James M. Weaver (Holland & Knight) – Nashville, TN

Influential Government Relations and Real Estate Counsel

James M. Weaver is a partner at the prestigious law firm Holland & Knight LLP in Nashville, Tennessee. Widely recognized as one of the most effective attorneys in the state, James Weaver specializes in public policy, government relations, and real estate development. With a career spanning over three decades, he has become a key figure in shaping the growth of Nashville and Tennessee. He serves as a co-leader of the firm’s Tennessee State and Local Government Advocacy Team, where he leverages his deep relationships with elected officials and business leaders to build coalitions and solve complex problems. His clients include major corporations, professional sports franchises, and healthcare giants who rely on his strategic counsel to navigate the intersection of law, business, and government. Whether securing economic incentives for a corporate relocation or obtaining zoning approvals for a massive mixed-use development, James Weaver is the attorney businesses turn to when they need results.

Strategic Practice Areas

James Weaver’s practice is focused on high-level corporate and governmental matters. His primary areas of expertise include:

• Commercial Real Estate Lawyers: Advising on large-scale development projects, Land Use and Zoning, and regulatory compliance.
• Government Relations: Advocating for clients before state and local legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.
• Economic Development: Negotiating tax incentives (TIFs, PILOTs) and public-private partnerships for major investments.
• Environmental Law: Guiding clients through environmental regulations and permitting processes.
• Gaming Law: Advising on the legal landscape of gaming and wagering regulations.

Award-Winning Leadership

James Weaver’s impact on the legal and business community is widely acknowledged. He has been named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Practice multiple times, most recently for 2026. He is also ranked in Chambers USA for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use and is a perennial member of the Nashville Business Journal’s ‘Power 100’. Beyond his legal practice, he is a dedicated community leader, having served as Board Chair for the United Way of Greater Nashville and receiving the prestigious Tocqueville Society Award in 2024. He practices out of Holland & Knight’s Nashville office in the City Center, continuing to be a driving force in the region’s prosperity.

Nashville City Center Office

James Weaver operates from the Nashville City Center at 511 Union Street. This iconic 27-story office tower is located in the heart of the central business district, directly across from the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the State Capitol. The firm occupies Suite 2700, providing a sophisticated environment for high-level negotiations and strategy sessions. The location underscores the firm’s connection to the centers of political and economic power in the state.