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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Tennessee Bar Association (“TBA”) has appointed Scott Sims, along with past Presidents of the TBA and other influential lawyers from across the state, to serve on a 12-person task force to prepare comments for the TBA to the Tennessee Supreme Court’s September 16, 2025 order soliciting comments from the legal community and the public […]
Mid-South Super Lawyers has recognized six Sims|Funk attorneys in its list of top lawyers for 2025: W. Scott Sims, Samuel Funk, Rob Peal, Michael R. O’Neill, Mark Donnell and Gil Schuette. Additionally, W. Scott Sims, Samuel Funk, and Rob Peal were named to the list of as Top 100 attorneys in Tennessee. W. Scott Sims […]
Laina earned her J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law, where she was awarded the Judge Robert J. Wheeler Scholarship. During law school, she served as a Senior Editor of The Alabama Law Review and gained hands-on experience in the Civil Law Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to residents across the state of Alabama. […]
Sims|Funk has received three top tier rankings in the 16th Edition (2026) of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Tier 1 “Bet-the-Company” Litigation Tier 1 Commercial Litigation Tier 1 Litigation- Securities Firms are recognized for professional excellence with ratings from clients and peers. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must first […]