Outcomes · Recognition · Results
The Record
Speaks.
A track record of high-stakes outcomes across commercial litigation, intellectual property, construction law, and entertainment.
Client Outcomes
Anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Construction Law · Manufacturing
65% Reduction in Exposure
Challenge
Multi-party construction defect claim affecting $50M commercial development project with complex subcontractor relationships.Approach
Coordinated discovery across all parties, deployed structural engineers to challenge defect claims, negotiated phased settlement approach.Result
Achieved 65% reduction in exposure through summary judgment motions; final settlement 40% below initial demand.Intellectual Property · Technology
$2.3M Licensing Agreement Secured
Challenge
Copyright infringement dispute over software code involving competing claims to ownership and licensing rights across multiple jurisdictions.Approach
Conducted thorough chain-of-title analysis, secured preliminary injunction against unauthorized use, leveraged expert testimony on code development history.Result
Secured full ownership recognition and $2.3M licensing agreement with competitor; protected future IP portfolio.Commercial Litigation · Consumer Goods
75% Discount on Case Valuations
Challenge
Product liability MDL defense with 200+ claimants across 6 states alleging injury from consumer product.Approach
Early causation expert work to identify flawed plaintiff theories, strategic bellwether case selection and defense, coordinated discovery protocol.Result
Won 3 consecutive bellwether trials; remaining 180+ cases resolved at 75% discount to initial valuations.Entertainment & Media · Entertainment
Production Resumed On Schedule
Challenge
Film production halted due to unresolved chain-of-title issues on underlying literary work with multiple prior rights holders.Approach
Traced rights chain, located all historical rights holders, negotiated assignments, resolved competing claims through structured agreements.Result
Cleared all title defects in 8 weeks; production resumed on schedule; film successfully distributed across major platforms.Trademark & Copyright · Consumer Brand
Preliminary Injunction in 30 Days
Challenge
Competitor launched confusingly similar product line using nearly identical trade dress and brand name in overlapping markets.Approach
Filed for emergency TRO, conducted market survey to establish consumer confusion, assembled brand history documentation and expert witnesses.Result
Obtained preliminary injunction within 30 days; competitor rebranded; client awarded attorneys' fees and licensing royalties.Commercial Litigation · Financial Services
Full Equity Stake + $1.8M Damages
Challenge
Partnership dissolution dispute involving $12M in contested equity value, competing fiduciary duty claims, and alleged misappropriation of firm assets.Approach
Filed for emergency receivership, forensic accounting engaged to trace asset flow, leveraged discovery to establish breach of fiduciary duty.Result
Client received full equity stake plus $1.8M in damages; partner permanently enjoined from competing business activities.Named Results
Reported decisions across federal and state courts.
Haddon v. Vanlier, et al.
Tenn. 2026
Tennessee Supreme Court reversed Court of Appeals; held prejudgment interest unavailable in UM personal injury actions. Represented Auto-Owners Insurance Company.
Read Article →UltraClear Epoxy, LLC v. Epodex USA Corp.
M.D. Tenn. 2024
Obtained preliminary injunction in trademark infringement matter.
Parker v. Hinton
6th Cir. 2023
Summary judgment affirmed on appeal in copyright infringement case.
Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc.
Tenn. 2019
Landmark ruling on fair report privilege in Tennessee.
Roger Miller Music, Inc. v. Sony/ATV Publ'g, LLC
6th Cir. 2012
Significant copyright termination/recapture case in the Sixth Circuit.
Professional Recognition
Commercial Litigation, Copyright Law
Best Lawyers in America
2024 · 2025 · 2026 · 2027
Michael A. Johnson and Matthew J. Evans have both been recognized by Best Lawyers in America across multiple practice areas, a distinction held consistently for over a decade.
Litigation – Insurance, Nashville
Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers 2022 · 2024
Matthew J. Evans was named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers for Litigation – Insurance in Nashville in both 2022 and 2024.
Super Lawyers
Mid-South Super Lawyers
2026
Michael A. Johnson has been selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyers in 2026 — building on 13+ consecutive years as a Rising Star, a recognition awarded to fewer than 2.5% of attorneys. Bryan P. Davidson has also been named a Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2026.
Trademark Scholarship
Ladas Memorial Award
Int'l Trademark Assoc.
Michael A. Johnson's scholarship on trademark law received the prestigious Ladas Memorial Award from the International Trademark Association.
Legal Scholarship
Vanderbilt Law Review Editors Award
Vanderbilt Law School
Michael A. Johnson served on the editorial board of the Vanderbilt Law Review and received the Editors Award, recognizing his contributions to the journal.
Ethics & AI in Law
NBA CLE Excellence Award
2025
Awarded to Michael A. Johnson for the presentation "Ethical and Practical Pitfalls of AI," reflecting the firm's leadership in navigating legal implications of artificial intelligence.
Johnson Evans & Headrick, PC
Best Law Firms
U.S. News · 2024
Consistently recognized in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings, affirming the firm's reputation for excellence across practice areas.
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