D. Gil Schuette

D. Gil Schuette

(615) 209-9888
gschuette@simsfunk.com

Education

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

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee

Selected Experience

  • Representation of several businesses and employees concerning non-compete agreements, trade secrets, and other business torts
  • Representation of multiple physicians, accountants, restaurant owners and other professionals in business disputes and breakups
  • Representation several large law firms and individual lawyers in professional malpractice disputes
  • Representation of a former dealer in breach of contract claim against major automaker.
  • Representation of the Executor/Estate in a will contest jury trial where the potential beneficiary challenged validity of will
  • Representation of individuals injured in motor vehicle and other accidents
  • Representation of commercial real estate owners in eminent domain proceedings
  • Representation of the largest private corrections company in the United States in multiple civil rights actions in both state and federal court
  • Appointed Special Prosecutor by Tennessee Supreme Court in a criminal contempt case in 2012
  • Successfully challenged the constitutionally of a Tennessee criminal statute (Doe v. State, 2012)

Honors & Awards

  • Mid-South Super Lawyers (2022-2025)
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2015-21)
  • Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch® (2020-2024), Best Lawyers in America® (Commercial Litigation, 2025)
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Iraq Campaign Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (twice awarded)
  • National Defense Medal
  • Nashville Bar Foundation Fellow (Class of 2021)

Professional Activities

  • Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (President, 2020)
  • Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law Program (Class of 2019)
  • Nashville Bar Foundation Leadership Forum (Class of 2017)
  • Young Leaders Council (Class 66)

Civic Activities

  • Operation Stand Down Tennessee Board Member (Social Enterprise Co-Chair)

Gil is a trial lawyer whose practice includes a wide range of commercial disputes in state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and all forms of alternative dispute resolution. He represents individuals and businesses of all sizes in varied claims, including breach of non-competition agreements, business torts, trade secrets, breach of contract, professional liability, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and personal injury claims. Prior to joining Sims|Funk, Gil worked at a well-regarded litigation boutique firm in Nashville.

Gil graduated with honors from Wake Forest University and cum laude from the University of Tennessee School of Law where he served on the Editorial Board of Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law. Before law school, Gil served in the United States Marine Corps as a Reconnaissance Platoon Commander and a Military Transition Advisor to the Iraqi Army.

Recent News

Sims|Funk Successfully Defends Am Law 100 Firm

The United States Circuit Court for the Sixth Circuit recently affirmed summary judgment obtained by Sims|Funk attorneys Scott Sims, Michael O’Neill and Erik Lybeck in a legal malpractice action against an Am Law 100 firm where the “case within the case” involved complex breach of fiduciary duty claims under Delaware law.  This win continues Sims|Funk’s […]

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 […]