J. Andrew Goddard
For more than 30 years, Drew Goddard has focused his practice in the area of environmental law. He counsels clients on a broad range of litigation, regulatory issues and compliance related to various local and federal environmental laws. While many of his clients are from the manufacturing sector, he also works with companies in industries such as hospitality, energy and healthcare, among others. He currently serves as chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice Group. Drew was elected to the American College of Environmental Lawyers in 2008. He has served on external steering committees of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, is the former editor of the Tennessee Environmental Law Letter, and taught environmental law as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University School of Law for 13 years. He has also served for several years on the various environmental committees and subcommittees of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and co-chairs its Air Pollution Subcommittee.
Drew has been listed in Best Lawyers in America® since 1991 and in Chambers USA since 2010.
Memberships
American College of Environmental Lawyers — Fellow
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands — 2nd Vice President (2016-2018)
Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry — Board Member (2017-present)
Representative Experience
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Representation of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) in various refinancing transactions in September and October 2019, which successfully refinanced almost $2 billion in indebtedness. Refinancing transactions for Ryman included:
• The private placement of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% senior notes due 2027.
• A tack-on private placement of an additional $200 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% senior notes due 2027.
• A tender offer for Ryman’s outstanding $350 million 5.00% senior notes due 2021 and a redemption of such notes not tendered.
• The extension of the maturity dates of Ryman’s existing $700 million revolving credit and $200 million term loan A to March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025, respectively, the increase of the $200 million term loan A to $300 million, and the increase of the accordion feature under Ryman’s credit agreement from $500 million to $600 million. -
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Represented Standard Function Foods in its sale to a private bakery
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Represented CLARCOR Inc. (NYSE: CLC) in its acquisition by Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) for approximately $4.3 billion in cash
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Represented the developer in connection with approximately $100 million in financing for the Westin Nashville Hotel project
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Advised Carlex Glass America, a subsidiary of Japan-based, publicly-held Central Glass Co., Ltd., in its acquisitions
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Representing ITT Corporation with respect to the investigation and clean-up of a chlorinated solvents site from a former operation of the property decades ago
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Represented Girkin Development in the sale of 31 Minit Mart convenience stores to TravelCenters of America LLC for $67 million
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Advised Engility Holdings in its tender offer and acquisition of Dynamics Research Corporation for $120 million
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Represented a chemical company in connection with a ground lease and construction of a $300 million chemical plant on the Tennessee River
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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Acquires Senior Living Communities from Chartwell Retirement ResidencesRead More
Represented Brookdale Senior Living Inc. in its acquisition of seven senior living communities from Chartwell Retirement Residences
Accolades
Chambers USA — Environment (2010-2019)
Best Lawyers® — Nashville Energy Law “Lawyer of the Year” (2013); Nashville Administrative / Regulatory Law “Lawyer of the Year” (2012); Nashville Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” (2011)
The Best Lawyers in America© — Administrative/Regulatory Law; Energy Law; Environmental Law; Litigation: Environmental; Natural Resources Law; Water Law (1991-2020)
International Who’s Who of Environment Lawyers
Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006, 2009-2019)
Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers (2017-2019)
Top 50 Nashville Super Lawyers (2017-2019)
Nashville Business Journal “Best of the Bar” (2011-2012)
Duke Law Journal — Editorial Board (1977-1978)
Education
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Duke University School of Law - J.D., 1978
Order of the Coif
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Vanderbilt University - B.E., 1975
Tau Beta Pi
Admissions
- Tennessee, 1978
Chambers USA
"Andrew Goddard is an expert environmental attorney who market observers describe as 'one of the most prominent attorneys in the market.' He is an accomplished litigator and is particularly well known for his air and water pollution work. Interviewees describe him as 'detail-oriented' and note that he is 'well liked within the industry and is relied upon for his advice by clients and peers.'"
From Chambers USA 2019