John M. Farris
Partner
John Farris represents companies and individuals before federal, state and local governments to navigate policy, procurement, legislation, regulatory and government administrative issues. He has extensive experience helping clients in highly regulated industries, including health care and telecommunications, secure government contracts, manage successful lobbying efforts, and stay on the forefront of evolving public policy.
Time spent in local government enables John to look at matters from both the client and the policymakers’ perspective. He brings relationships built over a career of civic involvement and an in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of government to his work with clients. His practice is informed by experience as a delinquent tax attorney for Shelby County and a leader on several governmental boards and commissions. He previously served on the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust Fund Board of Directors and the Tennessee Board of Regents. He has been a member of the Southwest Tennessee Community College Foundation Board of Trustees since 1995, serving as past chairman. He also helped to lead the Memphis River Parks Partnership for 15 years.
Experience
- Secured legislative approvals and multiyear, multimillion-dollar budget through Tennessee General Assembly for Department of Health safety net fund and pilot program between state and local university to expand dental care provider training and patient access across 33 counties in East Tennessee.
- Procured $2.5 million state investment in public-private partnerships between Tennessee universities and Knoxville-based biopharmaceutical company to develop innovative animal health drug products and treatments for serious cancers and disorders.
- Managed the project and funding requests for two multimillion-dollar grants through the Department of Health for a hospital client, allowing the client to make capital improvements to the hospital and support a program for expectant mothers.