About Jonathan
Jonathan Tepe: Mid-South Rising Star in Labor and Employment Law - Nashville, Tennessee
Jonathan Tepe is a Partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight LLP, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Public Interest Litigation Practice Group and Chair of the Fellows and Junior Associates Program. Since joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Jonathan has been recognized in the legal community for his contributions to both labor and employment law and litigation.
Practice Areas
- Labor and Employment Law - Employee Rights
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
In his extensive career, Jonathan has taken on numerous high-profile cases. He spearheaded a proposed class action lawsuit on behalf of mistreated and abused disabled youth in the Tennessee juvenile justice system in Disability Rights Tennessee et al. v. The State of Tennessee, et al., advocating for systemic change to address pervasive abuse.
Jonathan’s efforts have also included defending dozens of counties and cities across the nation against opioid manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers in claims over their roles in the opioid crisis. This representation resulted in a landmark settlement that benefitted more than 700 autoworkers in a class discrimination claim against Volkswagen in Manlove v. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft et al.
He has also played a crucial role in securing an $8.3 million arbitration verdict for the co-founder of a global semiconductor company, following his termination by InnoGrit Corporation, et al., in Chen v. InnoGrit Corporation, et al. His case work spans across various industries and sectors, often involving high-stakes employment discrimination claims.
Jonathan's commitment to public interest litigation extends beyond his legal practice. He has supported underprivileged families by representing them as an extern with The Bronx Defenders and expanding voting rights for low-income individuals through his work at the Center for Popular Democracy in New York City, USA. His dedication to human rights was further demonstrated when he interned with the Legal Resources Centre in Makhanda, South Africa, where he contributed to securing a judgment against severe furniture shortages in Eastern Cape schools.
Jonathan holds dual citizenship as an American and South African citizen, having earned his law degree from Columbia Law School. During his time at Columbia Law, Jonathan was a member of the Human Rights Law Review and Public Relations Chairman of Rightslink (a student-run human rights law organization). He also participated in the Human Rights Internship Program.
His accolades include recognition as a Mid-South Rising Star by Super Lawyers. In 2026, he was first recognized in Ones to Watch. Jonathan’s commitment to public interest litigation, employment discrimination cases, and complex civil litigation has earned him the respect of his peers and clients alike.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Political Science and History, with Honors in Arts and Sciences, from The Ohio State University (2014)
- Law School - Columbia Law School (2018)
- Member of the Human Rights Law Review
- Social Media Coordinator for Rightslink (student-run human rights law organization)
- Human Rights Internship at Legal Resources Centre in Makhanda, South Africa (2017)
- Contributed to a judgment against severe furniture shortages in Eastern Cape schools
Awards and Recognitions
- Mid-South Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2026)
- Ones to Watch - Columbia Law School (2018)
Jonathan Tepe's journey from aspiring law student to respected legal advocate is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. His work exemplifies the transformative power of effective representation in labor and employment disputes, as well as his dedication to public service.
