Guilford F. “Gif” Thornton Jr. ’90 (BS’84), a partner with Adams and Reese, will serve as the firm’s managing partner.
Thornton has previously served as chair of the firm’s executive committee and held numerous management roles. He joined Adams and Reese in 2005 through the merger of the Nashville-based firm of Stokes Bartholomew with Adams and Reese, a larger regional firm. Adams and Reese currently has 300 attorneys.
Thornton succeeds Charles P. Adams Jr., who had held the role of managing partner since 2001. Thornton said he wants to maintain Adams’ focus on exceeding client expectations, strategic growth, and profitability. Adams will continue to serve the firm by overseeing several strategic initiatives.
“Gif and I have been working on this transition for more than a year, and he is definitely well prepared to lead the firm into the future,” Adams said. “He has been involved as a key member of the firm’s leadership since he joined us, and we are fortunate to have someone with his vision, talent, and commitment.”
Well-known in political circles, Thornton serves as legislative counsel to a number of businesses, trade associations and governmental entities with interests before Tennessee state government. In addition, he represents clients before regulatory boards and administrative agencies of local, state and federal government. He has extensive experience in the areas of education, energy, health care, insurance, technology, transportation and utilities.
“Gif brings tremendous national, regional, and local experience having served significant clients across a broad range of industries and sectors. His perspectives will help further energize our future growth and success.” said B. Jeffrey “Jeff” Brooks, firm chair. “Gif is one of the most effective and respected lawyers in the state of Tennessee, and his is a prominent voice in the governmental relations arena and within the business and philanthropic communities.
Thornton currently serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Development Housing Agency and the Tennessee Business Roundtable. He is a Fellow of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Foundations and is former board president of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee. He also serves on the board of The Hermitage and has previously served on the Board of Trustees of Vanderbilt University.
Thornton has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout his distinguished career to date, including Pro Bono “Attorney for Justice” by the Tennessee Supreme Court.