Charles Robert Bone

Partner
Nashville Office Managing Partner
Contact

Overview

Charles Robert Bone helps clients efficiently and effectively close deals and establish successful operational procedures and governance, allowing business owners and executives to successfully implement the vision for their company.

He concentrates his law practice in the areas of economic and real estate development, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and advising emerging businesses, entrepreneurs, officers and directors, and governmental entities, including serving as general counsel for the Convention Center Authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Music City Center). He has also represented clients in various complex litigation matters in both state and federal courts across Tennessee.

Charles Robert is known for providing his clients with good judgment, strategic counsel, and practical advice. According to the Nashville Business Journal, Charles Robert “hails from one of Nashville’s most prominent legal and political families” and represents “some of the splashiest names in town” and connects “many of the city’s power players.” The Nashville Post described him as “one of the most recognizable figures in Nashville’s legal, political and development circles.”

Charles Robert says the best part about being a lawyer is helping people solve what seem like insurmountable problems or helping business owners implement their vision. He serves as Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in Nashville and was president and CEO of Bone McAllester Norton until its 2021 merger with Spencer Fane. Charles Robert has been instrumental in developing several Tennessee-based companies as an entrepreneur, investor, and board member, including as a founder of Phoenix Boats (Winchester, Tennessee), the Southern Steak & Oyster restaurant, and Acme Feed & Seed. He also serves as a partner in and on the investment committee for the Tennessee Angel Fund, a statewide co-investment fund, and on the local board of directors for ServisFirst Bank.

Representative economic and real estate development matters include representing an 18 acre mixed-use development in downtown Nashville that is home to more than three million square feet of Class A+ office and creative office space, a 591-room luxury hotel in downtown Nashville, and a 4000 occupant music venue. In addition, Charles Robert represented a municipality in the development of a $100 million arena and events center.

Representative transactions include private placements / exempt offerings (debt and equity) and multiple sales and/or recapitalizations of closely held companies to public companies and private equity. In addition, Charles Robert has been instrumental in assisting with acquisition, capitalization, and/or private placement of more than 15 restaurants and holding companies.

Charles Robert has also been active in high-profile political campaigns since 1990 and has participated in various campaign efforts, including serving as the Finance Chair for Mayor Karl Dean’s 2018 campaign for Governor of Tennessee and U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr.’s 2006 campaign for the U.S. Senate. Charles Robert also served on President Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 National Finance Committees, including raising more than $500,000 for the President’s re-election campaign. Charles Robert was a candidate for Mayor of Nashville in 2015 and then served as the Chair of Mayor Megan Barry’s Transition Committee. Charles Robert formerly served as the Board Chair of Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), which provides public housing for more than 13,000 families and oversees Nashville’s redevelopment districts.

Credentials

Education

  • Vanderbilt University Law School, 2000 (J.D.)
  • Rhodes College, 1996 (B.A.)

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee, 2001

  • Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)
  • Nashville’s Agenda
  • Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency Urban Development (MDHA), Former Chair and Commissioner
  • Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Ex-Officio Board Member
  • Cheekwood, Board Member, Executive Committee and Secretary
  • Oasis Center, Board Member
  • Hands on Nashville, Board Member, Executive Committee and Chair of Governance Committee
  • Equal Chance for Education, President
  • Safe Haven Family Shelter, Advisory Board
  • Tennessee State University, Transition Advisory Committee Member
  • Tennessee Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, Citizen’s Committee Member
  • Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Transition Committee, Chair
  • Leadership Tennessee, Class Member, 2015

  • Nashville Post, In Charge List, 2010-2023
  • Nashville Business Journal, Power 100, 2015-2019
  • Nashville Business Journal, Best of the Bar, 2014, 2016, 2022
  • Nashville Business Journal, Most Admired CEO, 2016
  • Nashville Bar Foundation Fellow, 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Administrative / Regulatory Law, 2015, 2023
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2014-2025
    • Administrative / Regulatory Law
    • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
    • Corporate Governance Law
    • Corporate Law
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
    • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
    • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Top 10 Influencers for Tennessee, Campaigns & Elections, 2012
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2014-2021
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2009-2013

  • Nashville Bar Association
  • Tennessee Bar Association