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Biography
Tom Shumate has spent more than twenty-five years helping individuals and businesses in Nashville navigate complex civil disputes, bringing both seasoned litigation skill and a client-centric approach to every matter he handles. Particularly known for his work in business and employment litigation and non-compete disputes, Tom pairs deep legal knowledge with a modern, client-first philosophy.
Driven by the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, Tom goes to the greatest lengths for his clients. He analyzes their legal issues and provides honest, objective feedback about the risks and benefits of their options and the most cost-effective way to address their needs.
Tom developed his litigation expertise at mid-sized law firms in Nashville, gaining extensive experience in business litigation, employment disputes, insurance defense, and unfair competition. Over the years, he has built a distinguished reputation, particularly in handling non-competition agreements, trade secret matters, and business tort disputes. His practice encompasses business, contract, and employment litigation; disputes involving restrictive covenants and theft of trade secrets; insurance defense; and personal injury and wrongful death actions.
In 2014, Tom founded Meridian Law, PLLC, where he spent over a decade sharpening not only his litigation skills but also his ability to run a client-centered practice from the ground up. Building and leading a firm that grew to serve thousands of clients gave Tom a perspective that few litigators have—he understands the pressures business owners face because he has lived them, and that firsthand experience makes him a more effective counselor and advocate. On December 1, 2025, Tom’s team at Meridian Law joined Thompson Burton, a natural next step that pairs his entrepreneurial drive and client-first philosophy with a larger platform offering broader resources and deeper bench strength across more than twenty practice areas. The combination allows Tom to offer his clients access to a wider range of legal services while continuing to provide the personalized attention and responsive service they have come to expect.
He is a frequent lecturer and author on topics such as covenants not to compete, legal ethics, law practice management, legal marketing, and technology. For years he authored of one of Tennessee’s first legal blogs, which focused on Tennessee non-compete law and related issues. His article, Game Over or Game On? The Future of Noncompetes, was published in Volume 60 of the Tennessee Bar Journal in July/August 2024.
Education
Tom graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 1995 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1998. He has practiced in Nashville, Tennessee, since that time. In 2023, Tom completed the Vanderbilt Executive Education Leadership Coaching program.
Experience
Court Admissions and Certifications
• Tennessee Supreme Court
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
• United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
• Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• United States Supreme Court
• Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator
Awards & Recognition
Tom has earned widespread recognition throughout his career for his professional accomplishments. He has been included in the 2024–2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, and in 2026, he was also recognized for Business Organizations. He has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers Magazine annually from 2020 through 2025, including recognition as a Top 100 Lawyer in Tennessee and a Top 50 Lawyer in Nashville in 2024–2025. Earlier in his career, he was selected as a "Rising Star" by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers. Tom holds the prestigious "AV Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a perfect 10.0 rating from Avvo.com, and has been recognized as a 2023–2024 Client Champion with Platinum Distinction by Martindale-Hubbell.
Tom is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the Nashville Bar Association. He is a certified Legal Process Improvement Professional (LPIP) and an Eagle Scout.
Insights
Professional Affiliations
Tom is actively involved in the legal profession through his memberships in the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Nashville Bar Association, and the Williamson County Bar Association. He serves as a Master of the Bench in the Belmont Inn of Court for 2024–2026 and is a former member of the Harry Phillips Inn of Court. Tom is a member of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association and the Defense Research Institute. He is a two-time Chair and current Executive Committee member of the Law Office Technology and Management Section of the Tennessee Bar Association. He previously served on the Editorial Board of Law Practice Today and Law Practice magazine, publications of the ABA's Law Practice Management Section. He is a member of the 2016 Class of the Tennessee Bar Association's Leadership Law (TBALL) and a member of the Notre Dame Legal Association.
Community Involvement
Tom is deeply committed to community service. He was selected as a member of the 2023 Cohort of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Connect Program. He served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tennessee from 2007 to 2020, during which time he co-founded the annual "Lawyers for Littles" Bowl for Kids' Sake event, raising more than $140,000 for the agency. He continues to serve on the Bowl for Kids’ Sake Committee and to host a table at the Agency’s annual fundraising events.
Tom currently serves on the Parents Council of Centre College. He is a Past Board Chair and member of the Father Ryan High School Alumni Board and a Past Chair and Board Member of the School Board of Christ the King School. He previously served on the Strategic Planning Committee of Saint Matthew School, as Cubmaster of Pack 45 at Christ the King Church, and as Legal Counsel for the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he received the Spotlight Award in 2001. He is a member of the inaugural class of Nashville Emerging Leaders and the 2007 Class of Young Leaders Council.
Personal Interests
Beyond his legal practice, Tom values quality time with his family and enjoys attending his children's games and events, including his son’s lacrosse games at Centre College and his daughter’s bowling matches where she is a member of the Franklin Bowling Team. He takes every opportunity to be outdoors, whether tending to his yard or tackling one of Tennessee's "Top 100 Hikes." A well-known book enthusiast, his friends often joke about how many books he is reading at any given time. Tom also enjoys exploring the trails at Warner Parks, searching for Nashville's best burger (Husk remains a top contender), collecting bourbon, and supporting Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Centre, and Ole Miss athletics. His adventurous spirit continues to drive him, with aspirations of completing the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while his knees are still cooperating.
Tom Shumate
Tom Shumate
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