Jonathan Tepe
Nashville Partner
Phone: 615-434-7002
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-tepe
See My Story
– Tommy Bibb
– David Chen, a Former Client
Jonathan Tepe is a Partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, a Co-Chair of the firm’s Public Interest Litigation Practice Group, and the Chair of the firm’s Fellows and Junior Associates Program.
Since joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Jonathan has been recognized in the legal community as a Mid-South Rising Star by Super Lawyers and on Benchmark Litigation’s 40 and Under List – South.
At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Jonathan’s practice has focused on public interest litigation, employment discrimination, and complex civil litigation. Jonathan’s representations have included:
- A proposed class action on behalf of mistreated and abused disabled youth in the Tennessee juvenile justice system in Disability Rights Tennessee, et al. v. The State of Tennessee, et al.
- Dozens of counties and cities across the nation in their claims against opioid manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers
- Helping to secure a settlement on behalf of more than 700 autoworkers in a class age discrimination claim against Volkswagen in Manlove v. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft et al.
- Helping to secure an $8.3 million arbitration verdict on behalf of the co-founder of a global semi-conductor company following his termination in Chen v. InnoGrit Corporation, et al.
- Health care executives who were terminated after reporting violations of laws and regulations in Kyrimis, et al. v. Palomar Health et al.
- An asylum seeker in his appeal before the Tenth Circuit
- Successfully resolving many cases involving employment discrimination and retaliation
Jonathan received his law degree from Columbia Law School and his Bachelor of Arts cum laude in political science and history, with honors in arts and sciences, from The Ohio State University. While at Columbia Law, Jonathan was a member of the Human Rights Law Review, Public Relations Chairman of Rightslink (a student-run human rights law organization), and a participant in the Human Rights Internship Program. As an intern with the Legal Resources Centre in Makhanda, South Africa, Jonathan contributed to litigation that ultimately secured a judgment finding that severe furniture shortages in Eastern Cape schools violated the constitutional right to a basic education and ordering the government to provide sufficient desks and chairs to all Eastern Cape schools. He also helped to defend low-income families as an extern with The Bronx Defenders and to expand voting rights as an extern with The Center for Popular Democracy. While at Ohio State, Jonathan worked as an intern for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Employment Law Section, and for U.S. Congressman Steve Driehaus.
Jonathan is a member of the Tennessee and Ohio bars. He is also member of the Tennessee Bar Association.
Before joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Jonathan completed a clerkship for the Honorable Sarah A. L. Merriam, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Prior to his clerkship, Jonathan was an Associate at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he gained substantial experience in complex commercial litigation, as well as various pro bono matters representing low-income individuals.
When Jonathan is not lawyering, he enjoys traveling, running, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Education
- J.D., Columbia Law School
- B.A., Ohio State University
Clerkship
- Honorable Sarah A. L. Merriam, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
Bar Admissions
- Tennessee
- Ohio
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
I am very thankful for their hard work and dedication
“The SHSM attorneys were very empathetic, professional and responsive. They went the extra mile and were always very reasonable and practical with their advice. I am very thankful for their hard work and dedication.”
–Former Client
The team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding my story
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding legal services provided by Jonathan Tepe and the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team. My experience with their attorneys and staff has been nothing short of exceptional, and I am compelled to share my positive journey with them. From the outset, the team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding my story. Their attentive approach and compassionate listening set the tone for a partnership built on trust and collaboration. It was evident that they valued the unique aspects of my case and were dedicated to achieving a favorable resolution. Navigating legal matters can be a daunting task, but with Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight by my side, the process was made remarkably smooth. The level of professionalism displayed by their attorneys was commendable. Their knowledge of the legal landscape instilled confidence in me, and I felt assured that my case was in capable hands. This made communication easy, and I always felt comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns. Throughout the entire journey, the advice I received from Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight was not only insightful but also tailored to my specific situation. Their expertise shone through, providing me with the guidance needed to make informed decisions. The combination of legal acumen and genuine concern for their clients is what truly sets this firm apart. In conclusion, my experience with Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight was very positive. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal support. I am grateful for their unwavering dedication to securing a favorable outcome for my case.”
–Former Client
Smart, Strategic, and Compassionate
Jonathan Tepe and his team are the definition of top-notch attorneys. They are smart, strategic and compassionate. They explained everything in detail and kept me updated throughout the process. Most importantly, they deliver! They were able to quickly secure a generous settlement in my case.”
–Former Client
True Professionals
Deciding to take action and pursue a legal case was a complicated and emotional decision. Ed, Cara, Jonathan, Leigh Anne, Kaitlin, and the rest of the team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight supported me through this journey, providing expert guidance, caring, and compassion. They took the time needed to absorb the nuances of my situation, continued to navigate through roadblocks, demonstrated the patience of true professionals, and led my case to a successful outcome for me and my family. I will be forever grateful!
– Former Client
Passionate Care for Justice
“As a client of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, I had the opportunity of working with its attorneys at multiple locations: Ms. Ella Zheng and Mr. Yikai Wang (in San Francisco), Ms. Leigh Anne St. Charles and Messrs. Kevin Sharp and Jonathan Tepe (in Nashville), and Mr. Andrew Melzer (in New York). Collectively the SHSM team represented the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and passionate care for justice that I have ever witnessed in my career.
Like many individual plaintiffs, I was faced with a corporate defendant that was much more resourceful. The SHSM team never showed any hesitation in representing me or wavered in their resolution to right the wrong. The attorneys and assistants worked through maternity, coronavirus infection, over-night depositions and many other challenges for nearly three years to ultimately deliver a resounding success!
I am forever indebted to Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight's perseverance and kindness. Last three years were such a lifetime experience that I will never forget.”
– David Chen
They’re not only first rate attorneys and legal team, but genuinely good people to work with.
“Sanford Heisler and Sharp were my attorneys and I am so grateful they were. They were genuinely concerned for me and my family’s success in a work related legal matter. They kept me informed and educated me on options and concerns during the process. They never made a decision or took an action without discussing it with me and getting approval to do so. They made a difficult situation much easier to go through and helped us when many said no. My family and I are very grateful to the SHSM team and would recommend them to anyone. They’re not only first rate attorneys and legal team, but genuinely good people to work with.”
– Tommy Bibb
Volkswagen AG Age Discrimination Collective Action
The German automakers’ “Pact for the Future” labor campaign eliminates 7,000 jobs in the Americas primarily held by workers born between 1955 and 1960.
Fauquier County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Fauquier County, Virginia, filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs.
Montgomery County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Montgomery County filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
Lee County, VA and Norton Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Lee County and the City of Norton filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
InnoGrit Corp. Breach of Contract Suit
The Complaint on behalf of InnoGrit’s co-founder Yuhui (David) Chen alleges breach of contract, promissory fraud, retaliation, wrongful termination, and shareholder direct and derivative claims.
Martinsville and Henry County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Martinsville and Henry County filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
Page County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Page County filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
Galax and Giles County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuits
Galax and Giles County filed the lawsuits in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
Washington County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuit
Washington County filed the lawsuit in state court against more than 15 opioid manufacturers, distributors, and PBMs — including pharmaceutical titan Purdue Pharma and worldwide distributor McKesson.
Alexandria and Dickenson County, VA Opioid Epidemic Lawsuits
The City of Alexandria and Dickenson County, Virginia, represented by Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight and The Cicala Law Firm PLLC became the first municipalities in the Commonwealth of Virginia to pursue legal action against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for their role in creating the public health emergency caused by prescription opioids.
- Middle TN lawsuit claims state agencies violated the rights of children with disabilities in juvenile justice system, WBIR-TV, June 28, 2024 (video)
- UPDATE: Sanford Heisler Sharp Announces Four New Partners, Four Senior Litigation Counsel, GlobeNewswire, February 3, 2023
Blog
- Working-Class Rights: I Was Laid Off. Now What? Co-Author.
- Workers Succeed in Class Age Discrimination Settlement, But Much Remains to be Done
- Age Discrimination Causes Substantial Damage to Older Workers’ Careers and Health
- The Legal Profession has a Uniquely Disturbing Gender Disparity in Job Satisfaction