“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

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 a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and co-chairs the marketing function.

Publications/Presentations

• What is Your Approach to Stare Decisis 
• Businesses Have Stake in Judicial Elections
• Employer Report Cards Coming for Business
• Love and Lust in the Workplace
• Religion and National Origin Discrimination: The next big thing
• What is a Labor Union? Its not what Althea says

Awards & Recognition

• Zan Blue has been recognized in the publication, Best Lawyers In America
• Chambers USA Guide

Professional Activities/Associations

• Nashville Bar Association, Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee 2000; Member Services, Board Member; Ethics and Professionalism Subcommittee, Co-Chair - 1999; Employment and Civil Rights Committee, Chair 1998
• Harry B. Phillips Inn of Court, Barrister 1998 - 2006
• Nashville Bar Foundation, Fellow 1997 – Present

Civic/Charitable Activities/Associations

• Board of Directors, Tennessee Business Roundtable
• Treasurer, Tennessee Business Roundtable
• Board Member, Homework Hotline
• Nashville Metro Soccer Club, LLC, Secretary 1997-1999, Member, Board of Governors
• Coach, Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball Teams, 1995-2000

Other Personal Background Information and Interests

• When not working, Zan enjoys spending time with his wife, Francie, and his son and daughter, now off to college. He likes to work out, ride his tractor, hunt and read classic literature. He shoots clay targets pretty well and plays golf pretty badly.