Nashville, Tenn., (June 12, 2024) – Bass, Berry & Sims is pleased to announce the addition of associates Samuel R. Knell and Ethan Rode in its Nashville, Tennessee office.

“The addition of Sam and Ethan solidifies the firm’s commitment to strategic growth and our dedication to providing exemplary client service,” said Todd Rolapp, managing partner of Bass, Berry & Sims. “We are honored to welcome them to Bass, Berry & Sims.”

Samuel R. Knell

Knell advises clients on estate planning and the administration of trusts and estates. He regularly works with high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, trust companies, family offices, and fiduciaries on the implementation of generational wealth transfer and business succession plans through the use of sophisticated tax-advantaged strategies. In addition, he assists clients with various charitable planning techniques.

Prior to joining Bass, Berry & Sims, Knell earned an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law (2024); a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law (2023); and an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee (2020).

Ethan Rode

Ethan RodeRode counsels clients on debt financing transactions. His practice focuses on representing borrowers and lenders in financing transactions and advising clients on debt finance compliance and corporate governance matters. In addition, he counsels private equity sponsors on acquisition facilities, capital call facilities and credit facilities for their portfolio companies.

Prior to joining the firm, Rode was an associate at McGuireWoods LLP in its Atlanta office. He earned a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law (2020) and undergraduate degrees in economics and government from Wesleyan University (2017). During law school Rode was an intern for the Honorable Leigh Martin May with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

* Ethan Rode is admitted to practice in Georgia and registered to practice in Tennessee pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 7 Sec. 10.07

About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Bass, Berry & Sims is a national law firm with more than 350 attorneys dedicated to delivering exceptional service to numerous publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses in significant litigation and investigations, complex business transactions and international regulatory matters. Our people are true partners who work seamlessly across substantive practice disciplines, industries and geographies to deliver highly-effective legal advice and innovative, business-focused solutions. In 2022, the firm celebrated its centennial anniversary and continues to build on its foundational attributes of agility, tenacity and collaboration. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.