About Bob Mendes

Bob Mendes is an attorney and advisor who helps organizations navigate complex legal, financial, and governmental challenges. He brings more than three decades of experience across commercial disputes, restructuring, development strategy, and public-sector leadership.

Public Sector Leadership

From 2023 to 2025, Bob served as Chief Development Officer for the City of Nashville under Mayor Freddie O’Connell. In that role, he led major city development initiatives and helped advance an equity-focused vision for growth across Nashville’s neighborhoods.

Bob previously served two terms as a Metro Councilmember-At-Large (2015–2023). He chaired the Budget & Finance Committee during one of the most challenging periods in city history—including the March 2020 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the State Comptroller’s oversight of city finances.

He also chaired or co-chaired several high-impact committees:

  • East Bank Stadium Committee

  • Affordable Housing Committee

  • Charter Revision Committee

  • Tax Increment Financing Study & Formulating Committee

  • Metro Audit and Rules Committees

These roles placed him at the center of some of Nashville’s most consequential policy and financial decisions.

Private Practice Background

Before entering the Mayor’s Office, Bob practiced business law for 32 years, focusing on:

  • Commercial litigation

  • Business restructuring and Chapter 11 bankruptcy

  • Bet-the-company disputes

  • Business formation, transactions, and governance

  • Serving as outside general counsel to privately held companies

He has represented debtors, creditors, committees, and asset purchasers in major reorganizations, and has advised clients facing existential financial and operational issues.

Professional & Community Leadership

Bob has long served in leadership positions within Nashville’s legal and civic institutions, including:

  • President, Nashville Bar Association

  • President, Nashville Bar Foundation

  • Hearing Panelist, Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility

  • Board Chair, Nashville Electric Service

  • Leadership Nashville, Class of 2012–2013

  • Board roles with New Level CDC and Park Center

He is consistently recognized by peers through Mid-South Super Lawyers® (2008–2023) and The Best Lawyers in America® (2007–2023).

Education & Admissions

  • University of Chicago Law School, J.D.

  • University of Illinois, B.A.

  • Bar Admissions: Tennessee, Illinois

  • Admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court, Sixth Circuit, and multiple federal district courts

Approach to practice

Bob combines legal experience, civic insight, and practical judgment to help clients understand risk, solve difficult problems, and execute complex strategies. His work spans legal analysis, negotiation, financial restructuring, and navigating the intersection of government and business.