Fisher Phillips Continues Momentum in Nashville with the Addition of Two Partners

Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm representing employers, is pleased to announce that Christopher Bellamy and Marcia McShane have joined the firm as Partners in Nashville.

“Chris and Marcia are first chair litigators with an equally strong ability to partner with employers to prevent workplace disputes through practical solutions, strategic advice, and compliance counseling,” said Joe Shelton, Regional Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips’ Nashville Office. “We are honored that Chris and Marcia chose Fisher Phillips. We are excited to add lawyers of their caliber to the breadth and depth of what our growing Nashville office can offer to companies who need seasoned and talented attorneys to help with proactive compliance advice or to handle disputes through the course of litigation.”

About Chris Bellamy:

Chris most recently served as the in-house head of US Litigation and Global Data Privacy for a Fortune 500 energy company. In that capacity he managed a wide variety of matters ranging from securities and derivative lawsuits, complex litigation matters, contract disputes and personnel issues to matters involving government regulations, and tort claims. He also ensured the company’s compliance with global data privacy and related regulatory requirements and was responsible for its data retention program. In addition, Chris played an integral role in on-site interviews of management and team members during compliance checks, crisis management, and accident or fatality investigations.

Prior to his in-house role, Chris was with a Nashville law firm where he handled white collar criminal defense and represented clients in complex civil and parallel-track (civil and potential criminal) cases in state and federal courts. In this role, he also conducted and managed internal corporate investigations and advised clients on corporate executive risk exposure and compliance issues. Chris has substantial experience and a proven track record as a leader in business operations for a number of companies prior to practicing law.

Earlier in his legal career, Chris established his own law practice with a strong focus on trials and litigation. He then went on to serve as Assistant General Counsel in the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance before becoming an Assistant District Attorney in Tennessee’s 19^th Judicial District. Chris also served as an Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt University Law School where he taught pretrial litigation.  

Chris earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School where he was the president and founder of Law Students for Veteran’s Affairs and an active member of the moot court and mock trial teams. Chris proudly served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard in various leadership positions for over a decade. He is admitted to practice in all Tennessee state and federal district courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States.

About Marcia McShane:

Marcia has two decades of experience in private practice and was a partner at a national labor and employment firm where she defended management in complex legal claims at the administrative, trial, and appellate levels. During this time, she also worked with employers to proactively identify and avoid legal disputes through the development and implementation of extensive management training programs, audits, and best practices.

Marcia most recently served as Chief of Staff and Director of Legal Affairs at the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability where she led the Office of General Counsel and the broader legal team on the formulation of policies and practices governing recruiting, hiring, discipline, performance management, and compliance with federal, state and local laws governing activities funded by the agency’s $81M budget. Prior to this, Marcia served as Assistant Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Human Services where she led the Public Information and Legislative Office and served on the Executive Leadership Team. In this role Marcia was responsible for the department’s government relations, legislative initiatives, communications, and customer service.

She is a frequent lecturer and thought leader regarding employment issues and the reduction of claims. Marcia also has served as a Rule 31 listed mediator and arbitrator in employment matters, business disputes, and general civil matters.

Marcia earned her J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and her undergraduate degree from Florida State University. She has been consistently listed in Super Lawyers, including recognition in the “Top 50 Women” in the Mid-South publication. Marcia also served as Co-Chair of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association’s Employment Law Practice Group, as representative for the Bench-Bar Committee, and was heavily involved in the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law program. She is licensed to practice in Tennessee and Mississippi, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States.