B&T Boosts Corporate Bench in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and DALLAS (Aug. 25, 2025) — Businesses that navigate high-stakes transactions gained two new allies at Barnes & Thornburg, the Am Law 100 firm that continues to strategically grow across 23 offices.

Tim Van Hal has deep experience advising sophisticated clients on complex transactions and fund matters. Based in the Nashville office and fluent in German, Van Hal focuses on M&A, private equity, venture capital, joint ventures and governance issues, with an emphasis on cross-border and healthcare work.

“Tim adds depth to our practice in two key markets,” said Corporate Department Chair Jahan Sharifi. “His skills in M&A, securities and private funds boost our established strength in guiding clients through sophisticated deals.”

Van Hal counsels closely held businesses, private equity sponsors, and public companies on transactional and governance matters across healthcare, professional services, technology and advanced manufacturing. Experienced in both U.S. and European markets, he leads clients through regulatory and commercial aspects of cross-border deals. His arrival also bolsters the firm’s European Services group, which advises European entities engaged in business in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the firm,” said Jay Knight, who heads up the Nashville office, which has tripled in growth since opening two years ago. “His industry knowledge and cross-border experience will help serve clients in key sectors like healthcare and technology.” 

Van Hal earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his B.A. in government from Georgetown University.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us at btlaw.com.