James A. Crumlin, Jr., Attorney - Bone McAllester Norton

In the thriving business environment of Nashville and across Tennessee, companies of all sizes, from dynamic startups to established mid-sized enterprises, regularly face a diverse array of legal challenges. These can range from complex labor and employment disputes to critical corporate transactions and strategic business decisions. For leaders seeking a legal advisor who combines deep expertise with a practical, results-oriented approach, James A. Crumlin, Jr. is an exceptional choice. A highly regarded attorney and partner at Spencer Fane LLP (formerly Bone McAllester Norton), James dedicates his professional career to serving both his clients and his community. He is particularly adept at helping employers resolve employee issues and assisting small businesses in maximizing their potential by focusing on their bottom line rather than getting bogged down in legal problems. James is well-known for providing excellent legal representation and for his commitment to proactively guiding clients through the intricacies of corporate and employment law, often serving as outside general counsel. His extensive experience and dedication to fostering success make him an invaluable asset for any business in Tennessee.

James A. Crumlin, Jr.’s office is conveniently located at 511 Union St #1000, Nashville, TN 37219, USA. This address places him within a prominent building in the bustling heart of downtown Nashville, offering exceptional accessibility for clients across the greater Nashville metropolitan area and throughout the entire state of Tennessee. The central location ensures that the office is easily reachable via major roadways, making it a straightforward drive for those coming from various parts of the state. Additionally, Nashville's public transportation network provides convenient options for reaching the office, ensuring that clients can access expert legal counsel without significant travel burdens. The professional and welcoming environment of the Spencer Fane LLP office further enhances the client experience, providing a comfortable and confidential setting for discussing sensitive legal matters related to business, employment, or entertainment law. This prime location underscores James's commitment to being a readily available and accessible legal partner for his Tennessee-based clientele.

James A. Crumlin, Jr. concentrates his practice in several critical areas of law that are essential for businesses and individuals alike. His comprehensive services are designed to provide strategic and proactive legal solutions:

• Labor and Employment Law: James is a well-known Nashville employment lawyer who represents management on a wide range of issues arising from the employment relationship. This includes:
  • Union and non-union arbitration.
  • All forms of employment discrimination litigation.
  • Conducting in-house training sessions on compliance with numerous federal and state laws affecting employers (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act).
  • Workplace investigations.
  • Development of employment practices and procedures.
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Small and Mid-Size Business Representation: Serving as outside general counsel, James helps businesses navigate the corporate legal landscape, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on their core objectives. This includes:
  • Business formation and strategy.
  • Funding and investor relations.
  • Contract drafting and negotiation.
  • Risk management.
  • Litigation and dispute resolution tailored for business needs.
  • Advising entrepreneurs and startup ventures.
• Corporate Business Litigation: Representing businesses in disputes that arise from corporate operations, ensuring their interests are protected in court.
• Entertainment and Media Law: In the vibrant entertainment hub of Nashville, James represents a diverse clientele including artists, songwriters, authors, managers, and producers in matters related to the production, ownership, marketing, and sale of creative works. He also assists television anchors and reporters with contract negotiations.

James A. Crumlin, Jr.’s diverse service offering ensures that clients receive tailored, effective, and results-oriented legal solutions for their most pressing business, employment, and entertainment-related challenges.

James A. Crumlin, Jr.’s distinguished career is marked by numerous features and highlights that underscore his expertise, leadership, and deep commitment to his clients and community:

• Consistent Recognition as a Top Lawyer: James has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Corporate Law and Labor Law – Management (2024-2025). He has also received the prestigious "Best of the Bar" award multiple times for Labor & Employment Law (2009, 2021, 2024) by the Nashville Business Journal. He was also selected to Super Lawyers for multiple years (2013-2014, 2016-2018).
• Distinguished Leader Award: In 2024, James received the Distinguished Leaders Award from the Southeastern Legal Awards (Daily Report and Law.com), recognizing his impactful leadership in the legal field.
• Law Firm Ally of the Year: He received the ALM Women, Influence & Power in Law Award for Law Firm Ally of the Year in 2024, highlighting his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.
• Deep Roots in Nashville: A native of Louisville, Kentucky, James moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University for both his undergraduate and law degrees. After serving as a judicial clerk for a U.S. District Judge in Middle Tennessee, he built his practice in Nashville, demonstrating a strong local connection.
• Proactive Compliance Training: He is frequently sought out by management to conduct in-house training sessions on compliance with a myriad of federal and state laws affecting employers, from the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Fair Labor Standards Act and OSHA.
• Strategic Advisor to Businesses: James excels at serving as outside general counsel to small and mid-sized businesses, helping them avoid costly mistakes and remain focused on their bottom line rather than legal distractions.
• Thought Leader and Speaker: He has written articles and presented seminars and continuing legal education programs on various employment and business law topics for numerous organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, American Bar Association, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and NAACP.
• Extensive Community Involvement: James is deeply active in the Nashville community and a passionate non-profit supporter. His involvement includes serving on the boards of organizations such as Leadership Nashville Foundation, American Baptist College, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, S3 Recycling Solutions, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, and the Kelly Miller Smith Center Against Abusive Behavior. He also serves as a trustee for Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was instrumental in overseeing the construction of their $17 million facility.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): As the Chair of Spencer Fane's DEI Committee, James is dedicated to expanding the firm's DEI footprint and promoting these initiatives both internally and externally.

These highlights collectively portray James A. Crumlin, Jr. as a highly accomplished, well-respected, and community-minded legal professional, exceptionally capable of addressing complex legal challenges for his clients.

In the highly specialized and professional field of legal services, such as those provided by James A. Crumlin, Jr. in labor, employment, business, and entertainment law, direct public "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically advertised. This aligns with the ethical guidelines and professional standards that govern the legal industry. However, James and Spencer Fane LLP are deeply committed to providing exceptional value through their extensive expertise, practical approach, and unwavering dedication to achieving client goals. For businesses, entrepreneurs, or individuals in Tennessee seeking sophisticated counsel on employment disputes, corporate matters, or entertainment law, we highly recommend initiating a confidential consultation. This personalized meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss your specific legal needs, understand the nuances of your situation, and explore how James’s vast experience and the firm’s robust resources can be leveraged to achieve your strategic objectives. It’s a chance to gain clear insights and a transparent understanding of the legal process tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring you receive pragmatic and effective solutions.

To connect with James A. Crumlin, Jr. and discuss your labor and employment, business, or entertainment law needs, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 511 Union St #1000, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
• Phone: (615) 238-6313
• Mobile Phone: +1 615-238-6313

We encourage you to reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing expert legal guidance for your critical business and personal ventures in Tennessee.

For businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals across Tennessee, James A. Crumlin, Jr. at Spencer Fane LLP stands out as an exceptionally suitable and invaluable local resource. His office's prime location in downtown Nashville ensures convenient access for clients throughout the state, making it easy to engage with top-tier legal expertise. What truly makes James ideal for local entities is his multifaceted expertise, seamlessly bridging labor and employment law with general business and entertainment law. This diverse skill set is particularly beneficial in Tennessee's dynamic economy, where businesses often face intertwined legal challenges across these areas.

James’s pragmatic approach, focusing on helping businesses "maximize their potential by focusing on the bottom-line and not legal problems," resonates strongly with local business owners and managers. His extensive experience, including providing in-house training on compliance and serving as outside general counsel for small and mid-sized businesses, offers proactive solutions tailored to the needs of Tennessee enterprises. The consistent recognition he receives from prestigious legal publications like "Best Lawyers in America" and "Best of the Bar" affirms his standing as a highly respected and ethical professional, providing local clients with immense confidence. Furthermore, James’s deep-rooted commitment to the Nashville community, exemplified by his extensive involvement with numerous civic and non-profit organizations, reflects a genuine dedication to the welfare and growth of the region. For any local entity seeking comprehensive, strategic, and community-minded legal counsel in employment, business, or entertainment law, James A. Crumlin, Jr. offers an exceptional combination of experience, specialized knowledge, and a client-focused approach, making him an excellent choice for navigating the legal complexities in our state.