TJ

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights and Insurance

Practicing civil rights in Nashville since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Insurance. Thomas has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Based in
Nashville, TENNESSEE
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Insurance
  • Handles Civil Rights and Insurance matters from Nashville, TENNESSEE.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville) (2026).

About Thomas J. "Tom" Smith: Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Insurance. Thomas has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Thomas concentrates on civil rights and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Thomas takes civil rights 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Thomas takes insurance 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Thomas J. "Tom" Smith — Over 40 years of Tennessee civil rights experience

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Insurance. Thomas has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Tom is a trial attorney and an adviser to Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC’s business, and insurance clients. Tom obtained a bachelor’s degree in management engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following graduation from West Point, he was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army and served for five years as a Field Artillery Officer, including a one-year tour of duty in the demilitarized zone in Korea. Tom left active duty at the rank of Captain.

During his time as an Army Officer, he received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Overseas Service Medal and completed U.S. Army Airborne training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Jungle Operations training in Panama. Following his military service, Tom obtained his J.D. from the University Of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School Of Law.

Tom’s experience in international countries led him to appreciate the United States’ rule of law. Believing the rule of law is what makes society work, he enrolled in law school. Being an attorney allows him to uphold these rules, enabling a society that offers an opportunity to everyone.

His areas of expertise, among others, include construction litigation, insurance defense, product liability, trucking/transportation litigation, and workers’ compensation. Tom appreciates the opportunity to get to know his clients during the time he represents them and knowing that, at the end of the case, he has truly helped them.

Working with Thomas on a civil rights matter

Tom is a trial attorney and an adviser to Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC’s business, and insurance clients. Tom obtained a bachelor’s degree in management engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following graduation from West Point, he was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army and served for five years as a Field Artillery Officer, including a one-year tour of…

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights and insurance matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • United States Military Academy

    B.S. · 1986

  • The University of Memphis

    J.D. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Tennessee, Tennessee

    1986 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at B.S. in United States Military Academy and J.D. in The University of Memphis.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed B.S. in United States Military Academy and J.D. in The University of Memphis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Thomas has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mid-South Super Lawyer Since 2018

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Rating,

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026).

Locations

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's office in Nashville

Thomas's primary office is at 220 Athens Way, Suite 405, Nashville, Tennessee, 37228. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Spicer Rudstrom PLLC

220 Athens Way, Suite 405

Nashville, Tennessee 37228

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Thomas 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas J. "Tom" Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Nashville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in Tennessee typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Nashville?

    Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

    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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Thomas accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee

Thomas handles civil rights matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.