Barbara Moss

Barbara Moss, Esq. | Founder & Attorney

!

Barbara Moss, the founder of Elder Law of Nashville, PLC, has been a dedicated advocate for seniors and their families for over 30 years. Initially beginning her career as a trial lawyer, Barbara transitioned to focus on elder law which includes life care planning, conservatorships, probate, estate planning, Medicaid, and special needs trust planning. Her mission, and that of her team, is to alleviate the stress and anxiety that seniors and their families experience while navigating the legal and financial complexities of aging.

Barbara’s passion for elder law is rooted in both her professional journey and personal experiences. As a single mother and trial lawyer for 22 years, she understands the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, which fuels her empathetic approach to helping families maintain their standard of living as they plan for the future.

Recognized for her excellence in the legal field, Barbara was named the 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Elder Law and has been honored multiple times as one of Nashville’s “Best of the Bar” by her peers. She has been named a Mid-South Super Lawyer in Elder Law by Law & Politics Magazine since 2006 and has been consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2005. The Tennessean has also recognized her as one of “Nashville’s Best Lawyers” since 2010. In addition, she was selected by Memphis Magazine as one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in the Mid-South.

Barbara is not only a practitioner but also an educator. She served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University from 1984 to 2000 and has been on the faculty of the Nashville School of Law since 2020. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she was the first woman to chair the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, which oversees attorney ethics and discipline across the state.

Her many honors reflect her impact on both the legal profession and the community. In 2022, Barbara received the prestigious Martha Craig Daughtrey Award, a lifetime achievement award from the Lawyers’ Association for Women in Nashville. Other notable recognitions include the Athena Award (2007), induction into the YWCA Academy of Women of Achievement (2008), the Molly Todd Cup (2009), and the Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence (2007).

A prolific writer, Barbara has authored over 95 columns for The Tennessean, often offering “Advice for Seniors,” and has contributed articles to Bar Journals and Law Reviews. Her extensive experience as a trial lawyer, which spans over 35 years, combined with her dedication to elder law, led her to found Elder Law of Nashville in 2014, where she has become a pillar of the elder law community.

Committed to sharing her expertise, Barbara has hosted approximately 25 seminars for lawyers on elder law topics over the past decade, including organizing forums on Elder Law Basics for the Tennessee Bar Association every two years. She frequently speaks to Alzheimer’s caregiver groups, offering valuable insights and support about five to eight times a year, and is a popular speaker at churches and community groups.

Barbara’s journey began at Vanderbilt Law School, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class, served on the Law Review, and was President of the Honor Council. She broke barriers as the first woman hired by a major downtown law firm and recalls that it took another decade before she encountered another woman in a courtroom, whether as a lawyer or judge.

When she’s not practicing law or teaching, Barbara enjoys adventure travel, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband, Tom, and their grandchildren, all of whom live in Nashville.

April 21, 2022

Barbara was awarded the Martha Craig Daughtrey Award by the Nashville Lawyers’ Association for Women.

My Passions:
  • Educating seniors and their families through public speaking
  • Writing for the Tennessean
  • My roses
  • My family
  • Cooking

Need help getting started?

Visit our FAQs page to get answers to common questions or contact our team of elder law attorneys in Nashville today!

Roger Jackson
03:09 20 Jun 25
I'm incredibly grateful to Elder Law of Nashville for their outstanding support during a challenging time in my life. Their expertise helped me get my wife onto TENNCARE while ensuring that my assets were safeguarded, a combination of care and competence that truly exceeded my expectations. Elder Law was a true stress reliever, offering both reassurance and adept legal direction when I needed it most. Thank you, Elder Law, for your exceptional service and dedication. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact you've made on my life,

Roger J
Response from the owner 15:26 20 Jun 25
Thank you so much, Roger, for your heartfelt words. We're truly honored to have been able to support you during such a significant and challenging time. Helping you navigate the TENNCARE process while protecting your assets is exactly the kind of compassionate, personalized service we strive to provide every day. Your appreciation means the world to our team, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us. Wishing you and your wife continued peace and strength.— The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Rafeeq Ayoub
19:20 23 May 25
We cannot thank Elder Law of Nashville enough for their exceptional support during a challenging time for our family. Kim was instrumental in guiding us through the Medicaid approval process for my father, making a complex system feel manageable with her expertise and compassion. Julie, as a life care coordinator, went above and beyond to secure my father’s transfer to a nursing facility, skillfully managing his complicated case as an ALS patient requiring a ventilator. Her dedication and attention to detail gave us peace of mind. Additionally, Adam’s assistance in setting up a revocable trust was seamless, providing clarity and security for our family’s future. The team’s professionalism, kindness, and expertise made all the difference. Highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville!
Response from the owner 02:29 11 Jun 25
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! It's wonderful to hear that our team was able to assist your family during such a challenging time. We are especially pleased that Kim, Julie, and Adam were able to provide the support and guidance you needed. Your kind words about their dedication and professionalism truly mean a lot to us. We are grateful for your recommendation and are here for you if you need further assistance in the future. Wishing you and your family the very best!
Jackie Mckinney
19:43 08 May 25
It has been an amazing journey to be in the presence of such caring and beautiful people. We appreciate Barbara, Julie, Adam, and their team. I will definitely recommend Elderlaw to family members, friends, and colleagues. Dad and I thank you for your patience and support throughout this process.

Blessings,
Response from the owner 16:28 12 May 25
Thank you so much, Jackie, for your heartfelt words. It has truly been an honor to walk alongside you and your dad during this journey. We’re grateful for your trust and are so glad our team—Barbara, Julie, Adam, and everyone involved—could provide the support and care you needed. Your recommendation means the world to us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of help in the future.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Justin Hammond
20:03 07 May 25
Excellent firm! Barbara and her team care about the seniors of Nashville so much. As a professional serving seniors myself, I appreciate being able to know, trust and refer to Elder Law of Nashville
Response from the owner 16:47 12 May 25
Thank you, Justin! We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It means a great deal coming from a fellow professional who is also dedicated to serving seniors. We’re grateful for the partnership and honored to be a trusted resource in the Nashville community. Looking forward to continuing to support one another in this important work.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Anna Smith-Berk
00:33 06 May 25
I would highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone looking for related legal services. I have witnessed firsthand the care and dedication that Barbara and her team invest into helping their clients and families. I would trust them and their guidance in assisting with any estate planning or elder law related matter.
Response from the owner 14:56 06 May 25
Thank you so much, Anna, for your heartfelt recommendation. We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It’s an honor to support families through important life decisions, and we’re grateful you’ve seen our dedication firsthand. If we can ever assist you or someone you know, we’re always here to help.All Our Best, The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Martha Smith
14:40 05 May 25
Elder Law of Nashville turned a very difficult situation for my 100 year old mother into a very positive experience.
They listened to our needs, helped create a plan then checked in with us the next week.
Response from the owner 14:55 06 May 25
Thank you, Martha, for your kind words and thoughtful review. We’re honored to have been able to assist you and your mother during such an important time. At Elder Law of Nashville, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support, and it means a great deal to know that our efforts made a positive difference for your family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of further help.All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Zachary Munoz
14:33 01 May 25
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam Berk throughout our professional careers. Adam is detail-oriented, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services.
Response from the owner 15:05 01 May 25
Thank you, Zachary, for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear about your positive experience with Adam. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and deep knowledge are qualities we value greatly at Elder Law of Nashville. We appreciate your recommendation and your continued support!All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Shannon Farias
21:25 20 Sep 24
Elder Law of Nashville has been an absolute lifesaver for our family. Their team guided us through every step of estate planning and long-term care decisions with expertise and compassion. They made complex topics of life care planning easy to understand and tailored everything to my parents unique situation. We felt confident and supported throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, we now have peace of mind knowing that our loved one's future care and assets are secure. I highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone seeking professional and caring legal assistance in all of Tennessee!
Jerrelyn
21:15 24 Aug 24
My Mother choose Elder Law to set up the Family Trust after following Barbara's informative articles in the paper for several years. Once we meet with Barbara and her team, Mom was very sure that was the route we were taking. Mom was still conducting their affairs and it was established fairly quickly and easily. It was easy to administer and as life comes at you rather fast and hard sometimes, within two years we lost both Dad and Mom. There were some intrapersonal family obstacles that we encountered as we were closing but Barbara and her staff, especially my lawyer Adam, stood by me and guided me every step of the way to a peaceful resolution. I understand why Mom chose Elder Law and I would recommend to anyone looking for a family trust situation.
Response from the owner 21:34 20 Sep 24
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful review. We are truly honored that your mother entrusted us with establishing your family trust after following Barbara’s articles for years. It’s heartening to hear that our process was easy to navigate, even during such challenging times. We are especially grateful for your kind words about Barbara, Adam, and the team—they take great pride in guiding clients every step of the way. We’re glad we could help bring about a peaceful resolution, and we sincerely appreciate your recommendation. Wishing you and your family continued peace and comfort.Sincerely,Elder Law of Nashville Team
Barbara Sanders
13:47 03 Nov 23
Elder Law of Nashville is the number one elder law group in the area to fit so many of our needs. When our parents and loved ones are aging to our own aging, Elder Law of Nashville's staff members are the place to turn, providing expert and compassionate services for anything pertaining to Elder Care. From writing wills to probating wills, from a shoulder to lean on to decreasing anxiety and stress during some of our most tender and vulnerable moments, Barbara Moss and her caring staff are there to help. They assisted me in so many ways when I needed help with my mother's aging needs before, during, and after she passed. I leaned on them for much necessary legal and emotional support and guidance. Their message is, "We'll take care of it so you don't have to!" And, they do, and did. Thank you!
Response from the owner 18:22 03 Nov 23
Barbara,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review and for choosing us as you number one Elder Law Group in Nashville. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to assist in taking some stress away before, during and after your dear mothers passing. It was a true pleasure to work with you both. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Jen Purdom
21:41 25 Sep 23
I searched for at least a year until I found Barbara to help with support for my parents. Barbara and her team guided us through the process and pointed us to valuable resources we did not even know about. And they are still doing so! Janel and Chris are also wonderful, kind, and knowledgable. In short, my parents are now set up for the future with the support and peace of mind they (and I) needed. I cannot thank you enough! Reach out to Elder Law of Nashville to see how they can help you. Don't wait to get your family's future in order!
Barry Bradley
18:28 21 Sep 23
Elderlaw of Nashville was a Godsend at a critical time. When you lose an entire family within a three-year period, you need to have all legal and financial matters in good order. Barbara Moss and Shannon Lashlee stepped in to assist my aged aunt and uncle provide wills and a living trust when they had nothing. They facilitated their only daughter in both will and estate planning. As the executor of all three, Elderlaw provided invaluable assistance to me. Adam Berk was especially helpful to answer my questions and provide wise counsel through probate process. Elderlaw is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. I can recommend them without reservation.
D Zanitsch
22:53 14 Mar 23
I evaluated a number of law firms in Nashville that listed elder law as one of their professional areas .. "professional area" is not the same as the firm's focus. Elder Law of Nashville demonstrated in the handling of our family needs that this is not just an item on a website drop down menu. The firm is 100% focused in this specialty area and brought to our needs an exceptional depth and breath of professional knowledge, skill, resources, experience, creativity, and most importantly compassion for all members of the family involved in our case. Thank you Barbara and to your team.
Anthony Ditcharo
15:56 06 Oct 22
I have used the services of Elder Law for some important family issues, and found them to be very thorough and very easy to work with. I will certainly reach out to them for future legal needs!
Paulette Stroupe
15:48 05 Nov 21
I am so grateful that Elder Law of Nashville was recommended to me . Barbara, Shannon, and Randall are an amazing team and have been great to work with. I would never have been able to navigate the very complicated Medicaid / TennCare system on my own. They have been professional, compassionate and truly caring in helping to get my husband into a long term care facility. I am so grateful for all their work. I would very definitely recommend them for your elder law needs.
Richard Gotwald
10:45 01 Nov 21
The whole team at Elder Law at Nashville are experts at what they do. They helped me pull together all the documentation to apply for Medicare, including managing through estate spend-down requirements and the healthcare assessment, to full success for my aging mother. They are courteous and highly responsive. I recommend them to anyone in need of their services.
Cynthia George
15:19 25 Jan 21
Estate planning can be quite difficult and I truly appreciate Barbara Moss and the Elder Law team for everything she did to help my mother and father ensure their wishes were enacted after their passing. She was very caring and helpful and always answered our questions. The documents she prepared for my mother and father could not have captured their relationship and their wishes better. If you truly want professional advice tailored for your family's needs, this is a great place to go. Thank you Elder Law of Nashville for serving my parents and our family!
Roger Jackson
03:09 20 Jun 25
I'm incredibly grateful to Elder Law of Nashville for their outstanding support during a challenging time in my life. Their expertise helped me get my wife onto TENNCARE while ensuring that my assets were safeguarded, a combination of care and competence that truly exceeded my expectations. Elder Law was a true stress reliever, offering both reassurance and adept legal direction when I needed it most. Thank you, Elder Law, for your exceptional service and dedication. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact you've made on my life,

Roger J
Response from the owner 15:26 20 Jun 25
Thank you so much, Roger, for your heartfelt words. We're truly honored to have been able to support you during such a significant and challenging time. Helping you navigate the TENNCARE process while protecting your assets is exactly the kind of compassionate, personalized service we strive to provide every day. Your appreciation means the world to our team, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us. Wishing you and your wife continued peace and strength.— The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Rafeeq Ayoub
19:20 23 May 25
We cannot thank Elder Law of Nashville enough for their exceptional support during a challenging time for our family. Kim was instrumental in guiding us through the Medicaid approval process for my father, making a complex system feel manageable with her expertise and compassion. Julie, as a life care coordinator, went above and beyond to secure my father’s transfer to a nursing facility, skillfully managing his complicated case as an ALS patient requiring a ventilator. Her dedication and attention to detail gave us peace of mind. Additionally, Adam’s assistance in setting up a revocable trust was seamless, providing clarity and security for our family’s future. The team’s professionalism, kindness, and expertise made all the difference. Highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville!
Response from the owner 02:29 11 Jun 25
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! It's wonderful to hear that our team was able to assist your family during such a challenging time. We are especially pleased that Kim, Julie, and Adam were able to provide the support and guidance you needed. Your kind words about their dedication and professionalism truly mean a lot to us. We are grateful for your recommendation and are here for you if you need further assistance in the future. Wishing you and your family the very best!
Jackie Mckinney
19:43 08 May 25
It has been an amazing journey to be in the presence of such caring and beautiful people. We appreciate Barbara, Julie, Adam, and their team. I will definitely recommend Elderlaw to family members, friends, and colleagues. Dad and I thank you for your patience and support throughout this process.

Blessings,
Response from the owner 16:28 12 May 25
Thank you so much, Jackie, for your heartfelt words. It has truly been an honor to walk alongside you and your dad during this journey. We’re grateful for your trust and are so glad our team—Barbara, Julie, Adam, and everyone involved—could provide the support and care you needed. Your recommendation means the world to us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can ever be of help in the future.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Justin Hammond
20:03 07 May 25
Excellent firm! Barbara and her team care about the seniors of Nashville so much. As a professional serving seniors myself, I appreciate being able to know, trust and refer to Elder Law of Nashville
Response from the owner 16:47 12 May 25
Thank you, Justin! We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It means a great deal coming from a fellow professional who is also dedicated to serving seniors. We’re grateful for the partnership and honored to be a trusted resource in the Nashville community. Looking forward to continuing to support one another in this important work.All Our Best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Anna Smith-Berk
00:33 06 May 25
I would highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone looking for related legal services. I have witnessed firsthand the care and dedication that Barbara and her team invest into helping their clients and families. I would trust them and their guidance in assisting with any estate planning or elder law related matter.
Response from the owner 14:56 06 May 25
Thank you so much, Anna, for your heartfelt recommendation. We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in our team. It’s an honor to support families through important life decisions, and we’re grateful you’ve seen our dedication firsthand. If we can ever assist you or someone you know, we’re always here to help.All Our Best, The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Martha Smith
14:40 05 May 25
Elder Law of Nashville turned a very difficult situation for my 100 year old mother into a very positive experience.
They listened to our needs, helped create a plan then checked in with us the next week.
Response from the owner 14:55 06 May 25
Thank you, Martha, for your kind words and thoughtful review. We’re honored to have been able to assist you and your mother during such an important time. At Elder Law of Nashville, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support, and it means a great deal to know that our efforts made a positive difference for your family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of further help.All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Zachary Munoz
14:33 01 May 25
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Adam Berk throughout our professional careers. Adam is detail-oriented, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services.
Response from the owner 15:05 01 May 25
Thank you, Zachary, for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear about your positive experience with Adam. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and deep knowledge are qualities we value greatly at Elder Law of Nashville. We appreciate your recommendation and your continued support!All our best,The Elder Law of Nashville Team
Shannon Farias
21:25 20 Sep 24
Elder Law of Nashville has been an absolute lifesaver for our family. Their team guided us through every step of estate planning and long-term care decisions with expertise and compassion. They made complex topics of life care planning easy to understand and tailored everything to my parents unique situation. We felt confident and supported throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, we now have peace of mind knowing that our loved one's future care and assets are secure. I highly recommend Elder Law of Nashville to anyone seeking professional and caring legal assistance in all of Tennessee!
Jerrelyn
21:15 24 Aug 24
My Mother choose Elder Law to set up the Family Trust after following Barbara's informative articles in the paper for several years. Once we meet with Barbara and her team, Mom was very sure that was the route we were taking. Mom was still conducting their affairs and it was established fairly quickly and easily. It was easy to administer and as life comes at you rather fast and hard sometimes, within two years we lost both Dad and Mom. There were some intrapersonal family obstacles that we encountered as we were closing but Barbara and her staff, especially my lawyer Adam, stood by me and guided me every step of the way to a peaceful resolution. I understand why Mom chose Elder Law and I would recommend to anyone looking for a family trust situation.
Response from the owner 21:34 20 Sep 24
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful review. We are truly honored that your mother entrusted us with establishing your family trust after following Barbara’s articles for years. It’s heartening to hear that our process was easy to navigate, even during such challenging times. We are especially grateful for your kind words about Barbara, Adam, and the team—they take great pride in guiding clients every step of the way. We’re glad we could help bring about a peaceful resolution, and we sincerely appreciate your recommendation. Wishing you and your family continued peace and comfort.Sincerely,Elder Law of Nashville Team
Barbara Sanders
13:47 03 Nov 23
Elder Law of Nashville is the number one elder law group in the area to fit so many of our needs. When our parents and loved ones are aging to our own aging, Elder Law of Nashville's staff members are the place to turn, providing expert and compassionate services for anything pertaining to Elder Care. From writing wills to probating wills, from a shoulder to lean on to decreasing anxiety and stress during some of our most tender and vulnerable moments, Barbara Moss and her caring staff are there to help. They assisted me in so many ways when I needed help with my mother's aging needs before, during, and after she passed. I leaned on them for much necessary legal and emotional support and guidance. Their message is, "We'll take care of it so you don't have to!" And, they do, and did. Thank you!
Response from the owner 18:22 03 Nov 23
Barbara,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review and for choosing us as you number one Elder Law Group in Nashville. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to assist in taking some stress away before, during and after your dear mothers passing. It was a true pleasure to work with you both. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Jen Purdom
21:41 25 Sep 23
I searched for at least a year until I found Barbara to help with support for my parents. Barbara and her team guided us through the process and pointed us to valuable resources we did not even know about. And they are still doing so! Janel and Chris are also wonderful, kind, and knowledgable. In short, my parents are now set up for the future with the support and peace of mind they (and I) needed. I cannot thank you enough! Reach out to Elder Law of Nashville to see how they can help you. Don't wait to get your family's future in order!
Barry Bradley
18:28 21 Sep 23
Elderlaw of Nashville was a Godsend at a critical time. When you lose an entire family within a three-year period, you need to have all legal and financial matters in good order. Barbara Moss and Shannon Lashlee stepped in to assist my aged aunt and uncle provide wills and a living trust when they had nothing. They facilitated their only daughter in both will and estate planning. As the executor of all three, Elderlaw provided invaluable assistance to me. Adam Berk was especially helpful to answer my questions and provide wise counsel through probate process. Elderlaw is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. I can recommend them without reservation.
D Zanitsch
22:53 14 Mar 23
I evaluated a number of law firms in Nashville that listed elder law as one of their professional areas .. "professional area" is not the same as the firm's focus. Elder Law of Nashville demonstrated in the handling of our family needs that this is not just an item on a website drop down menu. The firm is 100% focused in this specialty area and brought to our needs an exceptional depth and breath of professional knowledge, skill, resources, experience, creativity, and most importantly compassion for all members of the family involved in our case. Thank you Barbara and to your team.
Anthony Ditcharo
15:56 06 Oct 22
I have used the services of Elder Law for some important family issues, and found them to be very thorough and very easy to work with. I will certainly reach out to them for future legal needs!
Paulette Stroupe
15:48 05 Nov 21
I am so grateful that Elder Law of Nashville was recommended to me . Barbara, Shannon, and Randall are an amazing team and have been great to work with. I would never have been able to navigate the very complicated Medicaid / TennCare system on my own. They have been professional, compassionate and truly caring in helping to get my husband into a long term care facility. I am so grateful for all their work. I would very definitely recommend them for your elder law needs.
Richard Gotwald
10:45 01 Nov 21
The whole team at Elder Law at Nashville are experts at what they do. They helped me pull together all the documentation to apply for Medicare, including managing through estate spend-down requirements and the healthcare assessment, to full success for my aging mother. They are courteous and highly responsive. I recommend them to anyone in need of their services.
Cynthia George
15:19 25 Jan 21
Estate planning can be quite difficult and I truly appreciate Barbara Moss and the Elder Law team for everything she did to help my mother and father ensure their wishes were enacted after their passing. She was very caring and helpful and always answered our questions. The documents she prepared for my mother and father could not have captured their relationship and their wishes better. If you truly want professional advice tailored for your family's needs, this is a great place to go. Thank you Elder Law of Nashville for serving my parents and our family!