Atty. Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Atty. Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Tom is a trial attorney and an adviser to Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC’s business, and insurance clients. Tom obtained a bachelor’s degree in management engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Nashville Nashville 40 yrs experience 40 year
Call (615) 259-9080 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Thomas J. "Tom" Smith at a glance

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is a civil rights and insurance attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee, practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC. They have 40+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1986. Admitted to practice in Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association (1986). Educated at The University of Memphis (J.D., 1996) and United States Military Academy (B.S., 1986). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Serands clients in Nashville, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Tom is a trial attorney and an adviser to Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC’s business, and insurance clients
  • Tom obtained a bachelor’s degree in management engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point
  • Following graduation from West Point, he was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army and served for five years as a Field Artillery Officer, including a one-year tour of duty in the demilitarized zone in Korea
  • Tom left active duty at the rank of Captain
  • During his time as an Army Officer, he received the U.S
  • Army Commendation Medal and the Overseas Service Medal and completed U.S
  • Army Airborne training at Ft
  • Benning, Georgia, and Jungle Operations training in Panama
  • Following his military service, Tom obtained his J.D. from the University Of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School Of Law
  • Tom’s experience in international countries led him to appreciate the United States’ rule of law
  • Believing the rule of law is what makes society work, he enrolled in law school
  • Being an attorney allows him to uphold these rules, enabling a society that offers an opportunity to everyone
  • His areas of expertise, among others, include construction litigation, insurance defense, product liability, trucking/transportation litigation, and workers’ compensation
  • Tom appreciates the opportunity to get to know his clients during the time he represents them and knowing that, at the end of the case, he has truly helped them

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas J. "Tom" Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is one of 70,245 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in Tennessee →

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Thomas J. "Tom" Smith is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Tennessee →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Tennessee

Practicing law in Tennessee. Legal matters in Tennessee are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Nashville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Tennessee state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Tennessee brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Tennessee courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Tennessee attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Nashville or all attorneys in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Thomas J. "Tom" Smith

Where is Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's law office located?
Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's law practice is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm is Spicer Rudstrom PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas J. "Tom" Smith handle?
Thomas J. "Tom" Smith focuses on civil rights, insurance. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Tennessee.
How long has Thomas J. "Tom" Smith practiced law?
Thomas J. "Tom" Smith has 40+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1986.
Where did Thomas J. "Tom" Smith go to law school?
Thomas J. "Tom" Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1996); (B.S., 1986).
How can I contact Thomas J. "Tom" Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas J. "Tom" Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas J. "Tom" Smith received?
Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville); Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers.

Education

J.D.
The University of Memphis
- 1996
B.S.
United States Military Academy
- 1986

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Insurance (Nashville)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mid-South Super Lawyer Since 2018
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Rating,
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association
Admitted: 1986

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