J. Douglas Overbey

J. Douglas Overbey is a founding member of the firm and serves as Of Counsel. Drawing on more than four decades of legal, governmental, and legislative experience, he advises businesses, religious organizations, healthcare providers, nonprofit entities, local governments, and other clients throughout Tennessee on complex legal, regulatory, and public policy matters.

A significant part of Mr. Overbey’s practice involves government relations and legislative advocacy. Having served in the Tennessee General Assembly for nearly two decades and as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, he brings clients unparalleled insight into the legislative, regulatory, and governmental processes that affect their operations. He works closely with business leaders, organizations, and governmental entities to monitor legislation, navigate regulatory issues, develop advocacy strategies, and advance initiatives before state and local government bodies.

Mr. Overbey also advises clients in matters involving healthcare, state and local government law, business disputes, internal investigations, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes litigation. His extensive relationships and experience across Tennessee allow him to serve as a trusted counselor to clients facing complex legal and governmental challenges.

In 2017, Mr. Overbey was appointed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee and confirmed by the United States Senate. As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district, he oversaw federal criminal prosecutions, civil enforcement matters, and federal litigation throughout East Tennessee. He returned to the firm in 2021 following the completion of his service.

Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Overbey served three terms in the Tennessee Senate, eight years in the Tennessee House of Representatives, and on the Blount County Commission. During his legislative career, he held leadership positions on the Finance, Health, Ethics, and Judiciary Committees and helped shape significant legislation affecting healthcare, economic development, education, and public policy across Tennessee.

Mr. Overbey graduated first in his class from the University of Tennessee College of Law and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He earned his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Carson-Newman College and holds the AV Preeminent® peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell.