Overview
Zan is one of the firm’s generalists, as well as a lead trial lawyer. He has tried many cases before juries, judges and administrative agencies in employment discrimination, union-management and employee benefits cases. Zan has presented arguments to several federal and state appellate courts. He advises companies concerning structuring the relationships with workers and clients, whether as employment, leased employee or independent contractor arrangements to minimize legal risks and provide a positive work environment. Zan advises and represents employers in union campaigns, contract negotiations and with respect to unfair labor practice allegations and corporate campaigns. Zan does extensive training programs for all levels of management concerning harassment, discrimination and union avoidance. He frequently speaks to employer groups and provides continuing legal education training for fellow lawyers. Zan is also a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediator.
Honors & Recognitions
- Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (Elected 2020)
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2006-2025)
- Recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for Employment Law - Management in The Best Lawyers in America® (2020)
- Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal (2017)
- Chambers USA Guide® (2004-2024)
- Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation (1997)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
- Mid-South Super Lawyers® (2013-2022)
Professional & Civic Associations
Press Room
About Me
- “The most important management skill for avoiding legal risks in labor and employment relationships is listening. Careful listening will help management avoid eighty percent or more of the legal problems encountered with employees. But we are all too often in too much of a hurry to take the time.”
- Zan Blue, Generalist
Practices
Practice Emphasis
- Zan provides compliance advice and litigation representation for a wide range of clients with respect to most labor and employment issues. On any given day he will work on litigation matters, provide advice concerning long term labor and employee relations, advise clients concerning government investigations or work with clients on design and compliance issues related to employee benefits. Recently Zan has worked extensively with clients concerning managing the employer sponsored medical insurance plans, reviewing contracts with third party administrators, pharmacy benefit managers, health care providers and insurers, as well as summary plan descriptions and plan documents.
Industries
Education
Vanderbilt University Law School
- J.D., 1983
- Founder’s Medalist
- Order of the Coif
- Executive Articles Editor, Journal of Transnational Law
Bradley University
- B.A., Philosophy, magna cum laude, 1979
Bar & Court Admissions
- Tennessee, 1983
- Kentucky, 2008