Memphis is home to a diverse array of employers offering significant opportunities for legal professionals. From healthcare giants and Fortune 500 companies to leading law firms and government entities, the city’s legal market is dynamic and multifaceted. As a major hub for industries like logistics, healthcare, and entertainment, Memphis provides an ideal environment for lawyers specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, healthcare compliance, and more.
For attorneys seeking in-house counsel roles or positions within prominent law firms, the city’s legal employers present opportunities for both career growth and meaningful contributions to major industries. Many of these roles are highly competitive, and working with a legal recruiter can improve your chances of securing a placement with a top employer in Memphis.
Biggest Law Firms in Memphis
- Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC: Founded in 1888, Baker Donelson has grown into one of the most influential law firms in the Southeast. With over 650 attorneys across 23 offices, including a significant presence in Memphis, it provides full-service legal support. The firm is well-regarded for its expertise in healthcare law, labor and employment, and business transactions. It’s consistently ranked on the Am Law 200 and has received accolades from Fortune as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Notably, Baker Donelson is recognized for its lobbying efforts, frequently representing major clients in Washington, D.C.
- Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP: With roots dating back to 1812, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs is among the oldest and most established law firms in the South. Its Memphis office is a key hub in its regional network, offering services in business law, litigation, and regulatory compliance. The firm’s structure emphasizes industry-specific practice groups, ensuring deep expertise in healthcare, real estate, and financial services. Wyatt has played pivotal roles in landmark cases, particularly in labor and employment law, and is a trusted partner for large institutions across the region.
- Stites & Harbison, PLLC: Stites & Harbison has been delivering high-quality legal counsel since its establishment in 1832. Operating throughout the Southeast, its Memphis office specializes in intellectual property, business law, and construction litigation. Known for its strategic problem-solving, the firm is regularly listed among U.S. News & World Report’s top firms. Its attorneys have represented high-profile clients in complex construction and intellectual property disputes, cementing its reputation as a trusted advisor in these fields.
- Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC: Since its founding in 1904, Burch, Porter & Johnson has been a pillar of the Memphis legal community. The firm is deeply tied to the city’s history, including its involvement in key civil rights cases during the 1960s. Today, it provides a wide range of legal services, with specialties in commercial litigation, healthcare law, and estate planning. The firm’s commitment to civic engagement and client-centered service has earned it recognition in publications like Best Lawyers and Chambers USA.
- Butler Snow LLP: Butler Snow is a nationally recognized law firm with over 400 attorneys and a strong presence in Memphis. Founded in 1954, it offers expertise in corporate transactions, litigation, and government relations. The firm has been involved in numerous high-profile cases and transactions, often representing Fortune 500 companies. Butler Snow is also known for its innovative approach to client service, earning it accolades for excellence in client relationships.
- Bass, Berry & Sims PLC: With over 300 attorneys across multiple offices, Bass, Berry & Sims has been a leading name in the Southern legal market since 1922. Its Memphis office focuses on corporate law, healthcare, and securities litigation. The firm is a leader in healthcare compliance, regularly advising some of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. Its recognition on the Am Law 200 and consistent rankings in Chambers USA highlight its reputation for excellence.
- Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC: Harris Shelton is a full-service law firm headquartered in Memphis with a legacy of over 70 years. The firm’s team of skilled attorneys provides comprehensive legal support in areas such as corporate law, real estate, and medical malpractice defense. Known for its client-focused approach, Harris Shelton has represented both regional businesses and national organizations in complex legal matters, making it a trusted partner in the Memphis legal landscape.
- Evans Petree PC: Evans Petree has been serving Memphis and beyond since 1907, offering a wide range of legal services that include business law, estate planning, and litigation. The firm is well-regarded for its collaborative approach, fostering long-term relationships with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations. Notable for its expertise in real estate transactions and employment law, Evans Petree continues to be a respected name in the Memphis legal community.
- Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C.: This boutique law firm in Memphis provides a full suite of legal services, including business law, litigation, and intellectual property. Known for its personalized approach and dedicated client service, Black McLaren handles cases ranging from small business disputes to complex corporate litigation. The firm has a strong reputation in the legal community for its ability to navigate intricate legal challenges while maintaining close relationships with its clients.
- Glankler Brown, PLLC: Founded in 1918, Glankler Brown is one of Memphis’s most established law firms, offering expertise in areas like real estate, corporate law, and commercial litigation. The firm is known for its deep connections to the Memphis business community, often representing developers, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations. Glankler Brown’s attorneys are frequently recognized in Best Lawyers in America, highlighting their skill in handling high-stakes legal matters.
Memphis
Memphis’ legal market is anchored by its strong logistics, healthcare, and music industries. Lawyers in Memphis often specialize in corporate law, healthcare regulations, and intellectual property, serving major employers like FedEx, regional hospitals, and the city’s iconic music businesses. With its strategic location and diverse economy, Memphis provides legal professionals opportunities in commercial litigation, real estate, and entertainment law, making it a dynamic setting for a wide range of legal work.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position at one of Memphis’s top companies requires more than just credentials—it often depends on strategic networking and leveraging opportunities with the help of a legal recruiter. These companies maintain extensive legal departments, offering roles in compliance, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
- FedEx Corporation: Founded in 1971, FedEx is one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics companies, employing over 500,000 people globally. Headquartered in Memphis, its legal team handles regulatory compliance, employment law, and intellectual property, among other areas. FedEx has been involved in landmark cases involving transportation regulations and data privacy, making it a prime destination for attorneys seeking challenging roles with global impact.
- International Paper: Established in 1898, International Paper employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide. This Memphis-based paper and packaging leader offers legal opportunities in environmental compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Known for its focus on sustainability, the company has been a party to significant environmental litigation, offering its legal team opportunities to shape corporate policies on global environmental standards.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Since its founding in 1962, St. Jude has grown into a globally renowned healthcare institution, employing over 5,000 professionals in Memphis. Its legal department oversees healthcare compliance, intellectual property, and nonprofit governance. With its groundbreaking medical research and innovative approaches to care, St. Jude provides lawyers with opportunities to contribute to projects that make a real-world difference.
- AutoZone, Inc.: AutoZone, founded in 1979, employs roughly 100,000 people across its extensive network of over 6,000 stores. Based in Memphis, the company’s legal team specializes in litigation, intellectual property, and corporate law. AutoZone’s legal department frequently handles trademark protection cases, reflecting the company’s dedication to safeguarding its brand and intellectual assets.
- First Horizon Bank: Founded in 1864, First Horizon Bank employs approximately 6,500 people and maintains its legal headquarters in Memphis. The bank’s legal team focuses on compliance, securities law, and mergers and acquisitions. Its recent high-profile merger with Iberiabank highlights the critical role the legal department plays in managing large-scale financial transactions.
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: Founded in 1918, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare employs over 13,000 people in Memphis. Its legal team focuses on healthcare compliance, risk management, and contractual matters. Attorneys at Methodist Le Bonheur often engage in work that shapes local and regional healthcare policy, particularly in navigating complex regulatory environments.
- Terminix Global Holdings: Terminix, established in 1927, employs over 11,500 people worldwide. The Memphis-based company provides pest control services and operates a legal team that specializes in litigation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Its attorneys frequently work on cases involving consumer protection and environmental law, offering engaging and varied legal challenges.
- Hilton Worldwide (Memphis Regional Office): Founded in 1919, Hilton employs approximately 160,000 people globally, with a significant regional office in Memphis. Its legal team manages franchising agreements, real estate transactions, and employment law. The Memphis office has been instrumental in Hilton’s North American expansion, offering unique opportunities for attorneys in the hospitality industry.
