Founder & managing member | Business and employment litigation
Thomas W. Shumate IV
About Thomas W. Shumate IV
Tom helps Tennessee businesses, owners, and professionals make difficult decisions when an agreement or relationship breaks down. His work centers on noncompetition and non solicitation agreements, employee departures, severance and employment agreements, contract disputes, trade secrets, unfair competition, and other commercial litigation. He advises clients on the risks and options before a dispute becomes a lawsuit, and represents them in court when litigation is the right course. His practice has included disputes over contracts, restrictive covenants, confidential information and business torts, as well as employment litigation and civil defense matters. On a new engagement, Tom looks for an early, candid assessment rather than reflexive escalation.
Tom has practiced in Nashville since 1998 and developed his litigation practice at midsize firms before founding Meridian Law in 2014. Building a law firm gave him firsthand experience with the responsibilities his business clients carry: hiring and keeping good people, managing costs, protecting relationships, and making consequential decisions with incomplete information.
Tom has written and spoken frequently about noncompete agreements and the changing practice of law. He also speaks on litigation, legal ethics, technology, and law practice management. As an adjunct professor in Belmont University’s business school, he teaches “Leadership, Ethics, and Managing Social Responsibility,” bringing questions about judgment, accountability, and organization decision-making into the classroom.
A Vanderbilt honors graduate in 1995, Tom earned his JD from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1998 and returned to middle Tennessee to focus on helping clients and the community. When he is not working, Tom has enjoyed giving back by serving on a number of non-profit boards and participating in a variety of community service activities. He is an avid reader, enjoys hiking, and spending time with his family.
Awards
- Included in the 2024-2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation (and Business Organizations for 2026 & 2027)
- Recognized as a “Superlawyer” by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers Magazine in 2020 - 2026
- Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee in 2024-26 by Super Lawyers Magazine
- Recognized as a Top 50 Lawyer in Nashville in 2024-26 by Super Lawyers Magazine
- Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
- Fellow of Nashville Bar Association
- 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
- Recognized as a “Rising Star” by the Mid-South Edition of Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2013
- Legal Process Improvement Professional (LPIP) certified
- Vanderbilt Executive Education Leadership Coaching Graduate- 2023
- Eagle Scout
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
- Member of 2007 Class of Young Leaders Council
Contact Thomas
Use the form below to contact us for more information. To better serve you, please leave a brief description of how we may be able to assist you. For faster service, you may also email or call. Please do not send any confidential or privileged information over the internet or until we request it.
Thank you!