J.K. Simms

Attorney J.K. Simms is a partner with Thompson Burton PLLC in Franklin, Tennessee, where he serves as leader of the firm's employment law practice. A top-rated trial attorney with more than 18 years of legal experience, Mr. Simms focuses his practice primarily on employment law defense and litigation avoidance. Over the course of his career, he has achieved notable success defending the rights and interests of businesses and individuals with matters pertaining to wrongful discharge, employer retaliation accusations, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour disputes, and other serious grievances.

Along with maintaining a successful trial practice, Mr. Simms also counsels his clients with regard to labor and employment law matters in order to help them remain in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to avoid any future disputes that may lead to litigation. However, he is also a tenacious trial attorney and formidable opponent in court who aggressively advocates on behalf of those he serves in order to help them achieve the positive results they expect as efficiently as possible.

In addition to his trial success, Mr. Simms has handled numerous appeals and arbitrations, and he has represented a diverse range of clients in collective bargaining agreements with labor unions. Moreover, he has extensive experience drafting noncompete agreements and other trade secret protections as well as enforcing their terms to the benefit of both employers and employees alike.

Recognized for his impeccable professionalism and exceptional legal abilities, Mr. Simms has earned consistent recognition from The Best Lawyers in America*, and the Nashville Business Journal voted him "Best of the Bar" in 2015 and 2016. He has also received numerous other accolades from his peers, and he has received “Superb” client ratings on Avvo along with many positive testimonials and referrals from his satisfied clients.

A 1998 magna cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University, Mr. Simms obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2001. While in law school, he served as lead editor of student materials for the Tennessee Law Review.

Mr. Simms is admitted to practice before all Tennessee state courts as well as before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Tennessee and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also handled numerous matters before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, and other state and federal agencies.

A leader in his field, Mr. Simms currently serves as president of the Federal Bar Association's Middle Tennessee Chapter. He also recently accepted an appointment from Governor Bill Lee to serve on the Tennessee Board of Appeals.

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