patton is a founding partner at Patton & Pittman Attorneys. He passionately advocates on behalf of his clients and makes sure their rights are being observed. His primary practices include mediation and arbitration, personal injury, insurance and business disputes, property claims, and more. He has been awarded an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale- Hubbell® and has earned membership to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Mr. Patton is also a Rule 31 General Civil Mediator and has mediated hundreds of cases.

Kathryn dedicates herself to achieving success and accepting challenges. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor at Northern Kentucky University – Salmon P. Chase College of Law. After graduating, she decided it was time to see the world and traveled to twenty-seven countries over a span of five months. After her adventures abroad, she returned home to Bowling Green, Kentucky to study for the Kentucky bar exam. While studying for the bar exam, Kathryn decided to...

Having been born and raised in Athens, Tennessee, Josh’s small-town conservative values have been motivation in achieving his goals of being an attorney and being a zealous advocate for individual’s rights. Josh attended McMinn County High School where he played football and baseball and graduated in 1990. In 1995, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Middle Tennessee State University. While attending college, he served as President of the MTSU chapter of Sigma Chi and is still an active member of the organization’s alumni association. After graduation, Josh attended Nashville School of Law while working full-time for the...

Richard is a hometown lawyer, born and raised in Bowling Green. He attended Warren Central High School and continued his education at Western Kentucky University, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He then attended Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2010. At NKU, Richard was an Associate Editor for the Northern Kentucky Law Review and had his law review article chosen for publication in 2010. After law school, Richard returned home again to begin his career with a defense firm focusing primarily on civil litigation, including insurance defense, personal injury...

Shannon received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, where she majored in business and specialized in communication studies. This specialization in communication studies laid the groundwork for her to effectively advocate on behalf of her clients. After completing her undergraduate degree, Shannon earned a scholarship to attend Florida State University College of Law, a Top 50 law school in the country. There, she furthered her trial advocacy skills as a member of its prestigious mock trial team. All the while, she received recognition for making the Dean’s List. Shannon began her legal career in Central Florida in 2012. Her...

Early on in my undergraduate career, I developed an interest in political science, and also had my sights set on law school. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University, then spent a year studying for and sitting for the Law School Admissions Test. I then packed my bags and told my friends and family goodbye for the first time in my life when I headed to Oklahoma City to start my three-year legal journey. Before law school, I developed a functional understanding and extreme passion for the fledgling concepts of cryptocurrency, blockchain technologies, and...

Working multiple jobs throughout high school and college, Zack set out to obtain his Bachelor’s as quickly as possible, graduating from Western Kentucky University with a double major in History and Spanish in only two and a half years. Zack never stops moving, and he tries to do as much as he can as quickly as possible. He’s always seeking to expand his knowledge and gain perspective by setting and reaching new goals. While earning his law degree at Belmont University, Zack clerked at a law firm where he assisted on an unforgettable medical malpractice case. His client had a faulty...

Keith Williams, founder of Keith Williams Law Group, has dedicated his practice of 21 years to helping people and their families in accident, injury and wrongful death cases. Keith is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization (fewer than 150 attorneys in Tennessee and less than 1% of all licensed attorneys in the U.S. have earned this certification). Being a veteran, battle-tested trial attorney with significant courtroom experience, Keith has tried hundreds of cases in front of a judge...

Laura Baker is a shareholder at The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., where she represents clients in personal injury, wrongful death, and tort litigation cases. Laura's reputation and experience have earned her several accolades. Most recently, Laura was awarded the "Rising Star Award" by the Lawyers' Association for Women in 2016. She was also recognized as an Athena Young Professional Award Nominee in 2016. In 2015, Laura was a winner of the Nashville Business Journal's “40 Under 40” award. Laura has been recognized as one of the “Best of the Bar” by the Nashville Business Journal in 2015 and...

J. Caleb Cassell is licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee, has been admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves as an Attorney Mentor in the Belmont University College of Law American Inns of Court.

A native of Tennessee, Caleb is a graduate of Belmont University College of Law. While attending law school, Caleb was a member of the Board of Advocates - Mock Trial Team, was a charter board member and served as the Executive Editor of Notes of the...

Andrew J. Gregory-Mabrey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University, and received his Juris Doctor from Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law in 2010. He is proud to have joined Hughes and Coleman as a member of the Social Security Disability team. While in law school, Mr. Gregory-Mabrey participated in the Kentucky Innocence Project (the post-conviction branch of the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy), and worked for the Children’s Law Center, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on protecting the legal rights of minors. He also interned for the Law Office of Katherine Siereveld and was employed by Chevalier, Fox...

Shute Law is a boutique law firm that utilizes a client-focused approach to create opportunities and procure sustainable contracts in the sports and entertainment industries. Our practice areas include contracts, litigation, consulting/business development, the cannabis & marijuana industry, as well as estate planning, criminal defense, and family law.

Matt grew up in Goodlettsville the son of a lawyer and grandson of a school principal who then re-invented herself as a lawyer in retirement, so it was pretty inevitable that Matt would also end up a lawyer. Predictably enough, he also has a younger brother who is ALSO a lawyer. Matt graduated from Tennessee Tech cum laude with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a minor in math. After working as an engineer with a global HVAC company, Matt realized engineering wasn’t his passion. He then went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of...

Ben primarily handles business disputes, product liability, nursing home neglect/abuse, medical malpractice, and complex personal injury cases. He spent the first eight years of his career with a firm which defended insurance companies and those they insured, but he now represents individuals and businesses who have been harmed by others. This experience often comes in handy through the course of his cases. Mr. Miller obtained his B.A. from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, NC. During law school, he met his wife and fellow attorney, Elizabeth. Additionally, he enjoys...

Sydney represents clients in Arkansas and Tennessee in the areas of Sports and Entertainment law, Intellectual Property, Business Law, Trademarks, and Estate Planning. Sydney attended law school at the University of Arkansas, where she graduated cum laude with her J.D. in 2023. While in school, Sydney worked for two years in school in the Arkansas Razorback Athletic Department under the Associate General Counsel for Athletics where she gained experience working with contract review and negotiation; compliance and Title 9 issues; intellectual property; Freedom of Information Act requests; and Name, Image, and Likeness policies and procedures. Sydney wrote and amended various...

I am a Commercial Real Estate & Business Attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in real estate, commercial and business transactions, non-profits, entertainment, sports and related litigation. I have broad experience with virtually all aspects of commercial real estate investment including tax deferred exchanges, leasing, commercial and residential development, real estate secured lending, workouts, foreclosures, special asset transactions, zoning and planning. I also work closely with many non-profit and tax-exempt organizations and churches in connection with planning and development challenges. I also have a well-established entertainment and sports law practice representing a number of high profile clients in...

Justin completed his undergraduate education at the University of Mississippi, where he ended up graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. After undergrad, he decided to further his education at Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he also graduated with honors and earned his Juris Doctorate. During his career at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School he received several awards, including: the Criminal Law Best Essay/Book Award Recipient, Civil Procedure Best Essay/Book Award Recipient, Taxation Best Essay/Book Award Recipient, Pre-Trial Skills Book Award Recipient and Trial Skills Book Award Recipient. Each of...

Throughout my life, a word often used to describe me has been “creative.” I was voted Most Creative in both middle and high school and have held a lifelong passion for the creative process, whether it be through the visual arts, written word or music. I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After graduating high school in 2007, I attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, with the intention of majoring in studio art and my eyes set on pre-med. But, after taking my first philosophy course during the first semester of my freshman year, I shifted...

Bennett J. Wills is an attorney serving clients all across Tennessee. In 2014 he was awarded the Top 40 Under 40 award by the National Trial Lawyers Association and was awarded Super Lawyers 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Rising Star. Bennett's practice areas include, business litigation, business formation/dissolution disputes, various contract matter, construction litigation, consumer defense, and real estate matters.

After completing a six-year tour of duty as a Navy Corpsman (medic) assigned to a Marine Corps infantry battalion, Jason went to nursing school. He then enjoyed a 12-year career as a Registered Nurse (RN), where he worked in many different areas including emergency departments, intensive care units, renal dialysis centers, and post-anesthesia care units. He finished his nursing career serving as a charge nurse on a spinal cord injury unit. While working in healthcare, Jason witnessed first-hand the many ways in which negligence can lead to serious, sometimes fatal injuries. Unfortunately, the negligence of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers...

Cathy spent the early years of her life growing up on a farm in the Midwest. Following high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before attending Indiana University at South Bend. Cathy graduated from Indiana University at South Bend with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Administration. After graduation, she worked for several years for a consulting firm before deciding to attend law school. Cathy received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

Cathy worked for several firms, and for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services, before joining Hughes & Coleman in 2006....