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Provided by Mary Dohner Smith
Labor and Employment
Class/Collective Actions
Employment Litigation Prevention & Defense
Investigations
Wage and Hour Compliance & Litigation
Mary leads the firm’s Nashville office and represents employers in all aspects of the employment relationship.
She defends clients in complex litigation involving claims under Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and USERRA, as well as state law claims including breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and emotional distress. Mary’s litigation experience spans federal and state courts and includes a wide range of workplace issues, from discrimination and retaliation to wage and hour disputes and wrongful termination claims.
Mary is a Tennessee Supreme Court designated Rule 31 Mediator. With a background in human resources in both union and non-union settings, Mary approaches legal challenges with a practical mindset and a strong focus on early issue resolution. She works closely with employers to address workplace concerns proactively and minimize the risk of litigation. Mary regularly provides training and speaks on employment law topics, including military re-employment rights under USERRA, workplace harassment prevention, and termination best practices.
Mary’s dual experience in legal practice and HR operations allows her to deliver legal advice that aligns with business needs. She supports clients through internal investigations, compliance assessments, and policy development, particularly in fast-moving or high-risk employment situations. Her commitment to clear communication and long-term solutions makes her a trusted advisor to both in-house counsel and HR professionals.
American Bar Association, Trial, Tort & Insurance Practice Section
Tennessee Bar Association
Nashville Bar Association
Lawyers’ Association for Women, Marion Griffin Chapter
Mary enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Travis, and their two children. As a family, they enjoy traveling, scuba diving, hiking, camping and cheering for Army football. Mary also enjoys reading and cooking.
Marquette University Law School
J.D.
2001
mployment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Litigation - Labor and Employment
The Best Lawyers in America
2026
"Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Labor and Employment in Nashville, TN for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants
The Best Lawyers in America®
2021
Best of the Bar
Nashville Business Journal
2017
Mid-South Super Lawyers®
2022
Provided by Chambers
Mary Dohner Smith has a variety of experience within employment law, including in regard to retaliation investigations, harassment and breach of contract disputes. She is especially well equipped to handle cases arising out of Title VII and the FLSA.
Provided by Chambers
She shapes responses that are meaningful to us and that help us help our internal clients handle difficult messages.
Mary Dohner Smith is an amazing attorney and is wonderful to work with.
She shapes responses that are meaningful to us and that help us help our internal clients handle difficult messages.
Mary Dohner Smith is an amazing attorney and is wonderful to work with.
Provided by Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
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