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Erica Vick Penley

Erica Vick Penley

Member
Nashville
(615) 742-7901
epenley@bassberry.com
https://www.bassberry.com/professionals/vick-penley-erica/

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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.

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Memberships

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)

Representative Experience

  • Successful Opposition for Nuclear Industry Client

    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

    We worked with the U.S. subsidiary of a supplier of nuclear analysis software and specialized services to the nuclear industry...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Successfully Defends Against Proxy Contests

    Counseled Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. in its three successful defenses against proxy contests initiated by Biglari Holdings Inc. and Sardar Biglari 

    Bass, Berry & Sims counseled Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. in its four successful defenses against proxy contests initiated...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Lobbying for New Law to Define Tennessee Whiskey

    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 a major distiller of Tennessee whiskey to promote and successfully pass legislation that defines "Tennessee Whiskey" to the...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Emdeon Inc. Acquires TC3 Health

    We represented Emdeon Inc. in its acquisition of TC3 Health, a provider of cost containment solutions.

    We represented Emdeon Inc. in its acquisition of TC3 Health, a provider of cost containment solutions, including payment integrity analytics,...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Lobbying for Charitable Gift Annuity Bill

    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

    We successfully lobbied for passage bills on behalf of the fundraising arm of a national children's research hospital that would...
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    Client Type: Nonprofit
  • Genesco / Finish Line Merger and Related Litigation

    Represented Genesco Inc. in connection with the negotiation of a merger agreement and subsequent litigation for Genesco to be acquired by Finish Line

    In June 2007, Bass, Berry & Sims represented Genesco Inc. in connection with the negotiation of a merger agreement for...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Lobbying for Base Operator

    Represented a private business that owns and operates fixed base operations at large airports nationally and in Tennessee

    We represented a private business that owns and operates fixed base operations at large airports nationally and in Tennessee. When...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Lobbying for Electric Power Association

    Served as general counsel for a state-wide electric power trade association, including representation in several lawsuits and lobbying efforts

    We have served as general counsel for a state-wide electric power trade association, including representation in several lawsuits and lobbying...
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    Client Type: Nonprofit
  • Lobbying for International Financial Institution

    Represent an international financial institution on various lobbying matters

    We represent an international financial institution on matters related to state regulation of gift cards, efforts to affect transactional fees...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Lobbying for Re-writing of Tennessee Uniform Anatomical Gift Act

    Drafted and successfully promoted passage of a bill re-writing the Tennessee Uniform Anatomical Gift Act

    On behalf of a state-wide organ and tissue procurement agency, we drafted and successfully promoted passage of a bill re-writing...
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    Client Type: Nonprofit

Publications

Past Events

Media Mentions & Firm News

Accolades

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

Related Services

Education

  • University of Tennessee College of Law - J.D., 2003

    Order of the Coif

  • University of Tennessee - B.A., 2000

    summa cum laude

Admissions

  • Tennessee, 2003
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, 2006