Paige Bernick

Lewis Thomason shareholder Paige Bernick recently spoke as part of the Nashville Bar Association’s Sister Cities delegation exchange with Caen, France, presenting on Tennessee civil court procedure and mediation.  Paige shared insights into how civil matters move through Tennessee courts, as well as the role mediation plays in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively. Her presentation was part of a broader … Read More

Michael Goode

Lewis Thomason attorney Michael Goode recently presented “From Tee Box to Tax Trap: Estate Planning Hazards for Tennessee Attorneys,” a practical look at the federal tax issues that can arise in even routine Tennessee estate planning.  Although Tennessee has no estate or inheritance tax, Michael discussed why that does not necessarily mean an estate plan is tax-free. His presentation addressed … Read More

Heidi Barcus

Lewis Thomason shareholder Heidi Barcus continued to demonstrate her thought leadership in litigation and professional education through two recent speaking engagements.  On August 26, Heidi presented at the 2026 Jail Summit, where she discussed deposition preparation and best practices, offering practical guidance on how witnesses and organizations can prepare effectively for the deposition process.  The following day, on August 27, … Read More

Janet Hayes and Marshall Stair

Lewis Thomason shareholders Janet Hayes and Marshall Stair were pleased to share their experience with attendees at the 2026 UT-Battelle Labor & Employment Training, hosted by the UT-Battelle Office of General Counsel at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Janet presented “Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace,” discussing the evolving role of AI and the employment law considerations employers should keep in mind … Read More

How to Get Paid in Construction – and How to Avoid Not Getting Paid

By: Preston Hawkins Getting the job is only the first step in a successful construction project. Getting paid for the work is just as important. Payment disputes are common in the construction industry, but some problems can be avoided long before an invoice becomes overdue. For contractors and subcontractors working in Tennessee, three areas deserve particular attention: the contract, contractor … Read More

Construction Law Seminar

On August 21, Lewis Thomason’s Construction Practice Group hosted The Blueprint of Change: Navigating Recent Construction Trends, a construction law seminar focused on some of the key legal and business issues facing the construction industry today. Our attorneys shared practical insights on a wide range of topics, including: Thank you to everyone who joined us for the seminar and to … Read More

If Everyone Else is Using AI to Design a Bridge, Should You Do It Too? Ethical AI Use in Structural Engineering

By: Jeff Smith Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into professional practice, and structural engineering is no exception. AI tools can help engineers analyze large amounts of data, monitor infrastructure, optimize designs, identify patterns, and improve efficiency. But as the technology becomes more capable, it also raises an important question: How can structural engineers use AI without compromising their professional … Read More

Jeff Smith

Lewis Thomason shareholder Jeff Smith recently presented at the Tennessee Structural Engineers Association (TNSEA) West Region 2026 Annual Seminar in Memphis.  Jeff’s presentation, “If Everyone Else is Using AI to Design a Bridge, Should You Do It Too? An Examination of Responsible AI Use in Structural Engineering,” examined the ethical considerations surrounding the growing use of artificial intelligence in structural … Read More

Mary Beth White

Mary Beth White recently presented at the American College of Transportation Attorneys (ACTA) Annual Motor Carrier Industry Meeting, a gathering of some of the nation’s most experienced transportation defense attorneys. ACTA is a select organization comprised of seasoned transportation defense lawyers who serve as a trusted legal resource to the trucking industry.  Presenting before a group of respected transportation practitioners … Read More