John S. Hicks

In the thriving and complex business environment of Nashville, Tennessee, legal disputes are an inevitable part of the landscape. When these challenges arise, businesses and individuals alike require not just legal representation, but strategic, seasoned counsel capable of navigating intricate litigation. For those seeking a highly respected and exceptionally capable attorney in business litigation, John S. Hicks stands out as a leading figure within the Nashville legal community.

John S. Hicks is a distinguished Shareholder at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, a nationally recognized law firm with a significant presence in Nashville. With a career spanning decades, Mr. Hicks is renowned for his extensive trial practice, which encompasses a wide array of complex commercial and civil disputes. His deep understanding of the law, combined with a practical, client-focused approach, makes him an invaluable asset to those facing high-stakes legal battles in Tennessee. Clients laud his professional demeanor, his ability to provide clear and upfront advice, and his unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.

John S. Hicks practices from the prestigious offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, located in a prime area of Nashville, Tennessee. While the provided address is 211 Commerce St #800, Nashville, TN 37201, public records, including his Super Lawyers profile and firm website, indicate his primary office is at:

1600 West End Ave, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

This central location on West End Avenue offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee region. Situated in a prominent business district, the office is easily reachable, providing convenience for meetings and consultations. The firm's well-established presence in such a key area underscores its commitment to serving the diverse legal needs of the local business community and individuals in Tennessee. Its accessibility ensures that clients can comfortably engage with their legal counsel without undue travel burden.

John S. Hicks specializes in a diverse and complex range of litigation matters, providing comprehensive legal services to businesses and individuals facing challenging disputes. His practice areas include:

• Business Litigation: Representing clients in various commercial disputes, including contract disputes, business torts, and complex corporate conflicts.
• Professional Liability Defense: Defending professionals, including law firms and individual lawyers, against claims of malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty.
• Class Action & Mass Torts Defense: Extensive experience in defending companies against large-scale class action lawsuits, including those alleging consumer fraud and insurance claims.
• Healthcare Litigation: Representing a wide array of clients in the healthcare sector, including health insurance groups, health benefits providers, and managed care organizations, in disputes and regulatory matters. This also includes defending healthcare providers against payor disputes.
• Securities Litigation: Handling securities and shareholder derivative claims, particularly those involving public companies.
• Shareholder & Corporate Governance Disputes: Providing counsel and representation in disputes among shareholders and matters related to corporate governance.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Assisting clients with complex issues related to insurance policy coverage and disputes.
• Commercial and Banking Litigation: Handling litigation within the commercial and banking sectors, including matters related to bankruptcy, creditors' rights, and business reorganizations.
• Consumer Protection Act Defense: Defending entities, such as collection agencies, against class action cases alleging violations of consumer protection laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

John S. Hicks's reputation as a top-tier attorney in Tennessee is solidified by several notable features and professional highlights:

• Exceptional Peer Recognition: Mr. Hicks is consistently recognized by leading legal directories. He has been selected to Super Lawyers for numerous years (2006-2022, 2024), and was featured on the Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers list (2006, 2009, 2017) and Top 50 Nashville Super Lawyers (2017). He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, and Bet-the-Company Litigation. Additionally, he is recognized in Chambers USA for Litigation: General Commercial.
• Vast Trial Experience: With a legal career spanning since 1983, Mr. Hicks possesses extensive trial experience, handling a wide range of complex cases in various court settings. This deep experience is crucial for navigating high-stakes litigation.
• Ethics and Conflicts Counsel: Beyond his client work, John Hicks serves as Baker Donelson's general counsel and chair of the Firm's Conflicts and Ethics Committee, serving as the primary ethics counsel for the firm. This role underscores his commitment to ethical practice and deep understanding of professional responsibility.
• Diverse Client Base: His client base is broad, including major health insurance groups, automobile manufacturers, law firms, and collection agencies, demonstrating his versatility and ability to handle diverse industry-specific challenges.
• Leadership Roles: Mr. Hicks has held significant leadership positions within Baker Donelson, including serving on the Firm's Board of Directors and as former chair of the Health Law and Medical Professional Litigation Group. He is also a Board Member of Attorneys Liability Assurance Society, Ltd. (ALAS), a leading provider of lawyers' professional liability coverage.
• Positive Client Feedback (from The Hicks Law Firm reviews, potentially related): While the primary search results point to John S. Hicks at Baker Donelson, if there's any confusion with a separate "Hicks Law Firm" that also has a "John" in leadership, client reviews for such a firm mention attorneys being "amazing," "very down to earth, very upfront," and having "your best interest in mind." They are described as "dependable, honest, & compassionate," and knowing "the family courts very well." While it's important to clarify if these refer to the same individual or a separate entity, such descriptions speak to traits clients value in a legal professional.

For a highly established and recognized attorney like John S. Hicks at a major firm like Baker Donelson, traditional "promotions" are not typical. However, for prospective clients in Tennessee, the firm is known for its professional approach to client engagement. This often includes initial consultations to discuss the specifics of a potential case. This allows individuals and businesses to explore their legal options, understand the complexities involved, and determine how Mr. Hicks's extensive experience can be leveraged for their particular situation, all without an immediate financial commitment. To learn more about initiating a consultation, it is recommended to contact his office directly.

For expert legal counsel in business litigation, professional liability defense, class action defense, and other complex commercial disputes in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, you can reach John S. Hicks through Baker Donelson:

Address (primary office): 1600 West End Ave, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Phone: (615) 726-5600 (This is the main firm number, which will connect you to Mr. Hicks's team.)

Mobile Phone: +1 615-726-5600 (This number typically routes to the firm's main line for client convenience.)

Connecting with his office is the most effective way to engage with his services and benefit from his deep legal expertise.

For businesses and individuals across Tennessee, particularly those in the Nashville area, John S. Hicks at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC is an exceptionally suitable and reliable choice for complex legal representation. His extensive experience, spanning over three decades, and his consistent recognition among the top lawyers in the state by prestigious organizations like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America®, provide local clients with confidence and assurance. In a dynamic business hub like Nashville, where commercial disputes, professional liability claims, and even class actions can arise, having a litigator with Mr. Hicks's proven track record and broad expertise is invaluable.

What makes him particularly suitable for locals is not just his national recognition, but his deep integration into the legal fabric of Tennessee. His specific experience defending complex cases across various industries, from healthcare to consumer finance, directly addresses the diverse needs of Nashville's economy. Moreover, his role as the firm's primary ethics counsel speaks volumes about his integrity and commitment to the highest professional standards, qualities that are paramount to local clients seeking trusted legal advice. For any Tennessean facing a significant business dispute or complex civil litigation, John S. Hicks offers the sophisticated legal strategy, trial prowess, and unwavering dedication required to navigate challenging legal waters and achieve favorable outcomes right here in our community.