Administrative Law
Administrative Law is an important area of practice for Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett. It is often necessary to represent our corporate, construction and insurance clients in this arena. Our attorneys have appeared before numerous State and Federal boards and agencies including the Federal Trade Commission, Tennessee Regulatory Authority, EEOC, Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Contractor’s Licensing Board, Underground Storage Tank Board, and various planning and zoning commissions, as well as many other state licensing and “rate making” boards. We guide our clients through the administrative law process, advise our clients on strategies, and help implement any necessary changes in policy. Combining our experience in civil litigation and arbitration, we are able to provide our clients with effective representation in this area.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution is a critical part of legal services and litigation in the 21st Century. Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett uses mediation and arbitration as means of achieving favorable resolution of problematic cases. Our attorneys represent, advise and consult with clients on a daily basis regarding handling disputes in alternative ways. In addition, our attorneys participate in this important service as arbitrators, and we have members approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court as mediators.
Appellate Practice
Appellate practice is a natural progression of litigation. Our attorneys are experienced appellate lawyers that have represented clients in many arenas including the United States Supreme Court, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Tennessee Supreme Court and the Alabama Supreme Court. This experience allows us to anticipate issues and deal with them effectively both before and during the appellate process.
Construction Law
Our firm represents a variety of clients in all aspects of construction industry practice. Our clients include specialty trade contractors, general contractors, architects, engineers and bonding companies. We have experience in all phases of construction practice from design disputes, bidding, contract and installation disputes to warranty issues. Our knowledge in this field allows us to provide critical insight to our clients on issues of concern. When necessary, our attorneys have experience in construction litigation and arbitration. Special insight arises from our experience having served as arbitrators and mediators for disputes involving others. In addition, our contacts in the industry allow ready access to a variety of experts.
General Civil Litigation
Our firm has extensive experience in the area of general civil litigation. Our litigators believe that in most cases our clients benefit from an aggressive strategy which seeks to move the case to disposition rather than merely reacting to moves by opponents. In advising clients on cases, our attorneys use our resources and years of experience to effectively evaluate claims and potential issues pertinent to each client. In addition, we take affirmative steps to stay abreast of recent developments in the law and help our clients to become aware of these changes as they happen.
General Corporate
Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett counsels clients on a variety of corporate law matters. We assist clients with matters including: corporate governance; mergers and acquisitions; and formation and dissolution. We regularly assist clients with contract negotiations, employment law matters, government relations and dispute resolutions.
Government Relations
For over three decades, attorneys at Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett have participated in government relations as lobbyists and consultants. While some clients benefit from a defensive posture in the legislature, others need aggressive advocates. Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett has been active in many areas including helping to pass the Tennessee Telecommunications Act, uninsured motorist legislation and other legislation resulting in an excellent climate for the insurance industry in the State of Tennessee.
Insurance Law
For over three decades this firm has represented insurance companies through all phases of litigation including, coverage, property and casualty and automobile issues. In addition to civil litigation involving insurance companies and their insureds, we represent entities desiring to write insurance in the State of Tennessee. We represent property and casualty insurance companies in all facets of administrative law from the initial licensing by the Department of Commerce and Insurance to de-mutualization. Specifically, we guide our clients through rate filings, licencing of agents, domestication, policy interpretations, and necessary procedures and hearings. Attorneys at Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett lobby on behalf of insurance interests and act as corporate counsel for a domestic property and casualty company.
Labor and Employment Law
We represent both businesses and individuals in many aspects of labor and employment law. Our representation includes employment contracts, human resource issues, employment discrimination, worker’s compensation, social security issues and other employment related litigation. Our representation has included the handling of administrative and appellate problems.
Real Estate and Commercial Transactions
Our attorneys are well-versed in handling sophisticated commercial transactions, including real estate matters involving acquisition, sale, development, re-zoning, financing and leasing. As counsel we advise and represent our clients in such areas as: development and land use planning; purchase, sale and leasing of commercial and residential real property; construction and permanent financing for lenders and owners/developers; loan foreclosures and workouts; and, oil, gas and mineral leasing. In addition, Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett has one of the few certified closing attorneys for 504 Small Business Administration loans in this area. At Schulman, LeRoy & Bennett, our real estate expertise complements and works with other areas of practice within the firm, effectively meeting our clients’ needs.