Buchalter Expands Nashville Office with Addition of Nine Attorneys

Buchalter is pleased to announce the addition of nine attorneys to its Nashville office further strengthening the firm’s presence in the Southeast and significantly broadening its labor and employment, litigation, and corporate capabilities. The group joins Buchalter from Barton LLP and represents a meaningful investment in the firm’s long‑term growth in the region.

“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to building depth in key markets where our clients are growing and where sophisticated legal counsel is increasingly critical,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Nashville is an important strategic market for the firm, and the addition of this accomplished team further enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive, business‑focused solutions to clients locally, regionally, and nationally.”

The new attorneys joining Buchalter’s Nashville office include Partners Leslie Goff Sanders, Daniel Crowell, and Kendra Samson, all members of the Labor and Employment Practice Group. They are joined by Stephen Stovall, Senior Counsel in Labor and Employment; Eric Lyons, Senior Counsel in Labor and Employment and Litigation; Ali Fowler, Special Counsel in Labor and Employment; Julie‑Karel Elkin, Of Counsel in Corporate; and Labor and Employment Associates Molli Guinn and Brenton Urick.

Leslie Goff Sanders is now the Southeast Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. She advises employers across a range of labor and employment matters, including day-to-day counseling, litigation, restrictive covenants and trade secrets, and executive compensation. She works with employers on employment policies, training, and workforce issues, and represents companies in state and federal court when disputes arise. Her practice also includes negotiating employment and compensation arrangements for companies and executives, as well as advising on trade secret and non-compete matters.

“We were drawn to Buchalter’s long‑term vision for Nashville and its emphasis on building a durable platform in the region,” Sanders said. “The firm’s commitment to growth, combined with its deep bench and national reach, creates tremendous opportunities for our clients. The firm culture is a great fit for our team and we are glad to be a part of it.”

Daniel Crowell works closely with employers to navigate complex employment issues, maintain compliance with evolving laws, and defend claims in federal, state, and local courts and agencies across the country. His practice spans the full employment lifecycle, including policy development, hiring and termination decisions, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance, restrictive covenants, and employment‑related litigation. Crowell also regularly advises clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and workforce transitions. Prior to practicing law, he served as a Military Policeman in the United States Marine Corps, including a combat deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Buchalter’s collaborative culture, national platform, and clear commitment to Nashville made this an ideal move for our team,” said Crowell. “We are excited to contribute to the continued growth of the Nashville office while offering employers a deeper bench of labor and employment resources paired with practical, business‑oriented advice.”

Kendra Samson focuses on employment law and commercial litigation. Her work includes advising businesses on workplace policies, compliance, and employee relations, as well as handling disputes in federal and state courts, arbitration, and mediation, including matters at the trial and appellate levels. She draws on substantial litigation experience and her prior firm leadership role to address workplace issues in the context of broader business and operational considerations.

“Nashville’s business community continues to expand and evolve, and employers need trusted advisors who understand both the legal landscape and the realities of running a business,” said Samson. “Joining Buchalter allows us to better support clients with the scale, resources, and collaboration of a full‑service firm while maintaining a strong local presence.”

Stephen Stovall is highly skilled in policy development, litigation avoidance, and the defense of employment claims. He is well‑versed in traditional labor matters, frequently assisting clients with labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and union‑related issues. His practice is tailored to each client’s unique goals, with an emphasis on efficient and effective resolution.

The group also expands Buchalter’s litigation and corporate offerings in Nashville. Eric Lyons joins as a member of both the Labor and Employment and Litigation Practice Groups, adding depth to the firm’s dispute resolution capabilities.

Julie‑Karel Elkin advises small and closely held businesses and entrepreneurs, often serving as outside general counsel. Drawing on more than 15 years of trial experience and a background as a former business owner, Elkin provides practical, strategic guidance across corporate governance, compliance, contracting, and risk management.

Ali Fowler combines her years of experience as a litigator and her understanding of how labor and employment issues impact businesses to build strong relationships with clients throughout Tennessee.  .

Associates Molli Guinn and Brenton Urick further strengthen the labor and employment team. Guinn focuses on employment litigation, including wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and restrictive covenant matters. Urick concentrates on wage and hour litigation and counseling and brings a unique perspective shaped by his prior experience as in‑house counsel and in business operations, particularly in the healthcare industry.

“The continued growth of our Nashville office underscores Buchalter’s commitment to becoming deeply rooted in this community,” said Jason Brooks, Office Managing Partner of the Nashville office. “This group brings exceptional talent and enhances our ability to serve clients with broader capabilities and deeper experience as Nashville’s business community continues to expand.”

Buchalter established its Nashville presence in 2022 and has continued to grow the office as part of the firm’s broader national expansion strategy. The new additions join attorneys across real estate, litigation, and corporate practices.

“The growth we are seeing in Nashville is exactly what we envisioned when we made the decision to invest in this market,” Bass added. “We are committed to building a premier office that combines local insight with the resources of a national firm.”

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Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing local, regional, national, and international clients in a multitude of practice areas and their subspecialties, among them: Bank and Finance, Corporate, Health Care, Litigation, Insolvency and Financial Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and Tax and Estate Planning. Buchalter has more than 600 attorneys with offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.