Nashville, Tennessee, is home to a diverse range of major employers that drive the city’s thriving economy and legal market. Known as a hub for healthcare, music, and education, Nashville’s largest employers span various industries, creating significant demand for legal expertise. The healthcare sector is a dominant force, requiring extensive legal support in areas such as regulatory compliance, healthcare law, and intellectual property.
Additionally, Nashville’s growing tech scene, bolstered by numerous startups and established companies, contributes to the demand for corporate and employment law services. With the city’s continuous growth and strategic location, Nashville’s largest employers offer ample opportunities for legal professionals to engage in a dynamic and evolving legal landscape.
Biggest Law Firms in Nashville
- Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Founded in 1905, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Nashville. The firm is well-known for its expertise in healthcare law, serving many of the nation’s leading healthcare providers and companies. With over 200 attorneys, Waller has a significant presence in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate.
- Bass, Berry & Sims: Established in 1922, Bass, Berry & Sims is one of the largest law firms in Tennessee, with over 300 attorneys across multiple offices. The firm is recognized for its strong practices in corporate law, healthcare, and litigation. As an AM Law 200 firm, Bass, Berry & Sims has been involved in several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the healthcare sector.
- Butler Snow: Butler Snow is a full-service law firm with a strong presence in Nashville, where it provides legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including healthcare, intellectual property, and litigation. Founded in 1954, the firm has grown to over 350 attorneys across multiple offices in the Southeast and beyond. Butler Snow is particularly noted for its work in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, representing major companies in complex legal matters.
- Frost Brown Todd: Frost Brown Todd is a regional law firm with a significant presence in Nashville, known for its expertise in business law, litigation, and intellectual property. Founded in 1919, the firm has over 500 attorneys across its offices, making it one of the largest law firms in the Midwest and Southeast. Frost Brown Todd is recognized for its work in the automotive, financial services, and manufacturing industries, providing comprehensive legal services to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
- Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, commonly known as Bradley, is a leading law firm in the Southeast, with a strong presence in Nashville. Founded in 1870, the firm has grown to over 500 attorneys across multiple offices. Bradley is an AM Law 200 firm known for its expertise in healthcare, real estate, and construction law. The firm has been involved in numerous high-profile cases and transactions, particularly in the healthcare sector, where it represents many of the region’s largest providers.
- Bone McAllester Norton: Bone McAllester Norton is a prominent Nashville-based law firm known for its work in corporate law, real estate, and litigation. Founded in 2002, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading legal provider in the region, with a strong focus on client service and community involvement. Bone McAllester Norton is particularly noted for its work with small businesses and entrepreneurs, offering tailored legal solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients.
- Neal & Harwell: Founded in 1971, Neal & Harwell is a boutique litigation firm based in Nashville, known for its expertise in high-stakes criminal defense, civil litigation, and appellate law. The firm has represented clients in some of the most significant legal cases in Tennessee, including high-profile criminal trials and complex civil disputes.
- Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison: Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison is a well-regarded Nashville law firm specializing in commercial litigation, corporate law, and healthcare. Founded in 1981, the firm has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality legal services to both local and national clients. Sherrard Roe is known for its client-focused approach and its ability to handle complex legal matters, particularly in the areas of healthcare regulation and corporate governance.
- Lewis Thomason: Lewis Thomason is a full-service law firm with a significant presence in Nashville, offering legal services across a wide range of practice areas, including commercial litigation, insurance defense, and employment law. Founded in 1960, the firm has grown to over 100 attorneys across multiple offices in Tennessee. Lewis Thomason is known for its strong litigation practice, representing clients in state and federal courts across the Southeast.
- Stites & Harbison: Stites & Harbison is a regional law firm with a strong presence in Nashville, known for its expertise in business law, intellectual property, and real estate. Founded in 1832, the firm has a long history of providing high-quality legal services to clients across the Southeast. Stites & Harbison’s Nashville office is particularly noted for its work in the healthcare and manufacturing industries, representing clients in complex transactions and litigation.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with one of Nashville’s largest employers often requires the expertise of a legal recruiter, given the competitive nature of these roles and the specialized skills they demand. Nashville’s diverse economy is supported by several major companies that employ significant numbers of legal professionals across various industries. Here are some of the most prominent companies in Nashville that employ lawyers:
- HCA Healthcare: Founded in 1968, HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, with over 280,000 employees and operations in 20 states and the United Kingdom. The company’s legal team handles a wide array of issues, including regulatory compliance, healthcare law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. HCA’s extensive legal needs are driven by its vast network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it one of the largest employers of legal professionals in Nashville.
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is another major healthcare provider in Nashville, employing over 25,000 people. VUMC’s legal department focuses on healthcare regulations, patient privacy, and medical malpractice, ensuring that the institution remains compliant with federal and state laws. As a leading academic medical center, VUMC also requires legal expertise in research compliance and intellectual property, particularly in relation to its numerous research projects and innovations.
- Bridgestone Americas: Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, is headquartered in Nashville and is one of the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturers. The company employs thousands of people across its operations in North and South America. Bridgestone’s legal team is involved in intellectual property, environmental law, and corporate governance, supporting the company’s extensive manufacturing and retail operations. Bridgestone’s global reach and focus on innovation make its legal department a critical component of the company’s success.
- Asurion: Asurion, a global leader in device insurance, protection, and support services, is headquartered in Nashville and employs over 19,000 people worldwide. The company’s legal department handles complex issues related to consumer protection, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Asurion’s rapid growth and innovation in tech services have created a strong demand for legal professionals who can navigate the intricacies of international regulations and technology law.
- Dollar General: Dollar General, founded in 1939, is a major retail corporation headquartered in nearby Goodlettsville, just outside Nashville. The company operates over 18,000 stores across the United States and employs a large legal team to manage issues related to corporate law, real estate, labor and employment law, and compliance. Dollar General’s expansive retail operations and continuous growth make it a significant employer of legal talent in the region.
- Community Health Systems: Community Health Systems (CHS), founded in 1985, is one of the biggest publicly traded hospital companies in the US, operating nearly 100 hospitals across the country. Headquartered in Franklin, just outside Nashville, CHS’s legal team handles healthcare law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. The legal department plays a crucial role in managing the complexities of healthcare regulations and ensuring the company’s compliance with federal and state laws.
- Delek US Holdings: Delek US Holdings, a diversified energy company, is headquartered in Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville. The company operates in the downstream energy sector, including refining, logistics, and retail operations. Delek’s legal team focuses on environmental law, corporate governance, and compliance with energy regulations. As Delek continues to expand its operations, the demand for legal expertise in navigating the energy sector’s complex regulatory landscape remains strong.
- Nissan North America: Nissan North America, with its headquarters in Franklin, is a major player in the automotive industry. The company employs a significant legal team that handles issues related to intellectual property, environmental compliance, and labor relations. Nissan’s presence in the Nashville area contributes to the demand for legal professionals with expertise in automotive law, corporate governance, and international trade.
- Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation: Caterpillar Financial, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is headquartered in Nashville and provides financial services to customers and dealers. The company’s legal team focuses on corporate finance, compliance, and international trade law. Caterpillar Financial’s global operations require legal professionals who can manage cross-border transactions and navigate complex regulatory environments.
- Ingram Industries: Ingram Industries, a privately held company based in Nashville, operates in the logistics and publishing sectors. The company’s legal department handles a variety of legal matters, including corporate law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Ingram’s diverse business interests and long-standing presence in Nashville make it a key employer of legal professionals in the region.
