Cynthia Lee

Cynthia Lee is an attorney in Holland & Knight's Nashville office who strategically advises employers on all aspects of the employment relationship and helps companies navigate complex workplace challenges with a focus on practical solutions.

Ms. Lee defends employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, representing management clients before federal, state and local agencies, as well as in state and federal courts. She has successfully handled claims arising under anti-discrimination and employment statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as other federal, state and local laws. Her work also includes defending against wrongful discharge claims and Title III ADA public accommodation matters, including civil enforcement actions.

Forward-thinking and insightful, Ms. Lee partners with employers to proactively address workplace issues and minimize legal risk. She regularly drafts and enforces employment policies and handbooks, restrictive covenant agreements, and employment and severance agreements. She also advises on managing reductions in force, conducts internal investigations involving high-level employees and executives, and delivers engaging trainings on preventing harassment, discrimination and retaliation in both the workplace and public accommodations.

In addition to her experience in employment law, Ms. Lee has a passion for other civil rights advocacy. She has channeled this passion through her pro bono work, representing clients in need of legal assistance with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands as well as the Illinois Prison Project.

Previously, Ms. Lee served as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court of Mississippi. She also represented a broad range of clients in breach of contract disputes, tort claims and civil rights claims brought under Section 1983 and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she taught poverty law.