
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis is a well-established law firm with a rich history. Founded in 1902, it has grown to become one of the largest law firms in the Southeast.
The firm has a strong presence in the region, with offices in major cities such as Nashville, Memphis, and Birmingham. Its attorneys are highly respected and have a deep understanding of the local market.
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis offers a wide range of services to its clients, including corporate law, litigation, and financial services.
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About the Firm
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis is Nashville's oldest law firm, founded in 1905. It's been around for over a century!
The firm has more than 280 attorneys with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Ala., and Austin, Texas. They're a significant presence in the region.
Waller has a "stellar" reputation, according to Holland & Knight managing partner Steven Sonberg. This is a testament to the firm's commitment to excellence.
The combined firm, after merging with Holland & Knight, will operate under the Holland & Knight name. This means you'll still get the same level of expertise and service.
With nearly 2,000 attorneys in 35 offices across the U.S. and internationally, Waller clients will gain access to top lawyers in many geographies. This expanded footprint is a huge advantage.
The Nashville offices will remain unchanged after the merger, with no plans for changes to the space or personnel. The 160,000 square feet of office space at 511 Union Street will continue to be home to Waller's Nashville team.
Waller's mission is to identify, design, and implement solutions that benefit clients and yield competitive advantages. This focus on client success is at the heart of everything they do.
Practice Areas
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis has a strong presence in healthcare law, with a reputation as one of the top practices in the nation.
Their attorneys are also engaged in various other areas, including corporate law and mergers & acquisitions, where they help clients navigate complex business transactions.
The firm's labor and employment team advises clients on workplace issues, from hiring and firing to compliance with labor laws.
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis is a member of the World Services Group, a global network of independent law, accounting, and investment banking firms.
Rankings and Recognition
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis has received some impressive recognition for being a great place to work. It's ranked #82 on the Best companies to work for in Tennessee list.
The rankings are based on data from government and proprietary sources, including salaries, company financial health, and employee diversity. This data-driven approach ensures that the rankings are unbiased and accurate.
The firm has also been recognized as #10 in Best Professional companies to work for in Tennessee, which is a testament to its commitment to excellence in its field.
Here are some specific rankings for Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis:
- #82 in Best companies to work for in Tennessee
- #10 in Best Professional companies to work for in Tennessee
- #3 in Best Professional companies to work for in Nashville, TN
History and Mergers
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis was founded in 1905, making it Nashville's oldest law firm.
The firm has a long history of excellence, with a stellar reputation and a roster of prestigious national clients.
Waller has been ranked as a Top 20 healthcare law firm by Modern Healthcare for nearly two decades, and as a Band 1 firm in Tennessee in nine other practice areas by Chambers USA.
In 2023, Waller merged with Holland & Knight, a global law firm with about 1,700 lawyers and other professionals.
The combined firm will operate under the Holland & Knight name and will have nearly 2,000 attorneys in 35 offices across the U.S. and internationally.
The merger will bring Waller's 280 attorneys and over 400 employees into the Holland & Knight family, with no plans for changes to the Nashville Waller offices.
Waller's clients will benefit from an expanded footprint and broader range of expertise, with access to top lawyers in many geographies they don't currently serve.
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Alumni and Affiliations
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis has a long history of producing talented and influential alumni. Maclin "Mac" Davis, Jr., a partner at the firm, played a key role in the landmark case of Kidd v. McCanless, which led to the reapportionment of seats in the Tennessee legislature.
The firm's alumni have held prominent positions in government, including U.S. Representative Jim Cooper, who has served Tennessee's 5th congressional district since 2003. Cooper's experience in politics is just one example of the many notable careers that have been shaped by the firm's training and mentorship.
Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr., a former partner at the firm, made history as the first African-American attorney and partner at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of lawyers.
The firm's alumni have also excelled in law enforcement, with notable examples including William M. Leech, Jr., the 21st attorney general of the state of Tennessee, and Paul G. Summers, the 25th attorney general of the state of Tennessee.
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Here are some notable alumni and their achievements:
- Maclin "Mac" Davis, Jr.: Partner who helped successfully represent the plaintiffs in Kidd v. McCanless before the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1955.
- Brett Carter: 2010 Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee's 6th congressional district.
- Jim Cooper: U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 5th congressional district since 2003.
- Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr.: First African-American attorney and partner at the firm.
- Alberto Gonzales: 80th United States Attorney General and the highest-ranking Hispanic American in American executive government to date.
- William M. Leech, Jr.: 21st attorney general of the state of Tennessee, United States from 1978 to 1984.
- Mike Stewart: Former partner and member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing the 52nd district since 2009.
- Paul G. Summers: 25th attorney general of the state of Tennessee, United States from 1999 to 2006.
- Justin P. Wilson: Current Tennessee state Comptroller of the Treasury and former deputy governor to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist from 1996 until 2003.
Features and Departments
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis offers a range of services through its Capital Markets department.
Their team provides expert guidance on complex transactions, making them a go-to partner for businesses navigating the market.
In the Companies & People section, you can find news and updates on the firm's clients and partners.
Their feature stories, found in the Feature Story section, offer in-depth looks at industry trends and best practices.
The Hot Property section highlights the latest developments in the real estate market, showcasing innovative projects and trends.
Industry Pulse provides a snapshot of the current state of the industry, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to stay ahead.
Their Inpatient Projects section showcases the firm's expertise in healthcare development, highlighting successful projects and lessons learned.
News & Analysis offers timely updates on industry news and trends, keeping businesses informed and up-to-date.
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Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis's Outpatient Projects section highlights the firm's expertise in outpatient care, showcasing successful projects and innovative solutions.
Their Post-Acute & Senior Living section provides valuable insights and information on this rapidly growing sector.
Product Focus highlights the latest products and technologies in the industry, showcasing innovative solutions and best practices.
The Publisher's Letter section offers a personal perspective from the firm's leadership, providing insight into the firm's vision and goals.
The REIT Report section offers a comprehensive look at the latest developments in the real estate investment trust (REIT) market.
Their Special Report section provides in-depth analysis and insights on specific topics and trends in the industry.
Transactions highlights the firm's expertise in complex transactions, showcasing successful deals and lessons learned.
Diversity
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis has a diverse workforce with 63% of employees being women and 37% being men.
The firm's employee base is predominantly White, making up 66% of the total, while 12% are Black or African American and 11% are Hispanic or Latino.
The average employee at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis makes $74,595 per year, which is a significant aspect of the firm's overall compensation package.
Here's a breakdown of the firm's diversity statistics:
- Women: 63%
- Men: 37%
- White: 66%
- Black or African American: 12%
- Hispanic or Latino: 11%
Features and Departments
The Features and Departments section of a publication is a treasure trove of insightful content.
Capital Markets is one of the key features, providing readers with the latest news and analysis on the stock market. This section is a must-read for anyone interested in investing.
Companies & People is another important feature that highlights the achievements and successes of various companies and their leaders. It's a great way to stay informed about the business world.
A Cover Story is a special feature that delves into a specific topic or issue in-depth. It's often accompanied by engaging visuals and thought-provoking commentary.
The Editor's Letter is a personal reflection from the editor, sharing their thoughts and opinions on the current state of affairs. It's a great way to get a glimpse into the editor's perspective.
Feature Story is a regular feature that explores a particular theme or subject in detail. It's often written by experts in the field and provides valuable insights.

Hot Property is a feature that highlights the latest trends and developments in the real estate market. It's a must-read for anyone interested in buying or selling property.
Industry Pulse is a feature that provides readers with the latest news and analysis on the healthcare industry. It's a great way to stay informed about the latest developments.
Inpatient Projects and Outpatient Projects are two features that focus on the latest developments in healthcare infrastructure. They provide readers with valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.
Post-Acute & Senior Living is a feature that explores the latest developments in care for seniors and individuals with post-acute needs. It's a great resource for anyone working in the healthcare industry.
Product Focus is a feature that highlights the latest products and technologies in various industries. It's a great way to stay informed about the latest innovations.
Publisher's Letter is a personal reflection from the publisher, sharing their thoughts and opinions on the current state of affairs. It's a great way to get a glimpse into the publisher's perspective.
REIT Report is a feature that provides readers with the latest news and analysis on real estate investment trusts. It's a great resource for anyone interested in real estate investing.
Special Report is a feature that provides readers with in-depth analysis and insights on a specific topic or issue. It's often written by experts in the field and provides valuable information.
Transactions is a feature that highlights the latest deals and transactions in various industries. It's a great way to stay informed about the latest developments.
Here is a list of the features and departments mentioned in this article:
- Capital Markets
- Companies & People
- Cover Story
- Editor's Letter
- Feature Story
- Hot Property
- Industry Pulse
- Inpatient Projects
- News & Analysis
- Outpatient Projects
- Post-Acute & Senior Living
- Product Focus
- Publisher's Letter
- REIT Report
- Special Report
- Transactions
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