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Tom Lee
Partner
1222 Demonbreun Street
Suite 1700
Nashville, TN 37203
Suite 1700
Nashville, TN 37203
tom.lee@nelsonmullins.com
Tom focuses in the practice areas of government relations and public-facing litigation. With over 40 years’ experience as an Emmy award-winning journalist, political strategist, lobbyist, and attorney, Tom is especially adept when conflict resolution requires awareness of policy, politics, and the press.
Tom’s approach is entrepreneurial — he has started a successful government relations firm and is...
Tom focuses in the practice areas of government relations and public-facing litigation. With over 40 years’ experience as an Emmy award-winning journalist, political strategist, lobbyist, and attorney, Tom is especially adept when conflict resolution requires awareness of policy, politics, and the press.
Tom’s approach is entrepreneurial — he has started a successful government relations firm and is a co-founder of two public charter schools — and personal, as one would expect of a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Tom is an esteemed partner with the firm who uses his diverse experience and passion to pursue successful outcomes in government relations and dispute resolution.
a co-founder of two public charter schools — and personal, as one would expect of a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Tom is an esteemed partner with the firm who uses his diverse experience and passion to pursue successful outcomes in government relations and dispute resolution.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Matters
- Represented United Methodist Church in obtaining successful dismissal of claims and appeal by a disaffiliating UMC congregation seeking to avoid payment of financial obligations
- Won five appeals before the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, starting two new schools, and keeping three others open against denial and revocation actions by local school boards
- Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of a citizens’ preservation group to preserve historic home built in 1809 in Sumner County, Tennessee
- Successfully enjoined illegal action by Tennessee governing body in violation of Tennessee Open Meetings Law
- Frequently retained by municipal governments in Tennessee as external investigator of alleged ethical violations, sexual harassment, and misconduct
- Represented cities of Nashville and Chattanooga before Tennessee General Assembly, shaping law and policy governing all Tennessee municipal governments
- Obtained state funding, passed public authority legislation, and negotiated acquisition of 8,800 acres on Doe Mountain in Johnson County, Tennessee, to create the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority, promoting conservation and economic development in rural northeast Tennessee
- Represented multi-state consortium in design, creation, procurement, and implementation of common platform for processing of unemployment benefits claims and appeals in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Passed legislation funding installation of child safety restraints for passengers on school buses throughout Tennessee
- Led multi-partner coalition to reform Tennessee water quality laws, winning unanimous approval for protections of streams and clearer regulations for businesses and developers
- Counseled numerous campaigns for local, state, and national office on compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws
Previous Professional Experience
-
Managing Partner, Nashville-based law office, and founding principal of its government relations subsidiary, (2010-2023)
- Partner, Nashville-based law firm, (1996-2009)
- Senior Advisor for Policy & Communications, Harold Ford, Jr., for U.S. Senate, Tennessee 2006 cycle
- Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, Tennessee, (2008-09)
Educational Activities
- Adjunct professor of law and political science, Vanderbilt University, (2010-12), (2003-04)
Education
-
Vanderbilt University Law School,
JD
(1995)
- Vanderbilt Law Review, Executive Editor
- Order of the Coif
- Vanderbilt Law Review Award; Vanderbilt Law Review Note Award; Best Oralist, King & Spalding Moot Court Competition, 1994; Winner, Appellate Advocacy Competition, 1993.
- Author, A Purposeful Approach to Products Liability Warnings, 47 Vand. L. Rev. 1147 (1995)
- University of Tennessee, BS, Communications (1991)
Admissions
- Tennessee
Clerkships
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (1995 - 1996)
Practice Areas
Industries
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Matters
- Represented United Methodist Church in obtaining successful dismissal of claims and appeal by a disaffiliating UMC congregation seeking to avoid payment of financial obligations
- Won five appeals before the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, starting two new schools, and keeping three others open against denial and revocation actions by local school boards
- Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of a citizens’ preservation group to preserve historic home built in 1809 in Sumner County, Tennessee
- Successfully enjoined illegal action by Tennessee governing body in violation of Tennessee Open Meetings Law
- Frequently retained by municipal governments in Tennessee as external investigator of alleged ethical violations, sexual harassment, and misconduct
- Represented cities of Nashville and Chattanooga before Tennessee General Assembly, shaping law and policy governing all Tennessee municipal governments
- Obtained state funding, passed public authority legislation, and negotiated acquisition of 8,800 acres on Doe Mountain in Johnson County, Tennessee, to create the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority, promoting conservation and economic development in rural northeast Tennessee
- Represented multi-state consortium in design, creation, procurement, and implementation of common platform for processing of unemployment benefits claims and appeals in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Passed legislation funding installation of child safety restraints for passengers on school buses throughout Tennessee
- Led multi-partner coalition to reform Tennessee water quality laws, winning unanimous approval for protections of streams and clearer regulations for businesses and developers
- Counseled numerous campaigns for local, state, and national office on compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws
Previous Professional Experience
-
Managing Partner, Nashville-based law office, and founding principal of its government relations subsidiary, (2010-2023)
- Partner, Nashville-based law firm, (1996-2009)
- Senior Advisor for Policy & Communications, Harold Ford, Jr., for U.S. Senate, Tennessee 2006 cycle
- Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, Tennessee, (2008-09)
Educational Activities
- Adjunct professor of law and political science, Vanderbilt University, (2010-12), (2003-04)
Media
Recognitions
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Practice (2013–2023, 2025)
- Life Member, Judicial Conference, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Fellow, Nashville Bar Association
- AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
- Winner of two Emmy Awards for outstanding documentary and outstanding special events program, 1991, “After the Storm,” WSMV-TV
Professional Activities
- Member, Tennessee Bar Association, Government Relations Committee
Community
- Founding director and board secretary, ReThink Forward, Inc., holder of two public school charters from Tennessee Public Charter Schools Commission
- Elected delegate to 2024 United Methodist Church General Conference, Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. Certified Lay Speaker, United Methodist Church
- Trust for Public Land, Tennessee advisory board, (2018-2021)
- Appointed by Governor of Tennessee to serve as member of the Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Application of the Death Penalty, (2007-2008)
Leadership
- Vice Chair, Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council, (2019-present)
- Chair, Tennessee Bar Association, Government Affairs Committee, (2009-2011)
- Chair, Metropolitan Convention Center Commission, (2002-2004)
- Chair, Tennessee Bar Association President’s Commission on the Future of Law-Related Education in Tennessee, (1999-2001)
- Chair, Nashville Family Shelter, Inc., (1995-1998)
Tom focuses in the practice areas of government relations and public-facing litigation. With over 40 years’ experience as an Emmy award-winning journalist, political strategist, lobbyist, and attorney, Tom is especially adept when conflict resolution requires awareness of policy, politics, and the press.
Tom’s approach is entrepreneurial — he has started a successful government relations firm and is... a co-founder of two public charter schools — and personal, as one would expect of a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Tom is an esteemed partner with the firm who uses his diverse experience and passion to pursue successful outcomes in government relations and dispute resolution.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Representative Matters
- Represented United Methodist Church in obtaining successful dismissal of claims and appeal by a disaffiliating UMC congregation seeking to avoid payment of financial obligations
- Won five appeals before the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, starting two new schools, and keeping three others open against denial and revocation actions by local school boards
- Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of a citizens’ preservation group to preserve historic home built in 1809 in Sumner County, Tennessee
- Successfully enjoined illegal action by Tennessee governing body in violation of Tennessee Open Meetings Law
- Frequently retained by municipal governments in Tennessee as external investigator of alleged ethical violations, sexual harassment, and misconduct
- Represented cities of Nashville and Chattanooga before Tennessee General Assembly, shaping law and policy governing all Tennessee municipal governments
- Obtained state funding, passed public authority legislation, and negotiated acquisition of 8,800 acres on Doe Mountain in Johnson County, Tennessee, to create the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority, promoting conservation and economic development in rural northeast Tennessee
- Represented multi-state consortium in design, creation, procurement, and implementation of common platform for processing of unemployment benefits claims and appeals in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Passed legislation funding installation of child safety restraints for passengers on school buses throughout Tennessee
- Led multi-partner coalition to reform Tennessee water quality laws, winning unanimous approval for protections of streams and clearer regulations for businesses and developers
- Counseled numerous campaigns for local, state, and national office on compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws
Previous Professional Experience
-
Managing Partner, Nashville-based law office, and founding principal of its government relations subsidiary, (2010-2023)
- Partner, Nashville-based law firm, (1996-2009)
- Senior Advisor for Policy & Communications, Harold Ford, Jr., for U.S. Senate, Tennessee 2006 cycle
- Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, Tennessee, (2008-09)
Educational Activities
- Adjunct professor of law and political science, Vanderbilt University, (2010-12), (2003-04)
Education
-
Vanderbilt University Law School,
JD
(1995)
- Vanderbilt Law Review, Executive Editor
- Order of the Coif
- Vanderbilt Law Review Award; Vanderbilt Law Review Note Award; Best Oralist, King & Spalding Moot Court Competition, 1994; Winner, Appellate Advocacy Competition, 1993.
- Author, A Purposeful Approach to Products Liability Warnings, 47 Vand. L. Rev. 1147 (1995)
- University of Tennessee, BS, Communications (1991)
Admissions
- Tennessee
Clerkships
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (1995 - 1996)
Practice Areas
Industries
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Practice (2013–2023, 2025)
- Life Member, Judicial Conference, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Fellow, Nashville Bar Association
- AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
- Winner of two Emmy Awards for outstanding documentary and outstanding special events program, 1991, “After the Storm,” WSMV-TV
- Member, Tennessee Bar Association, Government Relations Committee
- Founding director and board secretary, ReThink Forward, Inc., holder of two public school charters from Tennessee Public Charter Schools Commission
- Elected delegate to 2024 United Methodist Church General Conference, Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. Certified Lay Speaker, United Methodist Church
- Trust for Public Land, Tennessee advisory board, (2018-2021)
- Appointed by Governor of Tennessee to serve as member of the Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Application of the Death Penalty, (2007-2008)
- Vice Chair, Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council, (2019-present)
- Chair, Tennessee Bar Association, Government Affairs Committee, (2009-2011)
- Chair, Metropolitan Convention Center Commission, (2002-2004)
- Chair, Tennessee Bar Association President’s Commission on the Future of Law-Related Education in Tennessee, (1999-2001)
- Chair, Nashville Family Shelter, Inc., (1995-1998)
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