The Blackburn Firm, PLLC

When I was a kid in East Tennessee, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I made that dream come true after finishing law school at Vanderbilt University in 1972. In my career as a lawyer, I’ve always focused on getting ready for and dealing with lawsuits. I also make sure to provide comfort, reassurance, and help during tough times for my clients. My approach comes from many different experiences.

I’m from an eighth-generation Tennessean family. I got a degree in history from the University of Tennessee in 1969, and I still love reading history the most. I’ve had different jobs, like being an Assistant United States Attorney and working for a law firm in Louisville. In 1989, I started my own law firm.

For about 20 years, my main work was in insurance defense. I also dealt with civil rights claims and won a big case against the old Third National Bank. I was honored to represent the Owner Operator Independent Driver’s Association in Tennessee and win a case in the United States District Court that played a role in the Tennessee Public Service Commission’s end.

I’ve been part of the Nashville Bar Association and served on the board and as president of Legal Services of Nashville. I’ve received awards that lawyers my age usually get, like Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. But what makes me proudest is joining the American Board of Trial Advocates in 1997. I was the chapter president in 2007 and still take part in this great group. It’s all about being fair and keeping the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Nowadays, a big part of my work is in business lawsuits and employment law. With my partners, we got the largest gender and age discrimination verdict in the Davidson County Chancery Court at the time. I also find joy in representing police officers.

I make sure to act professionally in every case. Being a lawyer for 45 years is the biggest honor and privilege of my life.