Shawn R. Henry

East Tennessee State University, B.A., 1988
The Ohio State University, M.C.R.P., 1990
Nashville School of Law, J.D., 1999

Professional Background

Prior to joining the firm in 2002, Shawn served as the Assistant Director for Urban Development with Nashville’s Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency responsible for administering the inner-city economic revitalization programs of the agency. Before his tenure at M.D.H.A., he was a city planner for the Metropolitan Planning Commission of Nashville/Davidson County responsible for reviewing applications for land development and making public recommendations to the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Metro Council. Shawn’s more than 15 years of public sector experience in city planning and economic development brings a unique perspective to the firm’s clients who find themselves navigating governmental procedures, rules and regulations.

Area of Concentration

Shawn concentrates his legal practice in the areas of land development, property rights, zoning and subdivision regulations, government relations, and litigation pertaining to these topics. He works closely with government officials and often appears before regulatory boards, commissions, and legislative bodies. He frequently lectures on new laws such as the Tennessee Vested Property Rights Act and legal matters pertaining to urban and regional planning, roads and access, easements, sign regulations, and boundary disputes. He holds an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Nashville Bar Association and Tennessee Bar Association
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Urban Land Institute – Nashville District Council

Community Involvement

• Economic Club of Nashville (ECON), Former Board of Director
• The DISTRICT, Inc., past-chairman
• Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Nashville Downtown Partnership
• Leadership Middle Tennessee (2013 class)
• Young Leaders Council (2001 class)