Thomas Anthony Swafford

The firm offers the expertise of lawyers who have handled complex matters for public and private companies across the country. This experience is offered in a boutique setting with an emphasis on technology and creative business solutions. The firm recognizes that as client needs change in a global economic environment, law firm services must also evolve. The relationships and global network of the attorneys at the firm allow clients access to great lawyers and firms throughout the U.S. and abroad when a project requires counsel in a different region or with a unique specialty. These strategic relationships have been formed during years of experience representing clients ranging from emerging growth startups to global publicly traded corporations. Regardless of how a matter is staffed, our lawyers work directly with our clients to navigate the dispute, negotiation or governmental objective.

Tony’s practice is focused on complex litigation, government investigations and regulatory matters.  He represents both private and publicly held companies, municipalities and non-profits in litigation involving intellectual property claims, securities and shareholder disputes, white collar criminal defense, unfair competition, class and collective actions, employment and non-compete disputes, and breach of contract claims.  Tony has successfully tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts, and with arbitrators, across the country.  He has also defended government investigations in the following areas:  False Claims, Health Care Fraud, Consumer Protection, Bank Fraud, Securities Fraud, Intellectual Property and Computer Crimes, Environmental Crimes, Mail and Wire Fraud,  Tax Violations, Immigration and Employment Law Violations involving civil and/or criminal penalties.

Tony also has extensive experience in regulatory matters with a number of state and federal agencies including the Department of Transportation (FMCSA, FRA, FAA), Department of Labor (EEOC, NLRB, WHD, OSHA), Department of Health and Human Services (CMS), Department of Homeland Security (ICE), National Labor Relations Board,  and the Environmental Protection Agency.  His DOT experience includes representation of motor carriers before FMCSA and providing regulatory advice in matters involving registration, compliance, safety, environmental, wage/hour and employment issues.  He headed a team handling a nationwide class action involving a dispute in regulatory guidance between DOT and DOL in a matter pertaining to safety and health issues in the motor carrier industry.  Tony’s ability to navigate a remedy through regulatory and governmental relations avenues allowed his client to reach a favorable resolution of an agency enforcement action and class action litigation.  He was also lead counsel in a nationwide collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act involving the Motor Carrier Act exemption.

Tony is a member of the Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow), the Association of Transportation Law and Policy (Membership Chair), the American Bar Association (White Collar Committee), the Transportation Lawyers Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Nashville Bar Association (Federal Courts Committee), the Williamson County Bar Association and the John Marshall Inns of Court.  He has been listed as a top attorney for multiple years in Chambers and Best Lawyers and has been named as one of American’s Top Bet-the-Company litigators for the state of Tennessee.

In addition to his legal practice, Tony is the Executive Director of Sonrise Foundation, a  501©(3) he founded in 2018 to provide opportunities for underserved Tennessee youth.  The foundation currently offers an advocacy program and educational opportunities for students in the Middle Tennessee area.

Bar Admissions:

• Tennessee (state and federal courts)
• Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
• International  Trade Court

Education & Experience:

• University of Tennessee (B.S. in Accounting 1990, magna cum laude
• Concorde Technologies (Business Consultant, 1990-1992
• Case Western Reserve University (J.D. 1995, cum laude, International Law Journal, Best Oralist, National Moot Court competition; McElhaney Trial Advocacy Award
• Miller & Martin (Partner, Labor & Employment Department Chair, Transportation Team Leader, 1995-2011
• Adams and Reese PLLC (Partner, Intersection of Business and Government Practice Group Leader, Government Investigations and White Collar Defense Team Leader, 2011-2021)