Craig Hayes, Entertainment Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, IP, and Real Estate · 4.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
PartneratShackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP
Nashville, TN
Practicing entertainment in Nashville since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Craig Hayes?
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Quick answer
Craig Hayes is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Real Estate. Craig has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Entertainment · IP · Real Estate
- Handles Entertainment, IP, and Real Estate matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Craig Hayes: Craig Hayes is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Real Estate. Craig has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Craig takes on
Craig concentrates on entertainment, ip, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Craig handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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IP
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Real Estate
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Entertainment cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Craig takes entertainment matters in Nashville, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Craig takes ip matters in Nashville, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Craig takes real estate matters in Nashville, 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 Craig agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Craig Hayes — entertainment lawyer in Nashville
Craig Hayes is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Real Estate. Craig has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Craig Hayes is a lawyer practicing entertainment law, intellectual property law, entertainment & sports law. Craig received a B.A. degree from Wofford College in 1968, and has been licensed for 47 years. Craig practices at Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP in Nashville, TN.
Working with Craig on a entertainment matter
Craig Hayes is a lawyer practicing entertainment law, intellectual property law, entertainment & sports law. Craig received a B.A. degree from Wofford College in 1968, and has been licensed for 47 years. Craig practices at Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP in Nashville, TN.
Who Craig represents
Craig reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, ip, and real estate matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
J.D. · 1978
Wofford College
B.A. · 1968
Jurisdictions
Craig's state bar admissions
Tennessee U.S. Distr
1979 · ACTIVE
Craig studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and B.A. in Wofford College.
Law school and academic background
Craig completed J.D. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and B.A. in Wofford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Craig runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Craig has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Craig's professional memberships and bar associations
Entertainment and Sports Law Section, TBA Members
membership
Locations
Craig Hayes's office in Nashville
Craig's primary office is at 1014 16th Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37212-0433. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP
1014 16th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37212-0433
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Craig Hayes — 4.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Craig. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing entertainment attorneys in Nashville.
4.0
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Craig Hayes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Craig Hayes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Craig usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Craig charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig'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; Craig will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment 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 Craig
Craig discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in entertainment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every entertainment 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. Craig confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Craig's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Craig Hayes
How much does it cost to hire Craig for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Craig walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Craig offer a free consultation?
Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple entertainment 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. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
Craig 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 — Craig 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 Craig?
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. Craig will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Craig accepting new entertainment clients right now?
Craig's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Entertainment attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Craig handles entertainment matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated entertainment attorneys in Tennessee
If Craig's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these entertainment attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





