Holtzman Vogel Expands into Tennessee with Addition of Former Tennessee Attorney General Chief of Staff Brandon Smith
Holtzman Vogel, a nationally recognized law firm specializing in political law, regulatory law and litigation, today announced its expansion into Nashville, Tennessee with the addition of Brandon Smith as partner. Smith, the former Chief of Staff for Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, will lead the new office and join the firm’s national government and corporate investigations and political law practices.
Smith brings an extensive background in government and regulatory affairs, having previously served in senior state-level posts across the South and Midwest. Before becoming Chief of Staff, Smith served as Assistant Solicitor General and Director of Policy and Federalism under former Attorney General Herbert Slatery. Prior to arriving in Tennessee, Smith worked as a senior policy advisor and counsel to Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas and Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky.
"Brandon was a key player during my transition into office and my initial years as attorney general. His combination of expertise across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines and his wide-ranging relationships made him an extremely effective chief of staff and will serve his clients well. Brandon has shaped national policy, taken on some of the most powerful financial companies in the world, and coordinated complex multistate efforts. His successes in public service provide a great foundation for an extremely effective practice,” said Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
Smith will also join principals Bryan Kaegi and Tommy Alsup of Vogel Group, Holtzman Vogel’s associated lobbying and government affairs firm which has been in Tennessee since 2022. This addition to Vogel Group will deepen their growing government affairs work in Tennessee and across the country. The two firms will co-locate in Tennessee and offer a leveled-up legal and government affairs platform for each firm’s client base.
“We are thrilled to expand Holtzman Vogel into Tennessee and offer our local clients access to a combined powerhouse of legal and government affairs expertise in a state that is business-friendly and nationally recognized for outstanding governance,” said Jill Holtzman Vogel, firm founder and managing partner. “With an exploding business base in Nashville and beyond, Brandon spearheads this expansion into the market at a critical time when our talent and expertise are in great demand.”
“Holtzman Vogel has a well-earned reputation for excellence, integrity, and impact—particularly in the areas where law, policy, and politics intersect,” said Smith. “After over a decade in public service, I’m excited to bring that experience to a firm that shares my commitment to principled advocacy and smart, strategic counsel.”
Smith earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law, his LL.M. from The George Washington University School of Law, and his B.A. from Abilene Christian University. He is an engaged member of civic, professional and charitable organizations, including currently serving as an Executive Committee Member of the Federalism Practice Group of the Federalist Society, as a past Executive Committee Member of the Nashville Bar Journal, and as past Clinic Director and Fundraising Chair of the Christian Legal Aid of the District of Columbia.
