J.V. was born in Nashville, Tennessee on March 22, 1947. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1969, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1973. In 1979, he was awarded his L.L.M. degree in taxation from Georgetown University. J.V. was a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Bill Brock from 1973 – 1975 and a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, from 1975 – 1980 where he tried civil tax cases in state and federal courts in the southeastern and southwestern United States. He has practiced in Nashville since 1980.

J.V. is licensed and has been admitted to practice in all of the state and federal courts in Tennessee, as well as the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations, and is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association. He is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). He is also a member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, a trade association for companies and individuals engaged in 1031 like-kind exchanges (www.1031.org). In 1990, he founded First Exchange and Escrow, Inc., a Tennessee corporation established to facilitate 1031 like-kind exchanges (www.1stxchange.com). J.V. has the highest rating of “AV” with Martindale Hubbell attorney directory, is listed in the Real Estate Law Section of the Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, and has been selected as one of the Mid-South's “Super Lawyers.”

J.V. practices in the areas of commercial real estate, general business matters, tax, and IRC Section 1031 like-kind exchanges. Representative transactions include the representation of clients constructing, selling, purchasing, leasing, and financing apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, and other properties. Such transactions frequently include the formation of partnerships, limited liability companies, and other entities. His Section 1031 like-kind exchange transactions include simultaneous and deferred exchanges, “reverse” exchanges, and exchanges involving the construction of improvements.

J.V. is an avid reader and enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, running, and snow skiing. He is a long-time board member of the Nashville Rescue Mission and is currently serving as chairman of its board of directors. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church.