Erica Vick Penley is practice leader of the firm’s Government Advocacy & Public Policy Practice Group. She has worked on multiple landmark public policy initiatives, including enactment of the Civil Justice Act of 2011, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the repeal of Tennessee’s gift and inheritance taxes, and passage of a constitutional amendment resolution regarding judicial selection. Erica is legislative counsel to a number of businesses and trade associations and is a registered lobbyist with extensive experience representing the interests of financial institutions, healthcare providers, utilities, energy sector, pharmaceutical industry, medical cannabis, nuclear industry services, higher education, agricultural services, and distilled spirits before the Tennessee General Assembly and Executive Branch.
Nashville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
Lawyer’s Association for Women
Tennessee Lobbyists Association — Board of Directors (2014-2016)
American Health Law Association (AHLA)
Junior League of Nashville — Advocacy and Public Awareness Chair; Board of Directors (2012-2013)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee – Board of Directors (2019-present)
Worked with the U.S. subsidiary of a supplier of nuclear analysis software to successfully oppose attempts to limit the disposal efforts related to the bulk survey for release for materials
Counseled Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. in its three successful defenses against proxy contests initiated by Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari
Represented a major distiller of Tennessee whiskey to promote and successfully pass legislation that defines “Tennessee Whiskey” to the benefit of our client
We represented Emdeon Inc. in its acquisition of TC3 Health, a provider of cost containment solutions.
Lobbied for passage bills on behalf of the fundraising arm of a national children’s research hospital that would give our client more options for reserve calculations, maintenance of accounts and annual reporting
Represented Genesco Inc. in connection with the negotiation of a merger agreement and subsequent litigation for Genesco to be acquired by Finish Line
Represented a private business that owns and operates fixed base operations at large airports nationally and in Tennessee
Served as general counsel for a state-wide electric power trade association, including representation in several lawsuits and lobbying efforts
Represent an international financial institution on various lobbying matters
Drafted and successfully promoted passage of a bill re-writing the Tennessee Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
Nashville Post “In Charge” — Government/Politics Sector (2021-2023)
Nashville Business Journal — Women of Influence (2019)
Law Clerk to the Hon. Diane K. Vescovo, Magistrate Judge, Western District of Tennessee (2003-2004)
Tennessee Law Review — Research Editor
Phi Alpha Delta
John F. Schrankel Scholar