Mary Dohner Smith, Class Action Attorney in Brentwood, Tennessee
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, Employment, and Litigation
Brentwood, TN
Practicing class action in Brentwood since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Mary Dohner Smith?
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Quick answer
Mary Dohner Smith is an attorney based in Brentwood, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and Litigation. Mary has over 25 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Brentwood, TENNESSEE
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Class Action · Employment · Litigation
- Handles Class Action, Employment, and Litigation matters from Brentwood, TENNESSEE.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (Nashville) (2021).
About Mary Dohner Smith: Mary Dohner Smith is an attorney based in Brentwood, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and Litigation. Mary has over 25 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mary Dohner Smith
Mary concentrates on class action, employment, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Class Action
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Employment
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Class Action cases in Brentwood, Tennessee
Mary takes class action matters in Brentwood, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Brentwood, Tennessee
Mary takes employment matters in Brentwood, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Brentwood, Tennessee
Mary takes litigation matters in Brentwood, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Brentwood, Tennessee
Mary takes product liability matters in Brentwood, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mary Dohner Smith — Over 25 years of Tennessee class action experience
Mary Dohner Smith is an attorney based in Brentwood, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Class Action, Employment, and Litigation. Mary has over 25 years of legal experience.
Mary Dohner Smith is a partner in the Nashville office with experience involving every aspect of the employment relationship. She has been involved in complex litigation involving all aspects of Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FLSA, USERRA, retaliatory discharge, and state law claims for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Before joining Constangy, Mary worked in Human Resources in both unionized and non-unionized facilities. As a result, Mary believes strongly in working closely with clients to resolve issues before they become lawsuits. Mary also enjoys speaking and providing training on relevant legal topics based on her experience, such as the re-employment of soldiers pursuant to USERRA, harassment and termination procedures.
How Mary handles class action matters
Mary Dohner Smith is a partner in the Nashville office with experience involving every aspect of the employment relationship. She has been involved in complex litigation involving all aspects of Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FLSA, USERRA, retaliatory discharge, and state law claims for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.…
The kind of cases Mary takes
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, employment, and litigation matters in Brentwood and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Mary Dohner Smith's legal education and bar admissions
Marquette University
J.D. · 2001
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
BS · 1995
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
Wisconsin
2001 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
2001 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in Marquette University and BS in University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in Marquette University and BS in University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Dohner Smith
Mary has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (Nashville)
2021
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ABA/TIPS 2010-11 Leadership Academy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support for the Guard & Reserve (ESGR)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, Class of 2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mid-South Super Lawyer Rising Star
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (Nashville) (2021). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (2026).
Locations
Mary Dohner Smith's office in Brentwood
Mary's primary office is at 750 Old Hickory Boulevard, Suite 260-2, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mary Dohner Smith
Mary has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Mary Dohner Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new class action attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a class action attorney in Brentwood, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action 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 Mary
Mary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in class action practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every class action 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many class action practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mary Dohner Smith
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a class action case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do class action cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple class action 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Brentwood?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new class action clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Class Action attorneys serving Brentwood, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Mary handles class action matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated class action attorneys in Tennessee
If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these class action attorneys in Brentwood handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





