About

Provided by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Bass, Berry & Sims attorneys represent union and non-union companies as well as public and private employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small locally-owned businesses. Our practice involves:


Employment Counseling, Training and Auditing

We provide day-to-day counsel on employment related law and regulations on both the federal and state level; offer in-office counseling and training to human resource managers, front line managers and supervisors on preventing and resolving issues before they become lawsuits; and advise on labor and employment matters that arise throughout the course of mergers and acquisitions.


Employment Litigation

The team is regularly involved in litigating the following claims throughout the U.S.:

  • Unlawful discrimination
  • Retaliatory discharge issues
  • Wrongful discharge
  • Interference with FMLA and other statutory rights
  • OSHA matters
  • Wage and hour non-compliance
  • Breach or enforcement of non-compete agreements
  • Tortious interference with contracts
  • Defamation
  • Breach of fair representation
  • I-9 non-compliance
  • ERISA litigation
  • Class actions


Traditional Labor Law

We represent employers in all types of traditional labor law matters, including:

  • Proceedings before the NLRB
  • Union avoidance training and informational campaigns
  • Collective bargaining agreement negotiations
  • Labor arbitrations
  • Contract negotiation, interpretation and administration
  • Grievance procedures
  • Defense of unfair labor practice changes
  • Strike guidance
  • Decertification campaigns

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Labor & Employment - Tennessee

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bass, Berry & Sims offers a comprehensive service to public and private companies from a broad range of industries, including healthcare, retail, transportation and financial services. It often advises on regulatory and compliance matters, as well as assisting with collective bargaining negotiations and union avoidance training. The firm is also well known for handling high-profile employment disputes, including wage and hour, discrimination and retaliation cases. Expertise extends to labor and employment concerns stemming from corporate transactions.

Work Highlights

  • Bass, Berry & Sims defended YAPP in a case in which the NLRB alleged that YAPP had committed unfair labor practices in terminating an employee for workplace violence and for various other actions during a subsequent union election campaign.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Tim K Garrett
1
Tim K Garrett
1
Band 1

Tim Garrett is recognized as an expert employment litigator and has significant experience in collective bargaining agreements as well as retaliation complaints and grievance matters. He often acts for manufacturers and healthcare groups.

I love Tim, he's just very responsive and very knowledgeable. He really understands our business, our plans and the values that are important to us.

Tim has the highest level of professionalism and integrity, and is a great teacher to our in-house people.

Bob Horton
2
Bob Horton
Head of Labor & Employment
2
Band 2

Bob Horton frequently represents clients in breach of contract and noncompete disputes. He has further experience in discrimination and retaliation matters.

He is a rock star.

Bob always provides strong advice.

Mary Leigh Pirtle
U
Mary Leigh Pirtle
U
Up and Coming

Mary Leigh Pirtle advises her clients on internal investigations, as well as providing representation in claims ranging from wage and hour violations to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission violations.

Mary is an exceptional labor and employment lawyer with a practical, no-nonsense approach. She has the ability to resolve matters quickly and efficiently.

She is a huge asset.

Ranked Lawyers at
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Tennessee

Labor & Employment

Tim K Garrett
1
Tim K Garrett
1
Band 1
Bob Horton
2
Bob Horton
Head of Labor & Employment
2
Band 2
Mary Leigh Pirtle
U
Mary Leigh Pirtle
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Clients

Provided by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

DCI (Dialysis Clinic Inc.)

Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: DVCR)

Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO)

J. Alexander’s Corporation (formerly Nasdaq: JAX)

Vanderbilt University

Industries

Provided by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Automotive

Automotive

Communication

Distribution

Education

Food & beverage

Healthcare

Hospitality

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Retail

Service

Transportation

Utilities