Visiting, or interacting with, this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Although we are always interested in hearing from visitors to our website, we cannot accept representation on a new matter from either existing clients or new clients until we know that we do not have a conflict of interest that would prevent us from doing so. Therefore, please do not send us any information about any new matter that may involve a potential legal representation until we have confirmed that a conflict of interest does not exist and we have expressly agreed in writing to the representation. Until there is such an agreement, we will not be deemed to have given you any advice, any information you send may not be deemed privileged and confidential, and we may be able to represent adverse parties.
Since 2010, Lillian Blackshear has represented clients in public finance transactions totaling more than $10 billion. Governments and banks look to Lillian as counsel to secure the financing necessary to green-light a wide range of development projects and debt refundings. Exclusively focused on public finance, Lillian represents an array of governmental entities, investment banks and commercial banks on debt issuances throughout Tennessee.
Lillian helps her clients navigate the complexities of state law, federal tax and federal securities issues related to public finance deals. As bond counsel, Lillian has helped secure bond proceeds for the redevelopment of areas in Middle Tennessee ravaged by historic flooding. As underwriter’s counsel, she has assisted in bringing several large issuers back into compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure rules. As disclosure counsel, she has assisted first-time issuers in the offering of their securities and compliance with SEC disclosure rules.
Since 2010, Lillian Blackshear has represented clients in public finance transactions totaling more than $10 billion. Governments and banks look to Lillian as counsel to secure the financing necessary to green-light a wide range of development projects and debt refundings. Exclusively focused on public finance, Lillian represents an array of governmental entities, investment banks and commercial banks on debt issuances throughout Tennessee.
Lillian helps her clients navigate the complexities of state law, federal tax and federal securities issues related to public finance deals. As bond counsel, Lillian has helped secure bond proceeds for the redevelopment of areas in Middle Tennessee ravaged by historic flooding. As underwriter’s counsel, she has assisted in bringing several large issuers back into compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure rules. As disclosure counsel, she has assisted first-time issuers in the offering of their securities and compliance with SEC disclosure rules. Her practice involves:
Serving as bond counsel to counties, cities and various districts, authorities and nonprofit entities in the issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds and notes.
Serving as underwriter’s counsel and bank counsel to financial institutions in the issuance of state, county, city and nonprofit debt.
Serving as disclosure counsel to local governments in the issuance of municipal bonds and notes.
Lillian is a valuable resource to the firm’s Public Finance Practice Group on municipal securities disclosure issues and frequently works with issuers regarding their continuing disclosure obligations. She has extensive experience in the drafting and reviewing of authorizing, disclosure, sale and closing documents – the critical components of a successful public financing deal.
Memberships
Leadership Tennessee (2026-2027)
Metropolitan Planning Commission (2014-2023)
National Association of Bond Lawyers
Women in Public Finance, Tennessee Chapter — Secretary
Tennessee Bar Association
Napier-Looby Bar Association
Leadership Nashville (Class of 2023-2024)
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee — Corporate Food Fight, Volunteer
Since 2010, Lillian Blackshear has represented clients in public finance transactions totaling more than $10 billion. Governments and banks look to Lillian as counsel to secure the financing necessary to green-light a wide range of development projects and debt refundings. Exclusively focused on public finance, Lillian represents an array of governmental entities, investment banks and commercial banks on debt issuances throughout Tennessee.
Lillian helps her clients navigate the complexities of state law, federal tax and federal securities issues related to public finance deals. As bond counsel, Lillian has helped secure bond proceeds for the redevelopment of areas in Middle Tennessee ravaged by historic flooding. As underwriter’s counsel, she has assisted in bringing several large issuers back into compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure rules. As disclosure counsel, she has assisted first-time issuers in the offering of their securities and compliance with SEC disclosure rules.
Memberships
Leadership Tennessee (2026-2027)
Metropolitan Planning Commission (2014-2023)
National Association of Bond Lawyers
Women in Public Finance, Tennessee Chapter — Secretary
Tennessee Bar Association
Napier-Looby Bar Association
Leadership Nashville (Class of 2023-2024)
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee — Corporate Food Fight, Volunteer
Represented the Metro Nashville Sports Authority as bond counsel in connection with the issuance of $225 million of bonds in December 2020 to finance the construction of the new Major League Soccer (MLS) Stadium at the Nashville Fairgrounds
We represented Shelby County Schools (SCS) Board in a transaction to secure funding bringing laptop computers to nearly 95,000 students in the District. By providing nearly 95,000+ new devices and WiFi access to students in the District, each student will have the proper materials to participate in online learning this year. Students are scheduled to have a laptop or tablet by November 2020. The investment in students, which was announced on June 16, is historic step for the District in bridging the digital divide and builds upon the ongoing Equity in Action Plan, which aims to ensure all students have the same access to academic supports.
COVID-19 highlighted the lack of internet access and technology for many students and families in Memphis, Tennessee. This deal is part of a broader $37 million plan to enable all students to learn online. The transaction was formed through a lease-purchase agreement with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. The funding included federal coronavirus relief dollars through the CARES Act Fund, as well as government bonds from Shelby County and the City of Memphis.
Represented Montgomery County, Tennessee as bond counsel in connection with the issuance of $110 million of bonds in July 2020 to finance the construction of a Multi-Purpose Event Center in downtown Clarksville
Represented cities and counties across Tennessee on more than 200 general obligation bond transactions valued at a combined total of approximately $4.5 billion
University of Tennessee College of Law - J.D., 2008
summa cum laude
Order of the Coif
Spelman College - B.A., 2005
summa cum laude
Education
University of Tennessee College of Law - J.D., 2008
summa cum laude
Order of the Coif
Spelman College - B.A., 2005
summa cum laude
Tennessee, 2008
Admissions
Tennessee, 2008
"Lillian Blackshear is frequently seen acting for government entities and financial institutions and is adept at securing bond financings for a range of development projects." Client feedback: "Lillian consistently delivers exceptional service, she's thoughtful, timely and incredibly reliable. Her technical knowledge and attention to detail make even the most complex tasks feel manageable." and "Lillian Blackshear is an excellent bond attorney and a true pleasure to work with. She approaches each issue with a solution-oriented mindset and a strong desire to help move the deal forward."
From Chambers USA 2026
We use cookies on our website to improve site performance and functionality for a better user experience and to analyze website traffic. To learn more about cookies and how they are used, please review the “Use of Cookies” section of our Privacy Policy.
