Education

  • J.D., University of Maryland
  • B.A., Wake Forest University

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee
  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia Bar

Selected Experience

  • Service as a Rule 53 Special Master in a proposed class action involving allegations of false advertising under the Lanham Act concerning a medical device.
  • Representation of various businesses and individuals in matters involving corporate control, securities matters, their respective rights under certain buy-sell agreements, and other “business divorce” matters
  • Representation of employers, prospective employers, and employees in matters involving covenants not to compete, trade secret claims, breach of fiduciary duty claims and the like
  • Representation of a company in a complex dispute with various former employees concerning, among other things, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, intellectual properties rights, securities claims, and other matters
  • Representation of a Fortune 100 company in a Section 1782 Action to obtain discovery for use in ongoing patent disputes in Europe
  • Representation of a medical device manufacturer against a publicly-traded competitor regarding claims of false advertising under the Lanham Act and otherwise
  • Representation of financial services firms, financial advisors, and other professionals in connection with claims by state and federal regulators concerning their business practices, licensing issues, and other matters
  • Representation of the sellers of a logistics business in defense of post-closing misrepresentation claims following the sale of its stock to a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)
  • Representation of the sellers of certain medical technology in a license dispute with a publicly-traded company.
  • Representation of a parts supplier to recover amounts due from an automobile manufacturer for parts the manufacturer wrongly determined did not meet applicable specifications
  • Representation of a Political Action Committee (PAC) in defense of a claim of defamation brought by a candidate for public office
  • Representation of a large hospital system against a publicly-traded insurance company for claims of misrepresentation and breach of contract following a failed physician-hospital organization
  • Representation of a brokerage firm in defense of claims of unauthorized trading, failure to supervise, and other claims following a significant loss in the customer’s account
  • Representation of financial institutions in matters involving embezzlement, theft, and fraud
  • Representation of an automobile parts manufacturer in defense of claims of tortious interference brought by a higher-tiered supplier
  • Representation of a regional hospital in defense of breach of contract claims brought by a terminated physician group
  • Representation of the owner of a hotel against the architect and general contractor following the discovery of mold in a newly-constructed hotel
  • Representation of a large Nashville law firm against a former client in pursuant of a significant unpaid fee and in defense of claims of malpractice
  • Representation of various lawyers and law firms regarding ethical and legal issues, including defending claims for malpractice

Honors & Awards

  • Band 1, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Commercial Litigation 2010-25)
  • Benchmark Litigation: “Local Litigation Star” (Commercial and Securities 2013-25)
  • Woodward/White: The Best Lawyers in America® (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Securities, Trade Secret Law 2008-25)
  • Woodward/White: The Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year (Litigation-Securities 2014, Trade Secret Law 2016, 2023)
  • Selected for inclusion in Mid-South Super Lawyers (Top 50 lawyers in Nashville 2018-25; Top 100 lawyers in Tennessee 2018-25; Business Litigation 2009-25)
  • Nashville Business Journal Best of Bar (2018-24)
  • Litigation Counsel of America - Senior Fellow
  • Martindale-Hubbell - "AV" Rating
  • Trial Law Institute - Member
  • Diversity Law Institute - Member –
  • Nashville Emerging Leader Award (Legal Services 2010)
  • Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40 (2009)
  • Metropolitan Council Outstanding Service to the International Community (2003)

Professional Activities

  • Nashville Bar Association - Board Member (2016-19)
  • Member of the Tennessee, Maryland, District of Columbia, and American Bar Associations
  • Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals - Member
  • American Health Law Association
  • American Bar Foundation Fellow
  • Nashville Bar Foundation Fellow
  • Past chair and member of Nashville Bar Association’s Ethics and Professionalism Committee
  • Past member of Tennessee Bar Association’s Civil Rules Subcommittee of the Special Committee to Study Federal Local Rules
  • Inaugural member of the Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law program

Civic Activities

  • The Trinity Forum (Trustee, 2018-present)
  • Amazima Ministries. Inc. (Director, 2016-2022)
  • Wake Forest University (Parents Council, 2018-2022; Alumni Council, 1999-2002)
  • University of Virginia (Parents Fund Committee, 2020-present)
  • Auburn University (Student Affairs Development Board, 2024-present)
  • The Oak Hill School (Trustee, 2008-14; Vice Chairman, 2010; Board Chair, 2011-13)
  • First Presbyterian Church Nashville (Elder, 2011-14; Deacon, 2004-07; Stewardship Committee Chair, 2006)
  • Leadership Nashville (Class of 2009)
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (Board Member, 2000-09; Board Chair, 2006-07)
  • International Justice Mission (legal mission trips to India, Kenya, and Thailand)
  • Young Leaders Council (Board Member, 2003-06)

Sam holds a Band 1 ranking from Chambers USA for Commercial Litigation.  In a recent Chambers publication noted that Sam’s was “outstanding,” while others described him as “a great person and a great litigator.”

Sam’s practice involves a wide range of commercial disputes in state and federal courts, before administrative agencies and in all forms of alternative dispute resolution. For more than 25 years, he has represented individuals and businesses in a variety of matters involving complex business disputes; healthcare; antitrust; breach of contract; business torts; non-competition and theft of trade secrets; securities/financial services claims; shareholder and other corporate governance disputes; insurance coverage; and estate/trust matters. He regularly advises clients regarding litigation avoidance and assessment, often in the context of a contemplated transaction. Sam has considerable experience as a neutral, serving as both an arbitrator in various matters and as a Special Master in federal court.

Recent News

Rob Peal and Evan Rothey Secure Court of Appeals Victory in Tennessee Anti-SLAPP Case for Singer-Songwriter Blessing Offor

Rob Peal and Evan Rothey recently secured a published victory in the Tennessee Court of Appeals in a case interpreting the Tennessee Public Participation Act (TPPA).  The Court affirmed dismissal of an anti-SLAPP petition filed against our client, recording artist and songwriter Blessing Offor. The decision holds that private commercial communications asserting ownership of intellectual […]

Sims|Funk Shortlisted for Tennessee Firm of the Year by Benchmark Litigation

Sims|Funk has been shortlisted for Tennessee Firm of the Year by Benchmark Litigation as part of its 2026 U.S. Awards. Benchmark Litigation is a litigation-focused legal research publication that evaluates firms based on peer review, client feedback, and recent case work. The Tennessee Firm of the Year shortlist recognizes firms demonstrating sustained excellence in complex […]

Sims|Funk adds Grace Peck to the Firm

Grace has experience representing individuals, businesses, healthcare entities, and entertainment professionals in complex litigation matters in state and federal courts. She has handled a broad range of disputes, including those involving contracts, trusts and estates, business torts, intellectual property, insurance reimbursement, and other commercial matters.  Grace earned her law degree, magna cum laude, from Belmont University […]

Creson Elected to serve as NBA President-Elect

Sims|Funk attorney Beau Creson has been elected to serve as the President-Elect of the Nashville Bar Association in 2026.  He will begin his term in 2027. Founded in 1831, the NBA is one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in Tennessee. With a membership of more than 2,600 attorneys, the NBA is […]

Rothey Selected for 2026 NBA YLD Board

Sims|Funk attorney Evan Rothey has been selected to serve as Secretary of the NBA YLD Board for 2026. The Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD) aims to enhance public understanding of the law and the legal profession, organize community, educational, and professional programs for both the public and legal community, and foster fellowship among […]