Overview

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Kendra Samson is a Partner in the Firm’s Nashville office and a member of the Labor and Employment practice group. Ms. Samson advises clients on how to avoid costly litigation, with a practice focused on employment law and commercial litigation. She believes the most effective legal counsel begins with building strong relationships—taking the time to understand a client’s business, their people, and their unique challenges. By investing in that knowledge, Ms. Samson is able to craft practical, business-focused strategies that aim to resolve problems early, minimize risk, and keep clients positioned for success. When conflicts cannot be resolved amicably, Ms. Samson draws on decades of litigation experience to zealously represent clients in Federal and State courts at both the trial and appellate levels.  She is also well-versed in arbitration and mediation.

Ms. Samson has extensive experience counseling businesses on workplace policies, compliance, and employee relations. She understands that legal issues are rarely just legal—they often involve business realities, operational priorities, and human dynamics. Ms. Samson understands the importance of relationships and takes pride in serving as an extension of her clients’ Human Resources and Leadership teams, providing practical, business-minded guidance that aligns with organizational goals. When litigation cannot be avoided, Ms. Samson brings deep experience in defending complex matters with a focus on achieving efficient and effective resolutions.

As a core member of the Executive Committee at her previous firm, Ms. Samson gained valuable insight into the challenges employers face from a leadership perspective. She knows firsthand the pressures of making sound decisions that balance legal obligations, company culture, and business strategy. This perspective allows her to partner with clients not just as their attorney, but as a trusted adviser invested in their long-term success.

Ms. Samson also has a passion for teaching and mentoring young lawyers, guiding them in both the practice of law and the art of building lasting client relationships. She believes mentorship is critical to strengthening the legal profession and ensuring clients have access to skilled, engaged advocates for generations to come.

  • Defended University In Title IX Case: Member of team defending state flagship university in multi-plaintiff Title IX lawsuit involving athletic department.*
  • Advised Employer Regarding Fraud Investigation: Member of team advising large private employer on employment issues related to multi-jurisdictional fraud investigation.*
  • Defended Health Care Clinic In Harassment Case: Defended health care clinic and physician owner in sexual harassment case that threatened the clinic’s continued existence.*
  • Defended Client In Whistleblower Retaliation Suit: Successfully defended auto collision repair chain in whistleblower retaliation case.*
  • Provided Employee Classification Services: Performed company-wide FLSA employee classification audit and reclassification.*
  • Defended home health care company in multiple wage and hour class actions.
    *Matter from a previous firm

Admissions

  • Tennessee
  • Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Education

  • University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., Order of the Coif
  • Marshall University, M.A. in Communication Studies, magna cum laude
  • Marshall University, B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude

  • Best Lawyers in America, 2022 to present – Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • Tennessee Bar Association, Member
  • Nashville Bar Association, Member
  • Kentucky Bar Association, Member

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