Business / Corporate Law: An Overview
Business and corporate lawyers provide legal counsel to companies, entrepreneurs, and organizations on matters related to business formation, operations, transactions, and compliance. These attorneys help clients navigate the complex legal landscape of running a business, from startup to exit.
Core Practice Areas
Corporate attorneys typically handle two main categories of legal work:
Transactional Services: Includes business formation and entity structuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), contract drafting and negotiation, securities and capital markets, private equity and venture capital, corporate governance, and real estate transactions.
Best for: Entrepreneurs starting businesses, companies seeking funding or acquisitions, and organizations needing contracts or governance guidance.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Includes commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, breach of contract cases, employment disputes, regulatory investigations, and intellectual property enforcement.
Best for: Businesses facing lawsuits, contractual disputes, or regulatory challenges that require courtroom representation or negotiated resolution.
Top 3 Business / Corporate Law Firms in Nashville, TN
1. Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Best For: Large corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, healthcare law, and publicly traded companies seeking sophisticated legal counsel with national reach.
Philosophy: Client-Centered Partnership. Bass, Berry & Sims assembles tailored teams for each client, combining deep industry expertise with a holistic approach to deliver innovative, business-focused solutions. The firm has served as principal corporate counsel for approximately 35 public companies.
Services:
Corporate and Securities: M&A, private equity, venture capital, corporate governance, and capital markets.
Healthcare: Regulatory compliance, fraud investigations, managed care, and healthcare operations.
Litigation: Complex commercial disputes, securities class actions, and internal investigations.
Real Estate: Acquisition, development, financing, and commercial leasing.
Labor and Employment: Workplace policies, employment disputes, and ERISA matters.
Intellectual Property: Patent, trademark, and trade secret protection.
Location: 150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800, Nashville, TN 37201
Contact: (615) 742-6200 | bassberry.com
Pricing:
Hourly Rates: Typically $400 – $900+ per hour depending on attorney experience and matter complexity (standard for major law firms).
Alternative Arrangements: Fixed fees, success fees, and other arrangements available for certain matters.
Consult directly for specific fee estimates based on your needs.
2. Holland & Knight LLP (formerly Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis)
Best For: Healthcare industry clients, financial services companies, and businesses seeking a firm with deep Tennessee roots combined with global resources.
Philosophy: Relationship-Driven Excellence. With origins dating back to 1905, Waller (now Holland & Knight Nashville) has built its reputation on understanding clients’ businesses and delivering results. The 2023 combination with Holland & Knight provides access to nearly 2,000 attorneys across 34 offices worldwide while maintaining local expertise.
Services:
Corporate Transactions: Mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and securities.
Healthcare: Regulatory, reimbursement, transactions, and compliance.
Banking and Finance: Commercial lending, restructuring, and FinTech.
Real Estate: Development, financing, leasing, and construction.
Litigation: Commercial disputes, government investigations, and white-collar defense.
Labor and Employment: Workplace law, OSHA, and employee benefits.
Government Relations: Lobbying and regulatory affairs.
Location: Nashville City Center, 511 Union Street, Suite 2700, Nashville, TN 37219
Contact: (615) 244-6380 | hklaw.com
Pricing:
Hourly Rates: Generally $350 – $800+ per hour depending on attorney seniority and practice area.
Alternative Fee Arrangements: Available for appropriate matters.
Contact for customized fee proposals.
3. Riley & Jacobson, PLC
Best For: Complex commercial litigation, securities disputes, healthcare litigation, and mid-market businesses seeking boutique firm attention with big-firm capabilities.
Philosophy: Lean, Strategic Representation. Riley & Jacobson was founded by attorneys from larger firms who wanted to focus on providing efficient, expert litigation services. The firm emphasizes understanding each client’s problem and designing a tailored strategy for resolution.
Services:
Commercial Litigation: Contract disputes, business torts, and unfair competition.
Securities and Corporate Governance: Shareholder disputes, SEC matters, and fiduciary duty claims.
Healthcare Litigation: Provider disputes, False Claims Act defense, and regulatory matters.
Intellectual Property: Copyright, trademark, and trade secret litigation.
Class Actions: Defense of class action lawsuits.
Antitrust: Competition law disputes and compliance.
Entertainment Law: Music industry disputes and contracts.
Location: 1906 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Contact: (615) 320-3700 | rjfirm.com
Pricing:
Hourly Rates: Typically $300 – $600+ per hour depending on attorney and matter type.
Efficient Representation: Boutique structure allows for leaner staffing and competitive rates compared to larger firms.
Representative clients include HCA, Dollar General, Gibson Guitar, and Sony Music.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does my business need a corporate lawyer?
You should consult a corporate lawyer when: forming a new business entity (LLC, corporation, partnership); drafting or reviewing contracts; raising capital from investors; buying or selling a business; hiring employees and establishing workplace policies; facing a lawsuit or legal dispute; ensuring regulatory compliance; or planning for business succession or exit. Early legal counsel can prevent costly problems later.
2. How much do business lawyers charge in Nashville?
Business attorney fees in Nashville vary widely based on firm size, attorney experience, and matter complexity. Large firms typically charge $400 to $900+ per hour for partners and $250 to $500 for associates. Mid-size and boutique firms may charge $250 to $600 per hour. Many firms offer alternative fee arrangements such as flat fees for routine matters (business formation, contract drafting) or contingency arrangements for certain litigation. Always request a fee estimate before engagement.
3. What is the difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer?
The terms are often used interchangeably. “Business lawyer” is a broad term covering any attorney who advises businesses. “Corporate lawyer” more specifically refers to attorneys who handle entity formation, governance, transactions (M&A, securities, private equity), and other corporate matters. In practice, corporate lawyers are a subset of business lawyers who focus on transactional work rather than litigation. Many firms have both transactional and litigation attorneys to serve all business legal needs.
4. Should I hire a large law firm or a smaller boutique firm?
It depends on your needs. Large firms offer broad practice areas, deep benches for major transactions, national or global reach, and established reputations that may matter for high-stakes deals or litigation. Boutique firms often provide more personalized attention, lower overhead (potentially lower rates), specialized expertise in particular areas, and senior attorneys handling your matters directly. For routine business matters, a smaller firm may be more cost-effective. For complex M&A deals or high-stakes litigation, a larger firm’s resources may be valuable.
5. What should I look for when hiring a corporate attorney?
Key factors include: relevant experience in your industry and the specific legal matter; track record of successful outcomes in similar cases or transactions; communication style and responsiveness; fee structure and transparency about costs; firm resources appropriate for your matter’s complexity; references from other clients; and personal rapport since you will be working closely together. Most attorneys offer initial consultations to discuss your needs and determine fit before you commit.