Assistant Information

Michelle C Wilson

michelle.wilson@wallerlaw.com (615) 850-6158

Deep relationships, passion for politics fuel practice

James Weaver has been assisting clients with government relations, including incentives and relocation packages for more than 30 years. An attorney with a passion for policy and politics, James delivers strategic advice and counsel to clients seeking assistance understanding, interacting, or doing business with the government. From traditional lobbying to providing regulatory counsel, to leading complex public affairs efforts, to dealing with a crisis, James provides insightful guidance to his clients using his extensive experience and knowledge of how government works.

James has spent years building relationships and cultivating a reputation for honesty and excellence. He is particularly active in the following areas:

  • Incentive programs and economic development
  • Outside general counsel
  • Natural resources (mining, environmental, energy)
  • Real estate development
  • Transportation
  • Professional sports

Many of Tennessee's largest and highest-profile businesses rely on James as their primary government affairs advisor.  Representative clients and industries include:

  • Energy
  • Professional sports teams
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturers
  • Mining
  • Development/Retail
  • Waste management
  • Communications
  • Hospitality
  • Significant non-profit entities
  • Trade associations

James has spent years developing close relationships with elected officials and senior business leaders across the state. These relationships provide James with unique perspectives and an unparalleled ability to solve a client's problems. As part of his practice, James works with clients across the region with the site selection, incentives and permitting, and public, community and government affairs aspects of controversial projects. A charismatic country boy from a small town in West Tennessee with an innovative and influential spirit, James also delivers value by offering creative options and ideas to clients seeking to form, expand, relocate or revitalize their business.

Related Experience

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News & Insights

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  • Related Services
  • Education
    • J.D., University of Memphis, 1988
    • B.A., Vanderbilt University, 1984
  • Bar Admissions
    • Tennessee
  • Recognitions
    • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings)
      • Environmental Law, 2013-2023
      • Gaming Law, 2010-2023
      • Government Relations Practice, 2007-2023
    • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings), 2021
      • Lawyer of the Year - Government Relations Practice (Nashville)
    • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings), 2022
      • Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law (Nashville)
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters)
      • Super Lawyers - State/Local/Municipal (2006-2007, 2013-2020)
    • Nashville Business Journal
      • Described as the City's "most prolific Metro lobbyist" and listed as a member of Nashville's "Power 100"
      • Best of the Bar, Government, 2019-2022
    • Nashville Post
      • In Charge, Real Estate, 2022
  • Professional Involvement
    • Vice-Chairman of Board of Trustees, Former Chair Government Affairs Committee and former General Counsel for the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
    • General Counsel, Tennessee Road Builders Association
    • Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
    • Member, Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations
    • Tennessee Editor for Matthew Bender's Brownfields Law and Practice treatise
    • Former Vice-Chair, Government Relations for the Nashville Chamber of Commerce
    • Former General Counsel, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    • Former Secretary/Treasurer and past Member, Executive Committee of the Environmental Law Section of the Tennessee Bar Association
  • Community Involvement
    • Vice Chairman, Member of Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
    • Former Board Chair and Member, Board of Commissioners of the Tennessee State Fair
    • Former Board Member, General Counsel and Founding Board Chair, Forum for Youth Investment, Washington, D.C.
    • Founding Board Chair, Community Impact! Nashville
    • Former Board Chair, Reconciliation, Inc.
    • Former Member, United Way of Middle Tennessee Agency Review Team
    • Former Member, Board of Directors of Community Shares, Inc. and Council of Community Services

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