** PLEASE NOTE – Effective December 17, 2007, Mr. Payne has relocated his practice to another firm here in Nashville. His new contact information is as follows:  Rudy, Wood and Winstead, P.L.L.C.; 1812 Broadway, Nashville, TN  37203.  (615) 515-3530 telephone, (615) 515-3512 fax. His new e-mail is spayne@rudylaw.net.

A Nashville native, Mr. Payne is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he obtained a double major in English and Political Science, and Vanderbilt University School of Law, where he finished in the top 10% of his class (Order of the Coif). While at Vanderbilt University School of Law, he also served as an editor for the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law. Mr. Payne is AV - rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Payne practiced with the tradition-rich Birmingham, Alabama firm of Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas & O’Neal. He returned to his hometown and joined Evans, Jones & Reynolds in late 1997, and then became a shareholder in January, 2001.

Mr. Payne’s practice focuses on litigation in both State and Federal Courts. His litigation practice often involves labor and employment, workers’ compensation, commercial and business cases, and legal-malpractice defense. He represents both individuals and businesses.