Thomas W. Shumate iv

Founder & Managing member

In the summer of 2014, during a dinner with friends, Tom shared his vision of establishing a modern law firm—one that prioritizes clients, leverages technology, and employs innovative business practices to enhance efficiency. A firm that consistently delivers exceptional results while fostering a dynamic “work hard, play hard” culture. Their response was simple: “Then create it!” Never one to back down from a challenge, Tom took their advice.

That same year, he founded Meridian Law, PLLC, with the goal of becoming the most client-focused law firm in Tennessee. Since its inception, Meridian has grown to a team of over eleven professionals and has successfully served more than a thousand clients. While Tom attributes much of the firm’s success to his dedicated team, his leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping its reputation. He approaches each legal matter with integrity, providing clients with honest, strategic counsel while prioritizing cost-effective solutions.

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.

Beyond his legal practice, Tom values quality time with his family, outdoor adventures, and reading. He never misses his children’s games and events and takes every opportunity to be outside, whether tending to his yard or tackling one of Tennessee’s “Top 100 Hikes.” A well-known book enthusiast, his colleagues often joke about how many books he’s 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, and Centre athletics. His adventurous spirit continues to drive him, with aspirations of completing the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Activities & Affiliations

  • Author of blog on Tennessee non-compete law and related issues (www.tennesseenoncompetelaw.com)

  • Active guest speaker and author on topics such as covenants not to compete, legal ethics, legal marketing, and technology

  • American Bar Association

  • Tennessee State Bar Association

  • Nashville Bar Association

  • Williamson County Bar Association

  • Belmont Inn of Court mentor program

  • Member, Parents Council of Centre College, 2023 - present

  • Two-time Chair and current Executive Committee member of the Law Office Technology and Management Section of the TBA

  • 2023 Cohort Member, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Connect Program

  • Former Editorial Board Member of the Law Practice Today webzine and the Law Practice magazine, which are published by the ABA’s Law Practice Management Section Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Connect - 2023 Cohort

  • Former Member, Strategic planning committee of Saint Matthew School

  • Notre Dame Legal Association (1998-present)

  • Two-time Chair of the Law Office Technology and Management Section of the TBA

  • Past Chair and Board Member, Christ the King School

  • Former Member, Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of TN, 2007-2020

    • Co-founded and raised more than $140,000 for the agency through the annual “Lawyers for Littles” Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

  • Former Board Chair and Member of the Father Ryan High School Alumni Board

  • Former Cubmaster of Pack 45 at Christ the King Church

  • Member of 2016 Class of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law (TBALL)

  • Member of inaugural class of Nashville Emerging Leaders

  • Former Legal Counsel of the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce (NAJCC)

    • Spotlight Award Winner 2001

  • Notre Dame Legal Association (1998-present)

  • Member of 2007 Class of Young Leaders Council

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee

Court Admissions

  • Tennessee Supreme Court

  • United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

  • United States Supreme Court

Awards

  • Included in the 2024-2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation

  • Recognized as a “Superlawyer” by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers Magazine in 2020 - 2024

    • Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee in 2024 by Super Lawyers Magazine

    • Recognized as a Top 50 Lawyer in Nashville in 2024 by Super Lawyers Magazine

  • Recognized as a “Rising Star” by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2013

  • Received “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale Hubbell

  • Recognized as a Top Rated Lawyer 2024 by Martindale-Avvo

  • Perfect 10 rating by Avvo.com

  • Recognized as America's Most Honored Lawyers 2024 - Top 1% by the American Registry

  • Recognized as Top Attorneys in America Recognized for Excellence 2023-2024 by Showmark

  • Recognized as 2023-2024 Client Champion, Platinum Distinction, by Martindale-Hubbell

  • Recognized as a Top Attorney in Nashville in 2018-2024 by Nashville Lifestyles

  • Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in 2021 by MyNashville Magazine

  • Recognized as a Top Attorney in The Mid South 2023 by the American Registry

  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

  • Fellow of Nashville Bar Association

  • Legal Process Improvement Professional (LPIP) certified

  • Vanderbilt Executive Education Leadership Coaching Graduate- 2023

  • Eagle Scout

Education

Vanderbilt University, BA

University of Notre Dame, JD