Sam AlvarezNashville is booming. You can see it in the cranes over the Gulch and feel it in the energy of every new coffee shop opening in East Nashville.
But before you can open your doors, you have to survive the paperwork. Entrepreneurs know that the “new business high” can quickly crash when you’re staring at Articles of Organization or panicking over S-Corp elections.
Finding the right partner involves building a legal foundation that withstands future liability claims, rather than simply filing forms. Germantown tech hubs and 12 South home offices present different needs, yet both require guidance on Tennessee’s unique statutes.
I scrutinized the local market to identify the best company registration services in Nashville that ensure your business is legitimate, compliant, and secure from the moment you sign the papers.
How much does company registration cost in Nashville?
Tennessee business formation requires specific budgeting. Unlike states with minimal filing costs, the Tennessee Secretary of State uses a fee structure that often surprises out-of-towners. Generally, an LLC requires a minimum state filing fee of $300, which increases by $50 per member beyond 6, up to higher amounts. Check the Tennessee Secretary of State for your exact count. Hiring a professional helps avoid legal headaches. Professionals typically add $500–$2,500+ beyond state fees, depending on complexity. A CPA usually charges on the lower end for basic setup, while a top-tier law firm handling complex operating agreements falls on the higher end of that spectrum.
1. Sherrard Roe
Website: https://srvhlaw.com/services/corporate/business-formation/
Address: 1600 West End Avenue, Suite 1750
Contact: (615) 742-4200
Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sherrard Roe operates as a heavyweight legal partner suited for businesses anticipating complex growth or liability issues.
Their team handles high-stakes corporate structuring that automated services cannot manage. Ventures involving multiple investors or significant intellectual property require this level of legal scrutiny to navigate potential disputes.
Their attorneys scrutinize business plans for legal potholes, ensuring the corporate veil remains ironclad against future litigation.
This depth of protection offers clients peace of mind that budget online services simply cannot guarantee for high-risk ventures.
It is worth noting, though, that this level of specialized attention comes with a higher entry price point.
Because they operate on a traditional billable hour structure, the costs can add up quickly compared to flat-fee alternatives.
Nevertheless, many clients see this as a standard trade-off for the depth of protection they receive.
Customer Reviews:
No finer group of lawyers in Nashville.
There is no finer group of lawyers in Nashville. The firm generally represents businesses in the form of consulting, transactions, and litigation. The firm’s lawyers are knowledgeable, professional, and ethical. I highly recommend this firm to potential clients.
- Stephen Spann | Google Review
They care about their clients.
Great firm. They represent me on my will, trusts, business, etc. They have always been good with me. They care. My primary attorney is William Harbison, one of the partners, and he is a great guy. I’m very fortunate to have found him and this firm. Plus, he knows many people in other areas, that he can recommend. I found my accountant through him. I enjoy working with him and others at this firm. They care about their clients.
- Jason Strong | Google Review
2. Millman CPA Strategic Solutions, PC
Website: https://www.lisamillmancpa.com/
Address: 3219 Highway 31W, White House
Contact: (615) 672-9205 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Millman CPA approaches company registration from a financial perspective, which is often exactly what a new business needs most. They integrate your business formation directly with your tax strategy.
Instead of a generic LLC filing, clients receive advice on whether that LLC should be taxed as an S-Corp to reduce self-employment taxes down the road.
I called their office regarding a retail business setup, and they immediately pivoted the conversation to long-term tax savings rather than immediate paperwork.
Because they are accountants rather than attorneys, they cannot draft complex legal documents. Owners with multiple investors or intricate ownership splits will likely need to hire a separate lawyer to finalize their operating agreements.
But for founders prioritizing financial accuracy and tax efficiency from day one, their guidance is precise and reliable.
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommend their services.
Lisa Millman and her team are wonderful to work with during an already stressful time of the year. They lay out specifics of what they need so you have a detailed outline and can get them documents right the first time. We value our professional relationship with Lisa and highly recommend their services.
- Paige Campbell | Google Review
I would never go anywhere else.
Lisa is and always have been a wonderful lady to work with. After 22 years of her helping us set up our business to doing both commercial and personal tax returns i would never go anywhere else. I have recommended her to many of our customers. She is a true Christian, honest, and the most friendly person you will ever met. She will always be our tax Lady. She Rocks.
- Patricia Potts | Google Review
3. Riggs Davie
Website: https://www.riggsdavie.com/
Address: 104 Continental Place, Suite 320, Brentwood
Contact: (615) 436-3005
Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Riggs Davie operates as a boutique firm tailored for the modern entrepreneur, specifically those in the startup, healthcare, or investment sectors.
They act as strategic partners for venture-backed companies, offering business-minded intelligence alongside legal filing.
If raising capital is part of the plan, their experience with private funds and securities law becomes a massive asset.
Founders with an exit strategy in mind often hire this firm before opening their doors. This ensures their structure supports future scale and investment from the very first signature.
They anticipate the due diligence requested by future investors.
This ensures your corporate records are pristine enough to pass the scrutiny of a Series A audit without frantic clean-up work.
That said, their expertise is definitely niche. Because they lean so heavily into high-growth markets, they place less focus on general retail or standard main street businesses.
If you aren’t planning for aggressive scaling, their specialized approach might be more than you actually need.
Customer Reviews:
Highly professional and responsive.
I had a great experience working with Nicole Swisher to form my business. She was highly professional and responsive. The process was smooth and stress-free thanks to her expertise and clear communication. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for legal help!
- Summer Harcup | Google Review
4. Lackey | McDonald, PLLC
Website: https://www.lackeypllc.com/
Address: 1608 17th Avenue South
Contact: (615) 805-6476
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Lackey | McDonald offers a sense of history and family-oriented service that is becoming rare in Nashville.
Their “family firm” atmosphere, combined with broad expertise in business law and real estate, draws specific clients.
Family-owned businesses and founders seeking a thirty-year legal relationship often choose this firm over transactional services.
However, because they prioritize relationships, the process may move at a more traditional pace than automated online services.
A colleague who used them emphasized that while not instant, the personal protection they felt was worth the wait. This relationship-first approach stands out against the “instant” culture of digital competitors.
For business owners who want a lawyer they can call by name rather than a support ticket number. This firm provides a level of accessibility that is increasingly hard to find in a booming city.
Customer Reviews:
Would definitely recommend to all!
I had a great experience working with this firm. Joe Lackey III helped me starting up a new business. He was extremely knowledgeable and got everything done on a short deadline. I could not have done it without their expertise. Would definitely recommend to all!
- Denver Cusick | Google Review
I’m very thankful for Lackey & Lackey PLLC.
Lackey & Lackey PLLC law firm has been a part of my family for over 30years. Their business ethics are impeccable. Mr. Joe Lackey Jr, is very and knowledgeable regarding the law. His children Julianne Lackey and Joe Lackey III exemplify a high standard of integrity and professional. They have assisted us with many legal issues, and has given great wisdom. I’m very thankful for Lackey & Lackey PLLC.
- Patricia Douglas | Google Review
5. Cool Springs Law Firm
Website: https://www.coolspringslawfirm.com/
Address: 5115 Maryland Way, Suite 100, Brentwood
Contact: (615) 290-5355 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Cool Springs Law Firm makes the complex world of legal formation accessible and unintimidating.
Their “plain-language approach” and willingness to educate clients distinguish them, often using flat fees for services like LLC formation. This is so you know exactly what you are paying.
First-time founders often prefer this transparency over the uncertainty of billable hours.
The firm’s focus on plain-language education helps owners understand their liability protections without needing to decipher legal jargon.
Attorneys here strip away the legalese, explaining exactly how your operating agreement protects personal assets. You leave their office empowered, understanding the mechanics of your business structure.
Take note, though, that the Brentwood location might require a drive for those in East Nashville, especially given the heavy congestion on the interstate during peak commuting hours.
Customer Reviews:
Todd was great to work with. He was very responsive and professional throughout the whole process. Beyond that, we had some ‘dumb’ questions and he was happy to explain everything in detail to ensure we were comfortable throughout the whole process. We will definitely continue working with Todd in the future – great service!
- S Patton | Google Review
