Nashville Civil Rights Employment Attorneys
HMC Civil Rights is a Middle Tennessee trial firm devoted to civil rights, sexual assault, injury and employment litigation. Led by experienced trial counsel, the firm is known for disciplined preparation, strategic advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable.
Built for Trial. Centered on You.
HMC Civil Rights is a Middle Tennessee trial firm devoted to civil rights, sexual assault, injury and employment litigation for workers, students, and people who have been pushed to the margins. We represent individuals facing harassment, discrimination, mistreatment, injury and retaliation, and we do so with the seriousness these cases deserve.
Heather Moore Collins founded the firm as a solo practice in 2009 out of a deep commitment to give a real voice to people who had been ignored or silenced across Nashville, Columbia, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and throughout Tennessee. Since then, HMC Civil Rights has grown into a focused team of trial lawyers and staff who share that commitment and are known for meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy.
In 2025, Heather was recognized as the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association’s Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year, only the second woman to receive the distinction. The recognition reflects not only courtroom success, but the skill, persistence, and courage it takes to stand up to powerful employers, institutions, and public entities. That trial-centered mindset shapes how we approach every serious case — from investigation and discovery through negotiation and, when necessary, verdict.
Being built for trial means we prepare each case as if a jury will ultimately decide it. Being centered on you means we listen carefully, are trauma-informed, explain your options in plain language, and work with you to choose the path that fits you, whether it is confidential resolution or public trial, it will be one that best protects your rights, safety, and future.
Heather M. Collins – Attorney at Law
Built for trial. Centered on you.
At HMC Civil Rights, every serious sexual assault, civil rights, and employment case is built as if it will be tried. That means detailed investigation, strategic discovery, and advocacy that defense counsel understands is backed by real courtroom experience.
Being built for trial does not mean forcing every client to a courtroom. It means you have a lawyer who can negotiate from a position of strength and help you choose between trial, settlement, or another path with clear, unvarnished advice.
Being centered on you means we listen carefully, explain what to expect, and make decisions with your safety, privacy, and long‑term well‑being at the center of the strategy — especially in sexual assault and harassment cases.
Built for Trial. Centered on You.
Focused representation in sexual assault, employment, civil rights, and injury cases.
Legal Practice Areas
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Employment
We represent employees in serious workplace disputes, including discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, whistleblower, wage and hour, ADA, and FMLA claims.
Civil Rights
Our civil rights practice focuses on cases involving constitutional violations, police or government misconduct, discrimination, and abuse of power by public entities and institutions.
Injury
Nashville’s Leading Sexual Assault, Civil Rights & Employment Attorneys
Why Clients Choose Us?
Clients come to HMC Civil Rights when the stakes are high — in sexual assault, civil rights, and employment cases where they need both real trial power and a lawyer who will actually listen. Heather M. Collins has spent more than two decades representing survivors and employees in serious litigation involving sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other abuses of power, and was recognized as the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2025.
We are built for trial, not volume. That means careful case selection, deep investigation, and disciplined preparation from day one, so that every serious case is ready for a courtroom if that is where it needs to go. Defense counsel know we are prepared to try cases, and that reality shapes how we negotiate and how we litigate.
We are also centered on you. In practice, that means we take time to understand what you have lived through, explain the process in plain language, and give candid advice about your options — whether that is a confidential resolution, a filing designed to create change, or a jury trial. Especially in sexual assault and harassment matters, we are intentional about minimizing re‑traumatization while still pursuing accountability.
Our team has handled cases in Tennessee state and federal courts and before agencies such as the EEOC, and we bring the same level of preparation to negotiation, mediation, and trial. We do not rely on shortcuts or cookie‑cutter strategies; we build a tailored plan for each case, grounded in evidence, strategy, and a clear understanding of your goals.
Please contact us today. We use secure technology to fast track intakes any time of the day or night, whether you feel more comfortable talking or texting, but we prioritize having a member of our team speak directly with survivors of sexual violence during business hours.
our team
Meet Our Attorneys
Heather M. Collins
Partner
Ashley Shoemaker
Attorney
Lucia Izzolo
Associate Attorney
Trust. Courage. Confidence
These are some of the words clients use to describe working with HMC Civil Rights. We represent people in sexual assault, civil rights, and employment cases with a combination of serious trial preparation and genuine care for what they have been through. If you are facing a serious situation and need to understand your options, we are here to talk.
We believe every person is entitled to dignity, safety, and respect — in the workplace, in schools, and in every institution that holds power over their lives. Our role is to stand between you and the people or entities that violated those basic obligations and to pursue accountability with clarity, strategy, and resolve.
BUILT FOR TRIAL
CENTERED ON YOU
RELENTLESS
Testimonials
What client say about us
Heather M. Collins my case with real class. They handled all aspects of my case with professionalism. I can not be happier with the outcome of my case I will always recommend having them in your corner.
The Heather M. Collins firm have been highly professional and super responsive during our recent legal experience. I would highly recommend them to anyone having an issue with wrongs that need to be righted in the workplace.
A very great law firm. They kept me informed on everything and I liked the way they handled my case. I highly recommend this law firm. -Tony Brown-
