Foley Expands to Nashville with Three Partners Hires

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Foley & Lardner LLP has announced the launch of its 27th global office and 24th in the U.S. with the opening of a new location in Nashville, Tennessee. This marks the firm’s second office opening in under a year, reinforcing its national presence and capabilities in the healthcare and life sciences, as well as the manufacturing sectors.

Three distinguished corporate partners—Jesse Neil, Brent Bowman, and Jon Gaston join Foley from Holland & Knight LLP, bringing deep experience in regulatory law, transactions, and taxation. They will anchor the Nashville office alongside litigation partners Kevin Hyde and Lauren Loew, further enhancing Foley’s litigation and corporate capabilities across the Southeast.

“Nashville is a dynamic and fast-growing market that perfectly aligns with Foley’s industry strengths,” said Daljit Doogal, Chairman and CEO of Foley. “With strong economic growth in health care, life sciences, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, the city offers significant opportunities for both our firm and our clients.”

Strategic Focus on High-Growth Sectors

Neil, Bowman, and Gaston bring a multidisciplinary approach to advising clients in the healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, including both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of matters, including public hospital conversions, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, tax-exempt law, governance, and joint ventures.

Jesse Neil, now Managing Partner of the Nashville office, specializes in healthcare regulatory law, with extensive experience in compliance, operations, and public policy. He advises hospitals, providers, investors, and corporate boards on the Stark Law, AKS, FCA, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations.

Brent Bowman focuses on corporate transactions, including joint ventures, securities offerings, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He has advised primary healthcare and manufacturing companies on SEC compliance, capital raising, and general corporate governance.

Jon Gaston brings significant depth in federal and state tax law, particularly for nonprofits, tax-exempt organizations, and charitable foundations. He also handles audits, appeals, and tax litigation before the IRS and state authorities.

“Foley’s full-service platform and entrepreneurial spirit are exactly what we were looking for,” said Neil. “This move allows us to elevate the legal services we provide and expand our regional footprint.”

Strengthening Litigation and Employment Capabilities

Joining the team in Nashville are two experienced litigators:

Kevin Hyde focuses on labor and employment law, advising clients in the manufacturing, food and beverage, and automotive industries on compliance, union issues, workplace safety, and HR disputes.
Lauren Loew specializes in commercial litigation, ESG compliance, and product liability. She represents clients in the automotive and healthcare industries in regulatory, supply chain, and antitrust disputes.

“With Jesse, Brent, Jon, Kevin, and Lauren leading the way, our Nashville office is built on deep industry knowledge and client-focused innovation,” added Doogal. “This team gives us the ability to offer integrated solutions across corporate, litigation, tax, and regulatory services.”

Strategic Market Expansion

The Nashville office launch follows Foley’s recent expansion into Raleigh, North Carolina (2024) and Salt Lake City, Utah (2021), reflecting the firm’s strategic approach to being physically present in markets where clients are growing.

“We’re thrilled to join a firm that values collaboration, client service, and innovation,” said Neil. “Foley is investing in the future, and we’re proud to be a part of that vision.”

About Foley & Lardner LLP

Foley & Lardner LLP is a leading U.S. law firm focused on the Energy, Health Care & Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing sectors. With over 1,100 attorneys across 27 offices globally, Foley delivers practical legal solutions backed by deep industry knowledge. The firm provides comprehensive support, encompassing corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, and regulatory counsel, enabling clients to meet complex challenges with clarity and confidence.