It is with profound sadness that Baker Donelson announces the passing of our beloved colleague Steven J. Eisen. Mr. Eisen, who was a shareholder in the Firm's Nashville office, died on December 6, 2022.
Mr. Eisen had been a part of Baker Donelson and its predecessor firms since he graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1983. While he maintained a diverse practice ranging from trademark law to general business counseling, he was widely known and highly regarded throughout the legal and banking community for his vast experience in banking and financial services law. His extensive work in this area garnered national recognition from such organizations as Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America®, which honored him as the Best Lawyers' 2013 Nashville Financial Services Regulation Law "Lawyer of the Year" and the 2011 Nashville Banking "Lawyer of the Year".
Beyond his significant accomplishments within his legal practice, Mr. Eisen was a staunch proponent of service to the community and pro bono legal work, reflecting his roots as an Eagle Scout. His service to the community included protecting children with disabilities and expanding opportunities for minority-owned financial institutions. In 2021, Baker Donelson named him the Nashville Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for his efforts advising the State of Tennessee on working with minority depository institutions to further community development in minority and low-income areas in Tennessee.
Baker Donelson Chief Executive Officer Tim Lupinacci said, "Having worked with Steve over the past 15 years, what always resonated with me was his absolute passion for both helping clients achieve their objectives and strategies and for loving his family. Steve's approach was to live life fully in community with others, building lasting trusted relationships and unforgettable experiences."
"Steve has always set the example for me in terms of how he approached every new client relationship as an opportunity for developing new friendships and how he actively cultivated those friendships over time," said Jackie Prester, Financial Services Transactions Practice Group Leader at Baker Donelson. "He was one of those people who would just pick up the phone to talk to a client to see how things were going, or who would hop in his car for a road trip covering hundreds of miles in Tennessee, stopping in each small town along the way to have lunch with the local bankers just for fun."
Mr. Eisen remained dedicated to his clients and the practice of law until the end. While we can never replace his presence as a partner, mentor, counselor, and friend, we will strive to honor his legacy and work at Baker Donelson.