Skip to Main Content




Quick Results
View More Results
Search
Professional Photo
Professionals

Christy Tosh Crider

Shareholder
Nashville
T: 615.726.5608
F: 615.744.5608
Email Professional Download vCard Download Hi-Res Photo Download Bio

Christy is the go-to lawyer for health care companies on complex business, regulatory, and risk mitigation strategies. She has 30 years of experience navigating the business opportunities and challenges faced by providers. From the boardroom to the courtroom, Christy understands health care. She has served in many leadership roles at Baker Donelson, founding its Long Term Care Group, chairing the Health Care Litigation Group and Baker Women, and serving on the Firm's board of directors. Christy has served as arbitrator on dozens of cases and is a nationally recognized speaker and author on topics ranging from health care to work-life balance.

Overview

  • University of Arkansas, J.D., 1996, with honors
  • Ouachita Baptist University, B.A., 1993, cum laude
  • Kentucky, 2012
  • Tennessee, 1997
  • Arkansas, 1996

Christy has successfully tried cases in many venues including challenging survey citations before Health and Human Services, Civil Remedies Division of the Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), establishing the correct valuation of a False Claims Act case before the United State federal bankruptcy court, defending complex commercial disputes in state trial court, fighting for health care providers before the Tennessee Department of Health and before numerous arbitrators, and representing an organ procurement organization before the governing body of the United Network of Organ Sharing. As an experienced appellate attorney, Christy has presented oral arguments before the Tennessee Supreme Court and Tennessee Court of Appeals. She is certified as an arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association. Christy concentrates her practice in health care litigation, managing the litigation of numerous health care facilities around the country, as well as serving as outside general counsel.

Christy provides counsel to health care companies on quality assurance, corporate compliance, general business advice, and litigation avoidance, challenging survey citations and government investigations. She represents many health care related organizations, including organ procurement organizations and tissue banks, long term care providers, onsite health centers, and one of the largest behavioral health companies in the country.

Christy has been recognized by Chambers USA as a leading Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense lawyer in Tennessee for five consecutive years and is one of only five attorneys in the state of Tennessee listed in Band 1. She has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Health Care Litigation for eight consecutive years and Thomson Reuters named Christy to their 2025 list of Stand-out Lawyers.

During Christy's tenure as the Baker Women Chair, Baker Donelson has earned numerous recognitions as an exceptional workplace, including being named by Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media) in the Top 10 for "Best Law Firms for All" list, and being ranked sixteenth nationally in diversity for women in the 2026 edition of Vault, Inc.'s "Best Law Firms for Diversity."

These national accolades are the culmination of years of Christy's leadership and impact. She is nationally recognized for advancing work-life balance, inclusion, and professional development within the legal industry. She has overseen numerous key initiatives, including the adoption of an industry-leading parental leave policy; the implementation of a Firm-wide mentoring program; creating a program that awards business development grants; and a training program designed to help attorneys achieve equity shareholder status. Christy was named a recognized leader of the A Great Place to Work® For All Leadership Award by FORTUNE magazine.

  • In 2024, obtained a full defense judgment in an arbitration for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) for claims brought based on the challenges to the CCRC contractual model.

  • In 2022, 2023, and 2024, presented oral arguments twice before the Tennessee Supreme Court and three times before the Tennessee Court of Appeals on issues of first impression for health care providers. Click here to watch.

  • In 2026, successfully led a long term care provider through the business, regulatory, licensure, government investigation, and risk mitigation following immediate jeopardy citations and pending termination of the provider agreement.

  • In 2022, tried and won a case before the Tennessee Department of Health Licensure Board against the Tennessee attorney general's office for a health care provider, resulting in the removal of a Type A civil monetary penalty.

  • In 2022, presented oral argument before the Tennessee Supreme Court and twice before the Tennessee Court of Appeals on issues of first impression for long term care providers.

  • In 2020 and 2021, successfully arbitrated to final ruling health care litigation cases in Kentucky and Tennessee.

  • Led a team that successfully challenged a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Immediate Jeopardy citation for a long term care provider related to COVID-19 deaths.

  • Tried before an Administrative Law Judge and won a complete reversal of a CMS citation of Immediate Jeopardy against a long term care provider related to the monitoring for side effects of blood thinners.

  • Obtained a complete defense verdict in arbitration for a nursing home client sued for a resident fall with a broken hip.

  • Resolved successfully a lawsuit brought under the False Claims Act by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for substandard care for a long term care provider after multi-day evidentiary hearing.

  • Tried successfully one of the only cases presented to the United Network for Organ Sharing governing body for an Organ Procurement Organization in New Mexico, securing reversal of an adverse action.

  • Assisted a long term care provider in negotiations with CMS resulting in a reduction in Civil Monetary Penalty of more than $1 million.

  • Provided advice on post-trial and appeal issues in a long term care punitive damages case involving an eight-figure verdict.

  • Presented oral argument before the Tennessee Supreme Court on an issue of first impression involving whether the existence of a durable power of attorney lifts the tolling of the statute of limitations for an incompetent resident.

  • Presented oral argument before the Tennessee Court of Appeals and won an issue of first impression for long term care providers regarding whether the Tennessee Adult Protection Act applies to negligent care lawsuits filed against long term care providers which should fall within the scope of the Medical Malpractice Act.

  • Presented oral argument before the Tennessee Court of Appeals on an issue of first impression for long term care providers concerning the authority of a relative of a long term care resident to enter into an arbitration agreement on the resident's behalf.

  • Presented oral argument before the Tennessee Court of Appeals on an issue of first impression for long term care providers regarding whether a mandatory arbitration agreement with a 30-day revocation clause is a contract of adhesion, and whether a provision allowing the nursing home to sue in court for collection actions makes the arbitration agreement unconscionable.

  • Tried to a successful jury verdict the first long term care wrongful death case to go to verdict in more than a decade, for one of the largest privately-owned nursing home chains in the country.

  • Achieved a full defense verdict in the second long term care medical malpractice case ever to go to arbitration in Tennessee.

  • Achieved a successful settlement during the defendant's proof in the fourth long term care medical malpractice case ever to go to arbitration in Tennessee.

  • Successfully negotiated with a major national television network to remove incorrect and misleading pieces of a story before it aired for a tissue bank.

  • Successfully compelled to arbitration and dismissed from court several long term care wrongful death cases.

  • Won summary judgment in an apartment fire case.

  • Obtained the dismissal of all counts against long term care providers, except medical malpractice, in many wrongful death cases.

  • Successfully defended a wrongful death Dram Shop Act case.

  • Drafted arbitration agreements for dozens of long term care facilities and trained the facilities on how to use them.

  • Represented a retirement community in resolving a Civil Monetary Penalty levied against the community based on a COVID-19 Infection Control Survey. Won a ruling in favor of the retirement community in a hearing before the Tennessee Board of Healthcare Facilities.

  • Advised a senior health care services company regarding its admissions procedures.

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Health Care Litigation (2018 – 2026) and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2024 – 2026)
  • Named a 2025 and 2026 Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer
  • Listed in Chambers USA as a leading Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense lawyer in Tennessee (2020 – 2026) 
  • Recipient – Inaugural Baker Donelson Goal Digger Award, "In honor of tireless efforts on behalf of countless people across the Firm, and individual drive to meet and beat every goal set." (2025)
  • Recipient – Seramount's Working Parent and Caregiver of the Year (2025)
  • Recipient – Howard Baker Award, "In recognition of lasting contributions to the legal profession and unwavering commitment to excellence, honor, and integrity in the practice of law." (2025)
  • Recipient – A Great Place to Work® For All Leadership Award by FORTUNE magazine (2018)
  • Selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers in Health Care (2013 – 2025); listed as among the top 50 female attorneys in the Mid-South (2016, 2021, 2022); listed as among the top 50 attorneys in Nashville and top 100 attorneys in Tennessee (2016, 2021, 2022)
  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Listed in BTI Consulting Group's Client Service All-Stars for Law Firms (2022, 2023)
  • Listed in Who's Who Legal in Healthcare (2020)
  • Named the Best Lawyers® 2019 Health Care Litigation "Lawyer of the Year" in Nashville
  • Finalist – Chambers USA 2015 Women in Law Awards Outstanding Achievement Award (Private Practice)
  • Named as one of the "2015 Women to Watch" by The Nashville Medical News
  • Coach – Harpeth Hall High School Mock Trial Team (2012 – 2020)
  • Recipient – 2013 Women of Influence Award, Nashville Business Journal
  • Featured on the cover of the Nashville Medical News, In Charge Magazine (January 2013)
  • Finalist, Law Category – 2012 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards
  • Listed in Mid-South Rising Stars (2008 – 2012)
  • Named "Top 40 Professional in Tennessee Under 40," Nashville Business Journal (2011)
  • Named "Health Care Hero Champion," Nashville Business Journal (2011)
  • Named "Health Care 100" in Middle Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal (2004 – 2006)
  • Member – Nashville, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and American Bar Associations
  • Member – American Health Law Association (AHLA), Long Term Care Section
  • Best Oralist – Vanderbilt National First Amendment Moot Court Competition
  • Best Oralist – University of Arkansas Fall and Spring Moot Court Competition
  • Chair – University of Arkansas Trial Advocacy Team
  • Outstanding Graduate in Appellate Advocacy – University of Arkansas
  • Associate Member – Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA) (2005 – present)
  • Chair – Baker Women (2014 – present)
  • Inaugural member – St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Nashville Advisory Board (2019 – present)
  • Board of Directors – Woodmont Christian Church (2026 – present)
  • Advisory Board Member – Baker Donelson D&I Compact Committee (2020)
  • Director – Woodmont Christian Church Children's Choir (2005 – 2014)
  • Marketing Chair – Baker Women (2008 – 2014)
  • Chair – Baker Donelson Nashville Office Charitable Contributions Committee (2007 – 2014)
  • Member – Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF) Vendor Committee
  • Certified as an arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association
  • Panelist – "Women in Leadership," SHRM Women in Leadership Symposium (February 2026)
  • "The Wave of Fast Track Terminations – What is Going on and What can be Done?," 2025 THCA/TNCAL Convention & Trade Show (August 2025)
  • "Presidents' Panel: A View From the Top," Long Term Care Symposium (November 2024)
  • Co-presenter – "Navigating Women's Health in the Workplace," AHLA The Future of Women's Health and Changing Laws Virtual Program (May 2024)
  • Co-presenter – "Choose Your Career Path with Intention," Belmont University College of Law, Women's Law Section (April 2024)
  • "The Secret to Finding Balance," Hancock Whitney, SheConnects Special Presentation (April 2024)
  • Co-presenter – "Navigating the Path to Equity Partnership," Leopard Solutions' Women History Month Webinar (March 2024)
  • Co-presenter – "Choose Your Career Path with Intention," Belmont University College of Law, Women's Law Section (April 2023)
  • Panelist – "The Challenges of Women in Big Law ," Leopard Solutions Webinar (March 2023)
  • Moderator – "Presidents' Panel: A View From the Top," 2022 Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2022)
  • "Choosing Your Career Path with Intention," Vanderbilt Law School Women's Association (April 2022)
  • Co-presenter – "Tools for Your Toolbox - Defending Claims and Litigation in a COVID-19 World," AHLA 2022 Long Term Care and the Law (February 2022)
  • Co-presenter – "Choose Your Career Path with Intention," Vanderbilt Law School, Women's Law Student Association (April 2021)
  • Co-presenter – "Effective Defenses to COVID-19 Regulatory Citations and Wrongful Death Lawsuits," AHLA 2021 Virtual Long Term Care and the Law (March 2021)
  • "The DOJ's Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Initiatives," Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section (January 2021)
  • "Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg," AHLA Speaking of Health Law Podcast (December 2020)
  • Panelist – "Building a Culture of Diversity in Your Long Term Care Organization," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2020)
  • Moderator – "The Quadruple Threat of COVID-19: Police, Surveyors, Professional Liability Lawsuits and Employment Lawsuits," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2020)
  • Moderator – "Presidents' Panel: A View from the Top," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2020)
  • "Mitigating Risk: Lessons learned from COVID-19," TOGETHER: LALA/LA-GS Virtual Joint Conference (October 2020)
  • Panelist – "Navigating COVID-19 for the Nursing Home Procurement Professional," Society for Healthcare Organization Purchasing Professionals (SHOPP) webinar (April 2020)
  • Co-presenter – "The Masters Class on Class Actions–What You Need to Do Right Now to Get Ready," AHLA 2020 Long Term Care and the Law (March 2020)
  • Moderator – "Presidents' Panel," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2018)
  • Moderator – "Improving the Bottom Line and Customer Satisfaction with Diversity in the C-Suite," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2018)
  • Panelist – "What Every Provider Needs to Know About Department of Justice Investigations Under the Elder Justice Task Force and Negotiating and Living with CIAs," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2018)
  • "Keeping Problematic Families From Negatively Impacting Care," Tennessee Health Care Association/Tennessee Center for Assisted Living (TNCAL) (August 2018)
  • "Repositioning Your Case: Differentiating Arbitration and Mediation Techniques from Litigation Strategies," ACI Long Term Care Litigation & Risk Management Strategies, Miami, Florida (January 2018)
  • "DOJ Investigations Under the Elder Justice Task Force," THCA/TNCAL Convention (August 2017)
  • "The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations with Families," THCA/TNCAL Convention (August 2017)
  • "The Impact of Arbitration Agreements on Senior Living," Argentum Annual Meeting (May 2017)
  • "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Best Practices for Partnering with Hospice Providers," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2016)
  • "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue: What Every Provider Needs to Know About DOJ Investigations Under the Elder Justice Task Force," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2016)
  • "Why You Gotta Be So Mean? – Plaintiffs' Counsel Panel," Baker Donelson Long Term Care Symposium (November 2016)
  • Co-presenter – "What every provider needs to know about Department of Justice Investigations Under the Elder Justice task Force," AHLA 2016 Long Term Care and the Law (February 2016)
  • "Mentoring Women: Is It Different?," ABA Health Law Litigation and Woman Advocate Committees Roundtable (January 2016)
  • "Tips to Lower Your Long Term Care Litigation Costs," KAHCF 2014 Quality Summit (April 2014)
  • Panelist – "In-House Think Tank Session I: Proactively Spotting Costly Litigation Red Flags and Managing Pre-Suit Challenges," ACI Fourth Annual Forum on Preventing and Defending Long Term Care Litigation, Miami, Florida (January 2014)
  • "Setting Realistic Expectations and Arbitration Agreements," Elmcroft Senior Living Annual Meeting (March 2013)
  • Moderator – "Proactively Spotting Costly Litigation Red Flags and Managing Pre-Suit Challenges," American Conference Institute (ACI) Third Annual Forum on Preventing and Defending Long Term Care Litigation, Miami, Florida (January 2013)
  • "Time Management," Tennessee Bar Association Law Practice Management CLE (October 2012)
  • "Stress & Time Management," Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) panel session, Vanderbilt University Law School (October 2012)
  • "The Ethics of Tennessee Tort Reform," Nashville Council of Health Care Attorneys (January 2012)
  • "Get Paid for Care: Fighting Medicare Program Audits," THCA/TNCAL Annual Convention and Trade Show, Nashville, Tennessee (August 2011)
  • "Big Survey Fines: Appeal or Pay," THCA/TNCAL Annual Convention and Trade Show, Nashville, Tennessee (August 2011)
  • "Assisted Living Resident Service Agreement, Protecting Your Facility While Providing Quality Care," THCA (May 2011)

Featured Experience

In 2024, obtained a full defense judgment in an arbitration for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) for claims brought based on the challenges to the CCRC contractual model.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, presented oral arguments twice before the Tennessee Supreme Court and three times before the Tennessee Court of Appeals on issues of first impression for health care providers. Click here to watch.

In 2026, successfully led a long term care provider through the business, regulatory, licensure, government investigation, and risk mitigation following immediate jeopardy citations and pending termination of the provider agreement.

Featured Media

Baker Donelson Named in Top 10 of Seramount's 2026 100 Best Companies
Press Release / June 5, 2026
Chambers USA Ranks 101 Baker Donelson Attorneys in 2026 Edition
Press Release / June 4, 2026
44 Baker Donelson Attorneys Named to 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers; 47 Named to Mid-South Rising Stars
Press Release / November 20, 2025

Email Disclaimer

NOTICE: The mailing of this email is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Anything that you send to anyone at our Firm will not be confidential or privileged unless we have agreed to represent you. If you send this email, you confirm that you have read and understand this notice.
Cancel Accept