Brett Hughes, Employment Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation
Memphis, TN
Practicing employment in Memphis since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Brett Hughes?
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Quick answer
Brett Hughes is an attorney based in Memphis, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Brett has over 30 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Memphis, TENNESSEE
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Employment · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Employment, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Memphis, TENNESSEE.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).
About Brett Hughes: Brett Hughes is an attorney based in Memphis, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Brett has over 30 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brett takes on
Brett concentrates on employment, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brett handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Employment cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Brett takes employment matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Brett takes insurance matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Brett takes litigation matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Brett takes personal injury matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brett agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brett Hughes — employment lawyer in Memphis
Brett Hughes is an attorney based in Memphis, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Brett has over 30 years of legal experience.
Brett Hughes is an attorney with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Labor and Employment, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. His practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of litigation and dispute-related matters.
Brett regularly works with companies on commercial litigation, business disputes, contract matters, employment issues, non-competition agreements, and insurance-related claims. He also serves as outside corporate counsel for businesses that need ongoing legal guidance. In addition, Brett represents hospitals, health care professionals, lawyers, architects, and engineers in professional negligence claims, and assists individuals with contract disputes and personal injury litigation.
Known for a careful and detailed approach to legal analysis, Brett evaluates each matter from multiple angles to help clients make informed decisions about their legal options. His practice involves guiding clients through complex litigation while maintaining a focus on practical and strategic solutions.
Brett served as the managing member of Harris Shelton PLLC from 2016 through 2023. Before joining the firm in 1998, he served as an Assistant District Attorney General for Shelby County, where he gained significant courtroom experience handling a wide variety of cases.
From the firm’s Memphis, Tennessee office, Brett represents clients across several recognized practice areas, including Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Labor and Employment, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs.
Brett's approach to employment cases
Brett Hughes is an attorney with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee . He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Labor and Employment, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. His practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of litigation and dispute-related matters. Brett regularly works with companies on…
The kind of cases Brett takes
Brett reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, insurance, and litigation matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Tennessee
B.A. w Hons. · 1993
Samford University
J.D. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Brett's state bar admissions
Tennessee, Tennessee
1996 · ACTIVE
Brett studied at B.A. w Hons. in The University of Tennessee and J.D. in Samford University.
Law school and academic background
Brett completed B.A. w Hons. in The University of Tennessee and J.D. in Samford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brett runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brett has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AVVO rating: Superb
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Martindale Hubbell rating
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Memphis Business Journal “Best of the Bar (Large Firm)” Finalist, 2017
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Memphis Business Quarterly Power Player – Personal Injury Law 2013 and 2014
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — AVVO rating: Superb (2026). Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Martindale Hubbell rating (2026).
Locations
Brett Hughes's office in Memphis
Brett's primary office is at 6060 Primacy Parkway, Suite 100, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brett Hughes
Brett has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Brett Hughes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brett usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brett charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brett will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brett
Brett discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brett confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brett's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brett Hughes
How much does it cost to hire Brett for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brett walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brett offer a free consultation?
Brett charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Brett's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brett gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brett take my case if I'm outside Memphis?
Brett is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brett will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brett?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brett will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brett accepting new employment clients right now?
Brett's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee
Brett handles employment matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Tennessee
If Brett's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Memphis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.