A periodic Q & A session with a Lewis Thomason (LT) lawyer
Lewis Thomason: How have your goals changed over time?
Mary Beth White: My goals have drastically changed over time. When I think about my goals when I was younger, my goal, and only goal, was to play basketball in an orange and white uniform for Pat Head Summitt at the University of Tennessee. As I entered high school and stopped growing, I realized that goal would never be reached. As I entered college and started my basketball career with Union University, my goal was to win a National Championship and become an All-American. After suffering through three ACL surgeries, my goal of becoming an All-American was a mere hope and we fell one game short of winning a National Championship. Needless to say, my goals when younger were centered on winning and being the best in whatever competition I competed. While I am still super competitive (you can ask anyone to verify and they will), I have realized that winning is not everything. My goals have changed. My goals in life now center on giving a 100% effort in everything I do and being the best that I can be. Over the last few years, I have also realized that relationships with people are very important and my goals in life now focus on making sure my close friends and family know how much I love them and appreciate them.
Lewis Thomason: What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville?
Mary Beth White: I really enjoy going to Radnor Lake on a beautiful day. When I have out-of-town friends in town, I have to take them to lower Broadway, and specifically Robert’s for some of the best music.
Lewis Thomason: Describe your most memorable moment in a deposition or trial.
Mary Beth White: After winning my first jury trial, which was an appeal from general sessions court and only took one day to try, the client told me, “The first girl I ever kissed was a red head and y ’all had me hooked ever since.” As my face turned super red, I politely said “Okay”, and walked to my car and drove away. I have not seen him since.
Lewis Thomason: My biggest “pet peeve” is___.
Mary Beth White: Leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
Lewis Thomason: What’s the last concert you went to?
Mary Beth White: Tedeschi Truck Band at the Ryman.
Lewis Thomason: What is something that is popular now that annoys you?
Mary Beth White: The constant use of Facebook and other social media to post every minute updates.
Lewis Thomason: What is one of the most memorable moments in your life so far?
Mary Beth White: My wedding day – November 15, 2014.
Lewis Thomason: What book is on your bedside table (or on your e-reader)?
Mary Beth White: Dead Wake.
Lewis Thomason: What is the best place you have ever visited?
Mary Beth White: Italy – Rome, Greve in Chianti and Venice.
Lewis Thomason: What’s the first thing you do after work?
Mary Beth White: When I get home, I immediately put on my stretchy pants and a sweatshirt.
Mary Beth White, a shareholder in the firm’s Nashville office, concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, with an emphasis on commercial transportation. She has successfully represented her clients at all levels of the court system in both state court and federal court and has successfully defended a number of large motor carriers and drivers in state and federal court. A member of the Commercial Transportation Group, Ms. White helped implement the firm’s rapid response program that is currently used by many of the firm’s clients. With regard to her franchise litigation work, she advises and represents clients at all levels of litigation