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Thomas Wormouth Shumate IV

Employment and labor Attorney at Brentwood, TN

4.9   31 reviews

also known as Tom Shumate

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State TN
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Employment and labor
    25%
    Representing plaintiffs and defendants in employment disputes in state and federal court; drafting and negotiating employment and non-compete agreements; representing employers and employees in non-compete and theft of trade secrets disputes; advising employers and employees regarding compliance issues; representing parties at unemployment hearings

    24 years

  2. Business
    20%
    Representing individuals and businesses in business tort cases such those involving theft of trade secrets, interference with business and contractual relations; forming companies; representing individuals and entities in business disputes

    24 years

  3. Contracts and agreements
    20%
    Negotiating and drafting contracts, employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, leases, etc.

    24 years

  4. Litigation
    20%
    Representing individuals and businesses in a wide variety of civil litigation in state and federal court

    24 years

  5. Personal injury
    15%
    Representing plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury and wrongful death actions arising from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and premises liability cases

    24 years

FIRST THINGS FIRST, YOU WANT A PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGABLE ATTORNEY. YOU ALSO DESERVE SOMEONE WHO IS RESPONSIVE, COMPASSIONATE, AND THOROUGH. CALL TOM NOW FOR A FREE CONSULT. 615-490-0587

Tom Shumate created Meridian Law, PLLC, in response to our changing times and client needs. Meridian Law’s business model is built around providing superior service and sound legal advice at a fair cost to individuals and businesses across Tennessee. Service areas include 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.

Tom graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 1995 and from Notre Dame Law School in 1998. He returned to and has been practicing law in his hometown of Nashville, TN since.

Tom is actively involved in the Nashville community and various Bar organizations and has been recognized for his contributions to both:


• In 2011 and 2013, he was selected as a “Rising Star” by the Mid-South edition of Super Lawyers Magazine.
• Perfect 10 rating from Avvo (www.avvo.com).
• Past member of the Editorial Board of Law Practice Today webzine and current member of the Editorial Board of Law Practice magazine, monthly publications of the Law Practice Section of the American Bar Association.
• Two-time past Chair of the Law Office Technology and Management Section of the Tennessee Bar Association.
• Lectures to attorneys across the state and writes on issues related to covenants not to compete, legal ethics, legal marketing, and technology.
• Served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee for many years and has raised more than $140, for the agency over the past ten years through the annual “Lawyers for Littles” Bowl for Kids’ Sake event he co-founded.
• Past-Chair of the Father Ryan Alumni Board and the School Board of Christ the King School.


When not resolving his clients' matters as efficiently as possible, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and children, reading, running, and supporting Vanderbilt and Notre Dame athletics.

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2017,2012,2011
Client's Choice
2017 2012 2011

Photos and videos

Contact Thomas

Meridian Law, PLLC
5141 Virginia Way
Suite 320
Brentwood, TN, 37027

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  31 customer reviews
5 Star
 
97%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
3%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer; to the point, with great communication skils
I retained counsel from Tom out of state (more than 2k miles away). He was very clear with regards of the process and on what needed to be done. Likewise, his responses where quick, concise and communicated the critical points of the situation. He also made great suggestions, offered different perspectives while helping resolve the matter quickly and hassle free. I would definitively recommend him for any business related matter.
Read less
Posted by Chris | August 28, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Employment Contract Dispute
I hired Tom to help clear up an employment contract dispute with a previous employer. Tom was quick to respond (unlike other lawyers in the area) and was eager to look over the facts regarding my case. Once Tom had a clear understanding of the issue at hand, he explained the options available to me and provided clear expectations of the possible outcomes while simultaneously offering his professional guidance. In the end, Tom was easy to work with, knowledgeable, and helped me reach the outcome I desired in a quick and timely manner. I would recommend Tom's services to anyone needing guidance with regards to employment law and any issues contained within.
Read less
Posted by David | November 20, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Employment Legal Counsel and Advice
I employed Mr. Shumate to fully research non-competition agreements related to Tennessee and Indiana and to provide effective counsel related to my specific information and details, noting which side of each article had the better argument. I received far more than I asked for and for that I’m extremely grateful. First of all, Mr. Shumate was very personable and relatable and not legally condescending, but kept everything at my level of understanding. That created a relationship and trust, which are the two most important aspects of attorney and client. His research was spot on to address the bullet points I needed to be adressed so I could make informed decisions about each aspect of the non-compete in question. At the end of our meeting I was confident about where I needed to go and where I needed to stay away from regarding the points in the non-compete. That is the highest praise I can give any attorney and it is well deserved. I can highly recommend Mr. Shewmate.
Read less
Posted by Tristan | July 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Cease and Desist
Hired Mr Tom over the phone. He asked a few questions sent me a few emails and a couple more calls and had everything taken care of. Very very impressed with his go to aggressive attitude and the ease of which he handled everything for me. Definitely would recommend him!!
Posted by Joel | March 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review of an employment agreement
I retained Tom to review an employment agreement. Tom responded quickly and explained all of the viable options available to me. In the end, Tom was thorough and knowledgeable in his analysis. He was able to quickly help me achieve, a desirable outcome. I would recommend Tom's services to anyone without reservation.
Posted by Mark | December 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
TOP NOTCH Professional Law Firm
I was introduced to Tom Shumate and Meridian Law firm through a mutual friend at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee who connected us based on us being Notre Dame Alumni. ' Meridian Law helped me update my estate planning documents from South Carolina to Tennessee. Tom and the entire Meridian Law Firm were fantastic throughout the process giving me sound advice to accomplish my desired outcomes. Everyone was very professional and went out of their way to finish in a timely manner while accommodating my busy work schedule. Tom personally followed up with me even after we were officially finished to ensure that all of my needs were met. I would definitely recommend Meridian Law without reservation and will certainly engage them for any future needs. TOP NOTCH!
Read less
Posted by Jeremy | August 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough and Professional
Thomas was very knowledgeable. He took the time to be thorough and do the proper analysis on my complex business situation, and he worked with me both on time and budget to make sure everything was clear and transparent. I would recommend him, and will be using him for future needs.
Posted by Alex | March 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Thomas helped us greatly during several complex legal business challenges and issues. We were very impressed with his attention to detail, proactive nature and general legal counsel. He was very consistent and genuine in his approach and helped us save a ton of time and money resulting in a favorable conclusion to our legal issues. I would highly recommend Thomas's legal services to those who may be in need.
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Posted by Tim | December 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Service
Tom was prompt with his communication and precise with his interpretations and findings. He was very helpful in allowing me to understand the restrictions of an employment contract and non compete agreement. I will be using Tom again in the future for any contract review needs I have.
Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fee Dispute with Prior Attorney
We, unfortunately, have recently finished a lengthy legal process that spread over several years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. When reviewing the final bill, we felt we had been inappropriately billed by a substantial amount. Mr. Shumate reviewed the prior case, explained our options in a very clear way and negotiated with the other attorney, allowing us to avoid arbitration or having to sue, and eventually leading to a very substantial reduction in what we had to pay. His estimates of the hours.he would need to spend and the overall cost were very accurate. He was very responsive to questions. Without a doubt the best experience we have had in dealing with an attorney and we plan to use him for any future legal issues.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service and Result
I retained Tom to assist with a non-compete agreement dispute. He thoroughly researched my case in a timely manner and provided clear recommendations about how to proceed. He was accessible when I needed him and I was pleased with the level of communication throughout the process. I will definitely use him again if I have the need and will refer him to friends and colleagues.
Read less
Posted by Jeff | July 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
It's good to have Tom on your team.
I've hired Tom twice to date and I've been very pleased with the results. Each time my situation centered on Employment agreements. Most recently, we worked through a Non-Compete and Non-Solicit agreement dispute with my previous employer. Throughout the process, Tom was responsive and knowledgable. His letters on my behalf were convincing with cases cited to support our position. I'm happy to have had Tom in my corner, and recommend him to others.
Read less
Posted by Douglas | May 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thomas Shumate
My wife and I live over 500 miles from Tennessee and we hired Tom to help us collect a long overdue debt owed us from an old business acquaintance. Tom provided us with honest and professional representation while keeping our costs down. His advice was spot on and if in the future we were to need an attorney in Tennessee we would use Mr. Shumate and recommend you do the same.
Read less
Posted by Keith | May 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Breach of contract.
I would recommend Tom. he was helpful and professional and helped a great deal to resolve the issues involved.
Posted by Mike | July 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Attentive
Tom represented my company in a complicated matter. He analyzed it and after one month had it settled to our satisfaction. We have now decided to use him as our Corporate attorney.
Posted by Jim | January 14, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Jim
Mr. Shumate represented me on a case in which l could not get a clear certificate of title on a vehicle l purchased. He was very professional and by following his instructions the matter was resolved in my favor. l would highly recommend him for any legal problems that may arise.
Posted by Hilda | June 2, 2015
Non-Compete
Very knowledgeable & responsive when I needed help with a contract that I signed. Very pleasant personality to boot, which is not always the case with most pompous attorneys! I highly recommend Attorney Shumate.
Posted by Amy | May 2, 2015
Great Experience helping me with a Non-Compete lawsuit
I had no idea what I was dealing with coming into this experience and Tom did an outstanding job of explaining everything that was happening/ needed to happen. He explained it all in a way that I could understand easily and I felt completely at ease with him as my lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2014
Professional and careful
Tom provided excellent advice every step of the way. He was very knowledgeable, and kept me well informed of the applicable law, and my position during the duration of the lawsuit. I have complete trust in him. He also listened to my (uninformed) opinion, and explained the legal process very well. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read less
Posted by Warner Partners, LP | August 24, 2013
Great knowledge of real estate law
Tom helps us with our commercial lease agreements and has always been great.
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-400 per hour
  • Contingency 33%-45%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founding Partner
  • Meridian Law, PLLC
  • 2014 - Present
  • Partner
  • Kay Griffin Enkema & Colbert, PLLC
  • 2007 - 2014
  • Partner
  • Evans, Jones & Reynolds
  • 2001 - 2007
  • Associate
  • North, Pursell, Ramos & Jameson
  • 1998 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Notre Dame
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • Vanderbilt University
  • B.A.
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • Stalsworth v. Grummons, 36 S.W.3d 832 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2000)
  •  Kenyon v. Handal, 122 S.W.3d 743 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2003)

Associations

  • National Eagle Scout Association
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee
  • Board Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Notre Dame Club of Nashville
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Notre Dame Law Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Father Ryan Alumni Board
  • Board Member
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Christ the King School Board
  • Executive Committee Member
  • 2014 - 2017
  • Father Ryan High School Alumni Board
  • Chairperson
  • 2012 - 2014
  • Law Practice Today, Monthly webzine published by Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association
  • Editorial Board
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee
  • Executive Committee
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Notre Dame Club of Nashville
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Law Practice, Monthly magazine published by Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association
  • Editorial Board
  • 2009 - 2011
  • CLE Committee of Tennessee Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Law Practice Today, Monthly webzine published by Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association
  • Editorial Board
  • 2008 - 2009
  • Law Office Management and Technology Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
  • Chair
  • 2008 - 2010
  • Young Leaders Council
  • Particpant
  • 2007 - 2007
  • Law Office Management and Technology Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
  • Vice Chair
  • 2007 - 2008
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Mid-Central Regional Basic Trial Skills Program
  • Participant
  • 2005 - 2005
  • Appellate Practice Committee, Nashville Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2007
  • Harry Phillips American Inn of Court
  • Barrister
  • 2005 - 2009
  • Nashville Bar Association Fee Dispute Committee
  • Chair of Fee Dispute Panels
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Nashville Emerging Leaders
  • Graduate
  • 2003 - 2003
  • OYEZ, publication of the Young Lawyers Division of the Nashville Bar Association
  • Marketing Director
  • 2003 - 2003
  • The Partnership Institute’s Nashville Partnership Series
  • Graduate
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce
  • Legal Counsel
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club
  • President
  • 2002 - 2004
  • Nashville Bar Journal
  • Editorial Committee
  • 2002 - 2003
  • NAJCC Leadership Course
  • Graduate
  • 2001 - 2001
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 2023 Leadership Connect Program
  • Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
  • 2023
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2022
  • ABF Fellow
  • American Bar Association
  • 2022
  • Leadership Law Class of 2016
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • 2016
  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Rising Star
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Rising Star
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Spotlight Award Winner
  • Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • How to Grow Your Practice While Avoiding Malpractice Claims
  • 2012
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Ethics of Wills and Estates 101
  • 2012
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Preventing Legal Malpractice: Know Thy Enemy
  • 2011
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Covenants Not to Compete
  • 2011
  • Reprinted by Connecticut Bar Association
  • Computers, Tequila and Handguns: Controlling Technology So It Doesn’t Control You
  • 2009
  • Nashville Bar Journal
  • Writely (now Google Documents)
  • 2006
  • Litigation Letter, Tennessee Bar Association
  • An Analysis of the Statutory Presumption of Reasonableness and Necessity of Medical Bills - Tenn. Code Ann. § 24-5-113
  • 2001
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • I Love My Practice
  • Social Media: Marketing, Ethics & Discovery
  • 2013
  • 2012 Annual Review and Ethics
  • Social Media
  • 2012
  • Continuing Legal Education Seminar
  • How to Grow Your Practice While Avoiding Malpractice Claims
  • 2011
  • Law Tech 2010
  • Management and Technology Solutions for Your Firm
  • 2010
  • Continuing Legal Education
  • Metadata, Multitasking and Disclaimers, Oh My!
  • 2010
  • Meeting Presentation
  • The Billable Hour: Where Did It Come From And Where Is It Going?
  • 2009
  • Law Tech 2009
  • Management and Technology Solutions for Your Firm
  • 2009
  • Auto-Owners Insurance Company Regional Meeting
  • Summary Judgments After Hannan and Tennessee’s New E-Discovery Rules
  • 2009
  • Law Tech 2008
  • Technology in the Courts
  • 2008
  • Law Tech 2008
  • Ethical Risks Created by Technology
  • 2008
  • Preventing Legal Malpractice seminar
  • Emerging Areas of Potential Liability Caused by the Legal Profession’s Increasing Use of Technology
  • 2007
  • Practical Litigation Skills in Tennessee
  • Ethical Quandaries in Litigation
  • 2006
  • Council on Education in Management Seminar
  • Workplace Violence and Terrorism: Protecting Your Organization
  • 2006
  • Council on Education in Management
  • Legal Recruiting and Hiring: Starting Out Right
  • 2006
  • Council on Education in Management
  • Privacy and Confidentiality in the Workplace: Protecting Your Employees' Rights and Your Organization's Information
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (8)
Endorse Thomas
Personal injury Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"i was opposing counsel on a matter with Tom and he his a great advocate for his clients and also a great attorney to work with on very complex cases. I would highly recommend Tom to anyone needing a good attorney in a personal injury litigation matter."
Litigation Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Over the years, I have had several cases with Tom. He is an intelligent attorney who is always prepared. Tom takes the right approach on cases and handles them in a way that best serves his client's needs for that particular case. He does an excellent job for his clients."
Business Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Co-worker
"Tom is an outstanding lawyer with a great attention to detail. He works hard for every client to get the best results in a practical manner."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is an excellent attorney. His clients benefit from his hard work and attention to detail."
Personal injury Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Personal injury Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Thomas is an honest, ethical, hardworking attorney. I have fought on the other side, opposing Thomas and have witnessed first-hand his preparedness and proficiency with handling the fine details of his cases. His fair, professional demeanor is impressive, as well as his commitment to his clients' best interests."
Litigation Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Thomas is an excellent attorney who pays attention to detail and has a good knowledge of the law. I work with him in a litigation case and he does an excellent job for his client. I recomend him."
Litigation Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked with Tom both professionally and in conjunction with fundraising events for charitable organizations. In both realms, Tom is excellent. As an adversary in litigation, Tom is extremely knowledgeable, hard-working and prepared. Because of these traits and his many years of experience he is able to fairly evaluate cases and work towards a positive resolution for everyone involved. I would not hesitate to refer a case to Tom and I am pleased to endorse him. He also gives a tremendous amount of time to charitable organizations and works just as diligently for them as he does his clients."
Litigation Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. No matter is too complex for Tom. He can handle any case from start to finish. He's professional, experienced, and is always working toward a practical, business resolution that his clients appreciate. I've worked closely with Tom on a large matter and was highly impressed with his competence."
Business Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"When I needed a fellow attorney to associate with for one of my clients in federal court, we sought out Tom. His work product is excellent and very targeted toward to core issues. His efforts helped achieve a very favorable result in a difficult situation."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tom is an outstanding lawyer. He stays educated on the ever-changing law and educates his fellow lawyers about it through presentations and on-line materials. When it comes to solving clients' legal problems, Tom brings both talent and dedication to the task at hand. I have referred several professionals to him for business advice and representation and have been thanked by them for doing so. I highly recommend and endorsre Tom."
View more endorsements
Personal injury
Personal injury
Personal injury
Personal injury
Employment and labor
Employment and labor

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Brentwood Employment and labor Lawyer Thomas Wormouth Shumate IV
Thomas Wormouth Shumate IV
Employment and labor Attorney
Brentwood, TN
Licensed for 25 years
Virtual consultation available