“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” 

--Eleanor Roosevelt

Mary Dohner Smith is a partner in the Nashville office with experience involving every aspect of the employment relationship. She has been involved in complex litigation involving all aspects of Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FLSA, USERRA, retaliatory discharge, and state law claims for breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Before joining Constangy, Mary worked in Human Resources in both unionized and non-unionized facilities.  As a result, Mary believes strongly in working closely with clients to resolve issues before they become lawsuits.  Mary also enjoys speaking and providing training on relevant legal topics based on her experience, such as the re-employment of soldiers pursuant to USERRA, harassment and termination procedures.

Publications/Presentations

• Sterling Education Services Presenter, "Employment Law Update Seminar,"July 13, 2011 (Registration available online via link above)
• "We're All Disabled Now - The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act" presentation - Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association
• "A Personal Account of the Nashville Flood." - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations Newsletter
• "Title IX: Is Reform Needed" - Vanderbilt University Law School Panel Discussion
• "Data Breaches: Current Developments, Guidelines & Practical Preparations" - Nashville Bar Association
• "The Search for Success" - L.A.W. Matters
• "Off the Wall Employment Questions" presentation, Counsel on Education in Management
• "USERRA - What Employers Need To Know" presentation, Tennessee Department of Workforce Development
• "Harrassment in the Workplace" presentation, Sterling Education Services
• "Lessons from the Field - My First Trial." American Bar Association, Trial Practice Newsletter

Awards & Recognition

• ABA/TIPS 2010-11 Leadership Academy
• Received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support for the Guard & Reserve (ESGR)
• Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, Class of 2009
• Mid-South Super Lawyer Rising Star

Professional Activities/Associations

• American Bar Association, Trial, Tort & Insurance Practice Section, Corporate Counsel Vice Chair, Leadership Academy
• Lawyers Association for Women Program Committee, Board Member/Secretary, Newsletter Editor
• Middle Tennessee Society for Human Resources Management
• Nashville Bar Association, Law Day Committee
• Nashville Legal Aid Society Campaign, Small Firm Division Co-Chair
• Tennessee Bar Association, Leadership Law Steering Committee
• Stones River Society for Human Resources Management

Civic/Charitable Activities/Associations

• Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (“ESGR”)
• V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary
• Kids Stuff - Cross Point Community Church

Other Personal Background Information and Interests

• Mary enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Travis, and their two children. As a family, they enjoy traveling, boating, camping and cheering for their favorite college and professional football teams. Mary also enjoys reading and cooking.