Two years after opening its doors, Litson PLLC has established itself as one of the most active white-collar criminal defense and complex litigation practices in the country, with a string of high-profile victories, national rankings, and a 30-person team that includes four former federal prosecutors and 10 practicing attorneys.

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Founded in May 2024 by Alex Little and Zack Lawson with three attorneys and a team of five, the firm was built on a single premise: small, elite teams led by experienced trial lawyers and former prosecutors could deliver results that larger firms cannot. Two years, 10 attorneys, and 30 team members later, the model has been confirmed.

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Case Results

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In its first two years, the firm has produced results across a wide range of high-stakes matters:

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Litson has secured three presidential pardons. In year one, the firm obtained a full pardon for former Tennessee State Senator Brian Kelsey, who had been charged with campaign finance violations. In year two, the firm secured full pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022, leading the post-conviction and clemency effort that documented prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional violations.

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In its first year, Litson represented a business owner in a multi-year federal fraud investigation that ended with prosecutors declining to file charges. The firm also secured a preliminary injunction that began the effort of holding off Tennessee’s ban on THCa hemp flower products for more than 18 months, keeping hundreds of businesses operating while the regulatory fight played out, and obtained a $735,000 civil rights settlement for a hemp wholesaler after challenging unlawful enforcement by local officials.

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In December 2025, Litson filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court in a federal bribery case, arguing that the government’s theory would criminalize ordinary campaign fundraising in violation of the First Amendment.

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In February 2026, a federal judge dismissed all charges against Ryan Bloom, a business owner who had faced a ten-count superseding indictment alleging $2.3 million in bank fraud and obstruction. Litson partner Edward Canter led the defense.

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In April 2026, the federal government abandoned its civil forfeiture action against three rental properties belonging to a mother and business owner who acquired the homes through a divorce settlement. The properties were valued at approximately $877,000.

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Later that month, a Madison County jury acquitted Litson client Brian Cole, Sr. of aggravated perjury after deliberating for less than 30 minutes. The case was tried by partners Brent Hannafan and John Ross Glover.

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And in May 2026, the Department of Justice agreed to return a phone seized from Congressman Andy Ogles and destroy all materials obtained from his phone and Google account—a vindication of the Speech or Debate Clause protections Litson had raised since the seizure in August 2024.

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Team and Growth

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In March 2026, former Criminal Division Chief Brent Hannafan joined the firm as partner. Hannafan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Tennessee, tried more than 20 federal criminal jury trials, and received the DOJ Director’s Award in 2017.

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That same month, the firm elevated Edward Canter and John Ross Glover to partner. Canter is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Alabama who served as that office’s cybercrime coordinator. Glover is a former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Attorney General in Tennessee’s Special Prosecutions Division.

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With four former federal prosecutors in its partnership and a team that has collectively tried more than 90 jury trials, the firm has grown from three attorneys and a team of five to 10 attorneys and 30 team members across its Nashville and Knoxville offices.

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The firm also expanded its platform beyond its core federal defense practice, launching BevLaw Group, RxLaw Group, and Litson Government Relations to serve clients in beverage and hospitality law, pharmacy and healthcare regulatory matters, and state and federal policy. Through Hemp Law Group, a joint effort with Fuson Law PC, the firm has continued representing clients navigating evolving hemp and cannabis regulations in Tennessee and nationwide.

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In April 2026, Litson Government Relations secured unanimous passage of the Parental Rights Protection Act in the Tennessee General Assembly, establishing expedited hearing requirements when bond conditions affect parental custody or visitation.

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The firm is also preparing to launch Target, an interview-format podcast featuring conversations with individuals who have navigated the federal criminal justice system, with an anticipated launch in summer 2026.

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“Two years ago, we set out to build the kind of firm that clients actually need when they’re facing the most serious legal situations of their lives,” said Alex Little, Managing Partner. “The cases we’ve handled and the recognition we’ve earned confirm that clients and the profession value what we’re doing. We have an extraordinary team, and we’re just getting started.”

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National Recognition

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In its first two years, the firm has earned a level of peer recognition that typically takes decades to accumulate. Chambers USA ranked Litson and Alex Little in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations in 2025 and selected the firm to author the Trends and Developments chapter for its White-Collar Crime practice guide covering Tennessee.

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U.S. News – Best Lawyers named Litson a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” in Nashville for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar.

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‍Alex Little was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, and Zack Lawson was named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. Bloomberg Law has quoted Litson attorneys on First Amendment issues in federal prosecutions, and Alex Little was featured in Super Lawyers.

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With offices in Nashville and Knoxville, Litson PLLC represents clients nationwide in federal criminal defense, white-collar investigations, regulatory enforcement, complex civil litigation, and appellate matters.