Adams and Reese Partners Gif Thornton and Will Cheek have been selected among Nashville Post’s 2025 “In Charge,” which features an annual list of Nashville’s most influential people in the legal field, business, government, and hospitality.
The publication ranks business executive and community leaders to reflect how leaders in different industries deploy similar skillsets to push Nashville forward.
Thornton was honored in the “Legal” category, while Cheek was recognized in “Food”.
Below are excerpts on our honorees from the Nashville Post.
Legal
Gif Thornton — “Managing Partner, Adams and Reese: Connected attorney has run regional firm since 2015. Has served on state and city boards and committees.”
Food
Will Cheek — “Partner, Adams and Reese: Leads law firm’s alcoholic beverage group, providing licensing and regulatory compliance advice to restaurants, hotels, art venues, bars and clubs. Key legal sector player related to Tennessee liquor law.”
Thornton has served as Managing Partner for Adams and Reese since 2015. Previously, he served as legislative counsel to a number of businesses, trade associations, and governmental entities with interests before Tennessee state and local government. He has been named as Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” in Nashville for both Government Relations and Insurance Law.
Cheek is a leading member of the Adams and Reese Alcohol and Hospitality Practice, leading the Tennessee Retail Team. Often referred to as the go-to liquor lawyer in Tennessee, Cheek counsels clients on licensing and regulatory compliance under liquor and beer laws. He also counsels distilleries, wineries, breweries and contract manufacturers on production, distribution and marketing, including complex federal and state tied house issues. Locally, Cheek represents clients before the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and local beer boards in licensing, enforcement actions, and administrative hearings.