Tennessee is the home of numerous world renowned distilleries and many of them turn to Bone McAllester Norton for legal guidance.

Recently opened by The Tennessee Distillers Guild, a membership organization consisting of Tennessee distilleries, the Tennessee Whisky Trail consists of a 25-stop distillery tour across the state of Tennessee. Of those 25 stops, 19 turn to Bone McAllester Norton’s alcohol beverage team for their legal needs and advice.

• Bootleggers Distillery - http://www.bootleggerswhiskey.com
• Chattanooga Whiskey Co - http://chattanoogawhiskey.com
• Cocke County Moonshine Distillery - https://www.cockecountymoonshinedistillery.com
• Corsair Distillery - http://www.corsairdistillery.com
• George Dickel Distillery - https://www.georgedickel.com
• H Clark Distillery - http://hclarkdistillery.com
• Jug Creek Distillery - https://www.jugcreekdistillery.com
• Leiper’s Fork Distillery - http://leipersforkdistillery.com
• Nashville Craft Distillery - http://www.nashvillecraft.com
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery - http://www.greenbrierdistillery.com
• Old Forge Distillery - https://oldforgedistillery.com
• Old Glory Distilling Co. - http://oldglorydistilling.com
• Ole Smoky Distillery - http://olesmoky.com
• Short Mountain Distillery - http://www.shortmountaindistillery.com
• Sugarlands Distilling Co. - http://www.sugarlandsdistilling.com
• Tennessee Legend Distillery - http://www.tennesseelegend.com
• TennSouth Distillery - http://www.tennsouthdistillery.com

Bonelaw’s premier team of Will Cheek, Rob Pinson and Tayo Atanda lead the industry in all areas of alcohol beverage law in Tennessee.

To read more about how to map your visits across the Tennessee Whiskey Trail follow this link - http://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com.

Congratulations to BoneLaw’s Anne C. Martin for being ranked in the 2017 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, published by Chambers & Partners.

Anne Martin Attorney, Bone LawAnne was recognized for her work in the area of labor and employment law. Noted by Chambers as a “highly respected employment lawyer in Tennessee," Anne has been widely published in the areas of employment law as it relates to matters including discharge, disability leave, discrimination, harassment and non-compete agreements.

Each year, Chambers USA ranks law firms and individual lawyers based on different qualities most valued by clients, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment. Chambers' research team conducts thousands of interviews with lawyers and clients throughout the year to create a basis for their ranks. More information is available on the Chambers website.

We are honored to share that three of our attorneys have been selected to Nashville’s Best of the Bar list, published by the Nashville Business Journal.

The publication took nominations from the public for two months. Eligible nominees then participated in private voting, allowing the nominees to vote on each other. This process is designed to find out which nominees truly are the best of the bar, according to their peers. Our own Best of the Bar lawyers are:

• Banking & Finance/Corporate & Securities - Trace Blankenship
• Media/Entertainment/Hospitality  -  Will Cheek
• Labor & Employment  - Anne C. Martin

Trace Blankenship Attorney, Bone Law

Will Cheek Attorney, Bone Law

Anne Martin Attorney, Bone Law
Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Alcoholic Beverage Law
• Banking and Financial Services
• Entertainment Law
• Labor and Employment Law

On May 19th BoneLaw attorney, Stephen Zralek, will participate in the Tennessee Bar Association’s 2017 Entertainment & Sports Forum. Zralek is among a distinguished group of speakers for an afternoon discussion of some of the most cutting edge legal issues in the music and entertainment industry today.

Stephen Zralek; Bone McAllester NortonZralek will take a fresh look at two active cases pending before the United States Supreme Court, Lee v. Tam, the trademark case involving the constitutionality of the disparagement clause under Section 2(a) of the Lanham Act, and Star Athletica, LLC v. Varsity Brands, Inc., the copyright infringement case involving whether certain designs on cheerleading uniforms are eligible for copyright protection, and discuss the far-reaching implications that the Court’s holding in both cases could have on the entertainment industry.

This panel will also briefly explore the constantly-shifting topic of copyright fair use and whether, and to what extent, Supreme Court review might provide much-needed guidance on this murky area of the law. This panel will highlight the recent Sixth and Ninth Circuit split involving sound recording sampling and discuss the likelihood of Supreme Court review and potential outcomes in light of the current state and composition of the Court.

To find out more on the event and to register to attend, please click this link.

Many of our clients will be happy to know that Tennessee’s Business Court is back in business as of May 1, 2017, after the Tennessee Supreme Court lifted an embargo on the filing of new cases. Clients with sophisticated business disputes and intellectual property disputes based in Tennessee can once again avail themselves of a forum whose primary function is dedicated to resolving complex cases.

Officially, the Tennessee Business Court is just a “Pilot Project,” but most attorneys and clients hope it is here to stay. (Tennessee is one of 28 states with a dedicated Business Court). Phase 1 was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court in March 2015 and was set to expire in December 2017, but it was so popular that an embargo had to be imposed earlier than that to give the presiding judge, Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle, some relief. Over 90 business cases were transferred to the Business Court prior to the embargo.

Phase 1 of the Business Court was celebrated by attorneys (and judges) across the state as a huge success. It unclogged the dockets of other courts in the state. And while many courts in Tennessee function at a high caliber, Phase 1 of the Business Court gave clients access to a tribunal where judicial involvement was specifically tailored to the demands of each case, and where the presiding judge operated at the highest levels of competence, flexibility and efficiency.

Although Phase 2 of the Business Court is still in its infancy, here are five takeaways from what we know already:

1. To qualify now, a party must seek at least $250,000 in damages, compared with $50,000 under Phase 1. (If the case seeks primarily injunctive or declaratory relief, it may still qualify even if it doesn’t seek damages of that amount.)

2. If your case involves any of the following claims, it no longer automatically qualifies for transfer unless your lawyer can persuade Chancellor Lyle and the Chief Justice how those claims present “sufficiently complex commercial issues that would have significant implications for the larger business community”: breach of contract; fraud; misrepresentation; shareholder derivative actions; real property disputes; claims between business entities/owners as to their business or relationship; construction disputes; and violations of non-compete, non-solicitation or confidentiality agreements.

3. Unlike previously, cases involving trademark law now are explicitly included as qualifying for transfer, assuming the other criteria are met.

4. Where you previously had 60 days from service of the complaint to seek a transfer, you now have only 30 days.

5. Finally, as our firm has learned through experience, even if your case otherwise qualifies for transfer to the Business Court, the Supreme Court will refuse to transfer it if the complaint was filed prior to May 1, 2017. This means, unfortunately, that some clients will miss out on the opportunity for specialized resolution of their dispute in Tennessee’s Business Court.

Bonus! To read the Court’s “Guide to the Business Court” or examine past Business Court decisions, click here. If you believe your case could use a proactive approach from a hands-on judge who sets meaningful deadlines and who adapts procedures to meet the needs of your case for a customized outcome, we would be happy to discuss your case with you and see if it might qualify.

Alex Little Attorney - Bone McAllester Norton

Bone McAllester Norton attorneys Alex Little and James A. Crumlin have filed suit in federal court in Nashville today on behalf of a crime victim as part of the firm’s victims’ representation practice. As reflected in the complaint linked below, the firm’s client was the victim of a brutal assault that involved two current members of the Tennessee Titans football team, Tajae Sharpe and Sebastian Tretola. As the complaint details, the victim was viciously assaulted and left unconscious in an alley; a bystander found him and called for medical help. The assault occurred on the evening of the First Round of the 2017 NFL Draft, after the Titans selected a wide receiver, and stemmed from Sharpe’s violent reaction to the victim’s suggestion that he would lose playing time. After the beating, the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained unconscious from more than 12 James A. Crumlin, Jr. Attorney - Bone McAllester Nortonhours. He suffered extensive injuries including, but not limited to, broken bones in his face, massive facial bruising, and a perforated eardrum. The suit seeks to collect damages for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as current and potential future lost wages. A copy of the complaint and photos of some of the victim’s injuries can be found at this link.

Alex Little stated, “This case is not about the Tennessee Titans or the NFL. It’s about two individuals who, for no good reason, seriously injuring an innocent victim. We are seeking to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.”

Congratulations to Bonelaw client Zycron, an information technology service firm, on its recent sale to Texas based BG Staffing Inc. The inclusion of the Zycron offices headquartered in Nashville with branches in Memphis and Chattanooga, gives BG Staffing which is based in Plano, TX 56 offices covering 25 states. Zycron began with one-employee in 1991 and grew to $38 million in revenues in 2016. The Bonelaw team of James Crumlin, Charles Robert Bone and Andrea Perry were an integral part of the completion of the deal.

Read more about the sale and the entrepreneurial success story of Zycron.

James Crumlin 

Charles Robert Bone 

Andrea Perry Attorney Bone McAllester Norton

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Administrative Law
• Banking and Financial Services
• Business and Corporate Law
• Entrepreneurial and Emerging Business Law

Bone McAllester Norton client Sherry Smith’s story of her fight for justice for the death of her daughter Lauren Agee was the focus of a recent profile on 20/20, a news magazine which airs on ABC. Sherry’s story begins in July 2015 when her daughter Lauren Agee, 21 of Hendersonville, was found dead in Center Hill Lake. She had been camping with friends during Wakefest weekend. But then she allegedly goes missing during the night and her body is found floating late in the afternoon the next day. Her friends never reported her missing or called Lauren's family. Continued inconsistencies in the stories from those with Lauren prior to her disappearance along with their unwillingness to cooperate with investigating authorities, lead Lauren’s mom Sherry Smith to begin a yearlong independent investigation with the help of private investigator Sheila Wysocki who specializes in cold cases. In July 2016 Bonelaw’s Alex Little, on behalf of Sherry Smith, filed a $10 million dollar wrongful death the lawsuit against the individuals at the camp site claiming that her daughter was killed through the intentional, negligent, or reckless acts of the defendants. The case is still in progress led by Alex Little, along with Mandy Strickland Floyd.

Watch the 20/20 episode here.

Alex Little - Bone Law 

Mandy Strickland Floyd

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Victims’ Rights and Privacy Law
• Appellate Law
• Criminal Defense and Government Investigations
• Personal Injury Law

Attorney Mandy Strickland Floyd

Congratulations to Bonelaw's Mandy Strickland Floyd for her nomination as a 2017 ATHENA Young Professional Leader! This international award recognizes emerging women leaders across professional sectors for exemplary leadership. It actively supports and celebrates the ATHENA mission of supporting, developing and honoring women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential, and helping to create balance in leadership worldwide. It honors women between the ages of 25 and 40 who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and serve as a role model for young women.

Prior to joining Bone McAllester Norton, Mandy served as the senior judicial law clerk to the Honorable Richard H. Dinkins of the Tennessee Court of Appeals. While at the firm, she has devoted substantial work to appellate cases focusing in the areas of victims’ rights and labor and employment law. Very committed to serving others, Mandy's pro bono efforts were recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court naming her as an Attorney for Justice.

In the community, Mandy is known for leading and volunteering for organizations that focus on combatting racism and providing a voice to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Mandy is active in the Lawyer’s Association for Women serving on their Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Newsletter Editor and as Treasurer. In addition she serves as a member of the Napier-Looby Bar Association (NLBA) student outreach committee and the Co-Chair of the NLBA Boys and Girls Law Camp, which organized a two day camp for middle school aged students. The Law Camp introduced these young students to the practice of law and culminated in an oral advocacy competition.

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Labor and Employment Law
• Victims' Rights and Privacy Law
• Appellate Law

Raquel L. Bellamy, Immigration and Naturalization Attorney

Unauthorized immigration is a hot topic these days. No matter what side of the debate you embrace, the fact remains that undocumented immigrants make up about five percent (5%) of the U.S. civilian labor force as reported by the Pew Research Center: Size of U.S. Unauthorized Immigrant Workforce Stable After the Great Recession.

Many employers receive falsified identity documents from unauthorized immigrants unable to qualify for work authorization, and thus unknowingly employ undocumented workers. Other employers intentionally hire undocumented immigrants to gain a competitive advantage by offering lower pay and fewer protections. In the most egregious scenarios, employers falsify records and participate in labor trafficking by recruiting and smuggling workers from abroad (a big no no!).

Regardless of the scenario, U.S. employers are scrambling to assess the consequences of heightened immigration enforcement priorities. Will employees leave en masse? What are employers' rights and responsibilities in the event of a workplace raid? These and other questions are plaguing employers across the U.S.

The latest immigration executive order has deputized state and local law enforcement authorities as ICE agents. We saw a similar frenzy about a decade ago when officers relied on "287(g) agreements" which permitted coordinated efforts between police and ICE officials. To put it mildly, the result was a complete mess.

As history is the best instructor, I have taken the lessons of the past to create the top five immigration tips for employers:

1. Anticipate increased auditing of records to verify I-9 compliance. Locate and organize your records to avoid costly delays. You should have a completed I-9 for each employee.

2. Prepare for the inevitable by conducting an internal audit, which will help you identify any I-9 compliance issues.

3. Consult a competent employment attorney regarding any potential liability for violations of I-9 regulations.

4. Train front office staff (receptionists, hostesses, etc.) on how to approach law enforcement officials who enter the premises to inquire about immigration violations. Know your rights to limit access of law enforcement officers.

5. Avoid discrimination based on national origin against potential employees. During the interview phase, limit your inquiry to whether the applicant is authorized to work in the United States and whether the applicant will require sponsorship to obtain work authorization. If an applicant or a current employee is confused about work authorization, you should encourage him/her to seek independent counsel.

6. I know I said 5, but who doesn't love a bonus? Show compassion for workers who are experiencing personal trauma as a result of the changes in immigration enforcement priorities. Even U.S. citizens may experience a high level of anxiety over the potential impact to their family members and friends. Be mindful of negative interactions between employees. Some of my clients have reported workplace harassment. In one instance, a worker was blackmailed by a co-worker who threatened to call ICE. Employers should be aware of any workplace intimidation and maintain a policy against bullying. Again, regardless of your position on the debate, we are all less safe when pockets of our population are particularly vulnerable.

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Immigration and Naturalization

Raquel L. Bellamy, Immigration and Naturalization Attorney

BoneLaw’s Raquel Bellamy is taking a lead role in producing, “What Immigration Attorneys Are Telling Their Terrified Clients”, a seminar hosted by the Nashville Bar Association on Wednesday, March 1st. Presenter Tricia Herzfeld, partner at Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings, PLLC, will be discussing how to help educate those in the Nashville community about what to do when immigrants are encountered by law enforcement. This lunchtime meeting will include know your rights information, how to identify the need for an immigration lawyer, and how to assist immigrants you know with safety planning—because the best defense is a good offense.

When: Wednesday, March 1, 2017 – 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Where: Nashville Bar Association, 150 4th Avenue, North, Suite 1050

For more information on the seminar please click here

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Immigration and Naturalization

Maria Q. Campbell - Attorney At Law

Bone McAllester Norton PLLC is pleased to announce that Maria Q. Campbell has joined the firm.

Maria is part of the firm’s litigation team focusing her practice in areas including employment, administrative and bankruptcy law. “We’re thrilled to welcome Maria to our Bone McAllester Norton team,” said Chairman Charles W. Bone. “Her diverse skills make her a terrific fit for our broad and vibrant litigation practice.”

Maria received her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2015 and graduated with a B.A, cum laude, from The University of Southern California. Licensed to practice in California and Tennessee, Maria was one of the first to take advantage of Tennessee’s Military Spouse Licensing Law, enacted in early 2016, which grants a Tennessee law license to military spouses who are licensed in another state.

Before joining Bone McAllester Norton, Maria previously worked for firms in the greater Los Angeles region, including DLA Piper and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo.

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Labor and Employment Law
• Administrative Law Practice
• Commercial Lending and Creditors Rights

Anne C. Martin Attorney At Law

Bonelaw attorney, Anne C. Martin, will speak at a seminar hosted and sponsored by Nashville Hospitality Providers on February 27, 2017 at Cabana Nashville. Nashville Hospitality Service Providers is an organization of professional vendors who provide products, services and resources to best serve the Nashville restaurant community.

A frequent speaker on employment law, during this discussion Anne will speak on important issues facing those in the restaurant industry today.

What: "Investing in your Employees" by Deb Wendorf (On Demand HR) and Anne Martin (Bone McAllester Norton PLLC)

When: Monday, February 27th from 2 - 4 p.m.

Where: Cabana Nashville (1910 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212)

For more information and to register, click here.

Please be sure to visit these links:

• Anne C. Martin Bio
• Labor and Employment

Charles Robert Bone - CEO & President Bone McAllester NortonBonelaw’s President and CEO Charles Robert Bone will serve on the local board of directors for Birmingham, Alabama based ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. According to local President Bradford Vieira the grand opening of the new Nashville headquarters located at 1801 West End Avenue, will give the bank over $400 million in local assets with 20 bankers on the ground covering Middle Tennessee. "We waited almost four years to put our board together and that was intentional” Vieira stated. “We waited for the right people. They have a strong commitment to the bank and share the same values that ServisFirst does."

With 22 branches covering five states, ServisFirst is a full-service commercial bank focused on commercial banking, correspondent banking, cash management, private banking and the professional consumer market, emphasizing competitive products, state of the art technology and a focus on quality service.

More information about the Nashville expansion can be found here - ServisFirst Bank Announces Nashville Headquarter.

Learn more about Bone McAllester Norton legal services here:

• Administrative Law
• Banking and Financial Services
• Business and Corporate Law
• Entrepreneurial and Emerging Business Law

Alex Little Attorney - Bone McAllester NortonMajor news sources continue to seek out Bone McAllester Norton attorney Alex Little for his knowledge and opinion on current legal topics. On Sunday, January 29, Little appeared on Fox News to discuss the recent emergency orders issued by federal judges that blocked deportation of airport detainees. Later that day, The Tennessean published an editorial Little wrote, which questioned the silence of Tennessee’s Senators in response to President Trump’s actions. Little, a former federal prosecutor and a member of Bonelaw’s Criminal Defense and Government Investigations practice, noted, “What is apparent is the administration issued this order with very little legal backing behind it and now they are going to have to get in front of a judge and sort of make up as they go what their legal arguments are.” After The Tennessean published Little’s editorial, Senators Alexander and Corker both issued statements about the executive order.

Also you can read The Tennessean article including Sen. Alexander’s and Sen. Corker’s - statements here - The cowardice of Republican partisanship.

Please be sure to checkout these additional legal services areas offered by Bone McAllester Norton:

• Criminal Defense and Government Investigations
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Victims' Rights and Privacy Law
• Appellate Law

Andrea Perry Partner Bone McAllester NortonBoneLaw’s Andrea P. Perry has recently been elected a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, an association of 841 attorneys across the state. Invitations to membership, which is a position of honor, were extended to 31 attorneys this year by the Board of Trustees. The introduction of new Fellows took place in January at the annual Fellows' Dinner in Nashville. The Bar Foundation's purpose is two-fold: to honor attorneys who have distinguished themselves in the profession and to administer a grant making program. That project, known by its acronym “IOLTA” (Interest On Lawyers' Trust Accounts), has awarded grants in excess of $21,000,000 to law-related, public interest projects throughout Tennessee. Andrea, a partner at Bone McAllester for more than 10 years, concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate, commercial lending, general corporate, entertainment and tax-exempt organizations. Andrea joins fellow BoneLaw partners Anne S. Arney, Charles W. Bone, Patricia J. Cottrell, James A. Crumlin, Jr., William J. (Paz) Hayes, III, Anne C. Martin, and Edward M. Yarbrough in receiving this prestigious honor.

Please be sure to visit the following practice areas:

• Real Estate Law
• Entertainment Law
• Banking and Financial Services
• Commercial Lending and Creditors' Rights
• Business and Corporate Law
• Non-Profits and Tax Exempt Entities

Acclaimed leader returns to Nashville to discuss his experiences during the civil rights movement and challenged attendees to continue the push towards peace and justice throughout the world.

Nashville, Tenn. (January 17, 2017) - Nashville law firm Bone McAllester Norton PLLC recently hosted its 16^th Annual Fellowship Breakfast honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Ambassador Andrew Young serving as keynote speaker. The event has been held annually to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

16th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Fellowship Breakfast

Click Here to see highlights from our 16th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Fellowship Breakfast

A colleague and friend of Dr. King’s, Ambassador Young chairs the Andrew Young Foundation, is a former two-term mayor of Atlanta, Georgia Congressman, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is a global statesman, and lifelong advocate of building collaborative partnerships across socioeconomic lines and using public policy to transform societies for the greater good.

“Nashville is a leading city, where I learned from the non-violent teachings of people here – citizens and students during the civil rights movement,” said Young. “It is wonderful to be back in Music City again to celebrate and honor my friend Dr. King, as well as discuss our country’s current political landscape.  We must be hopeful for our incoming administration, reach out to people who have opposing views and work together to heal our country.”

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, welcomed Young during the program which also featured performances by The McCrary Sisters and Lawrence Thomison whose soulful sounds brought the audience to its feet.

In a post-event meeting, the two mayors had a chance to discuss Nashville, then and now, along with accepting a surprise call to Young from President-elect Donald Trump.

“I appreciated Ambassador Young giving me the opportunity to speak with President-elect Trump, and I intend to continue having an open dialogue with the Trump administration so that I may advocate for federal policies and programs that will keep Nashville moving forward,” said Mayor Megan Barry, the first female Mayor of Nashville. “Our city would not be where it is today without the vision, leadership and desire of people who came together to create a country that adopted tolerance and acceptance.”

Over 600 people attended the event, held at the Music City Center.

“We were honored to have Ambassador Young share his wealth of knowledge in pushing for a just society through his work with Dr. King, building a city or representing our country’s interests at an international level,” said Stacey Garrett Koju, founder and chairman of the board of directors for Bone. “The entire program - from the message to the music – was relevant, meaningful, and appropriate for us in multiple ways.”

Attorney Ed Yarbrough

At the Nashville Bar Association’s Annual Meeting this month, Ed Yarbrough and Andrea Perry each received The President’s Award in recognition of their extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the Nashville Bar Association and to the city and people of Nashville. The award is considered one of the greatest honors given to a member of the Nashville Bar Association. In addition, Stephen Zralek has been elected to serve a four-year term on the NBA’s Board of Directors.

Yarbrough has been a successful trial lawyer in Nashville for more than 40 years. Well known for his past experience as a state and federal prosecutor, Yarbrough now focuses his practice on defending major criminal cases. He also helps clients with government investigations and handles civil litigation for plaintiffs and defendants. A former United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, he is an award-winning lawyer, having been named Lawyer of the Year multiple times by U.S. News Best Lawyers in America, and recognized by the Tennessee Bar Association, Nashville Post and American College of Trial Lawyers for his work.

Attorney Andrea Perry

Perry concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate, commercial lending, general corporate, entertainment and tax-exempt organizations. While an active member of the Nashville Bar since 2000, she has served in various roles including Immediate Past 2nd Vice-President of the NBA and Past Chair of the NBA High School Intern Program. Honors and recognition are nothing new to Perry, having been named to the Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence, Best of the Bar and 40 Under 40 lists, as well as receiving an ATHENA Young Professionals Award from Cable, Nashville’s professional leadership organization for women.

Zralek has been a member of the Nashville Bar since for almost 20 years and has served throughout the years on the IP Committee, Federal Courts Committee and CLE Committee. In addition to his active intellectual property and business litigation practice, Zralek is a member of the 2014-15 class of Leadership Nashville, and has been recognized by U.S. News Best Lawyers in America, as well as Mid-South and Tennessee Super Lawyers. He has also been named the Nashville Business Journal’s Best of the Bar going back to 2006.

Services offered by Bone McAllester Norton:

• Real Estate Law
• Entertainment Law
• Banking and Financial Services
• Commercial Lending and Creditors' Rights
• Business and Corporate Law
• Non-Profits and Tax Exempt Entities
• Intellectual Property Litigation
• Business Litigation
• Criminal Defense and Government Investigations
• Personal Injury Law

Stephen ZralekBone McAllester lawyer Stephen Zralek celebrated a victory with his client Stand for Children on December 8, 2016 after persuading the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance to unanimously dismiss a complaint that had been filed against the organization. After a thorough and detailed examination of the evidence, the Registry concluded that the complaint was based on incorrect assumptions and that the concrete evidence showed no campaign finance violations. This victory allows our client, a non-profit with deep roots going back almost 20 years in Nashville, to get back to its mission of ensuring every child in this city receives a great public education.

To read more about the victory, please visit one of these numerous media outlets:

• Tennessean - Stand for Children Cleared of illegal campaign coordination allegations - Read
  
• Nashville Scene - State Board Dimisses Election Finance Claims Against Stand for Children - Read
  
• WPLN - Tennessee Election Watchdogs Drop Fines Against Stand For Children Campaign - Listen
  
• News Channel 5 - Registry Clears Stand For Children and School Board Candidates - Watch
  
• WSMV News Channel 4 - Stand for Children, 4 ex-candidates, cleared of wrongdoing by campaign finance officials - Watch

For services details please visit:

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Non-Profits & Tax-Exemption

Charles Robert BoneFor a second year, Bonelaw President and CEO Charles Robert Bone was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s Power 100. The list recognizes the Nashville-area leaders who have the greatest impact and influence on the region’s business scene. A board member for the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Bone also continues to serve as general counsel to the Convention Center Authority. Also noted was his recent representation of the investment group that bought the LifeWay Christian Resources’ 15-acre downtown campus. The $125 million transaction was among the largest real estate deals in recent Nashville history.

You can review the full Power 100 list here.

 Professional Areas:

• Banking & Financial Services
• Business & Corporate Law
• Entrepreneurial and Emerging Business Law
• Real Estate