James C. 'Chris' Cone, Business Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Insurance, and Litigation · 4.0/5 rating from 26 verified client reviews
Knoxville, TN
Practicing business in Knoxville since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 26 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James C. 'Chris' Cone?
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Quick answer
James C. 'Chris' Cone is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 26 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Business, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James C. 'Chris' Cone: James C. 'Chris' Cone is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 26 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Knoxville
James concentrates on business, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Business cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes business matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes insurance matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes litigation matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes personal injury matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James C. 'Chris' Cone, business attorney serving Knoxville
James C. 'Chris' Cone is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C.. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 26 client reviews. James works from Knoxville, Tennessee and takes on business matters across the region.
Chris is a litigation attorney with the exceptional defense firm Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C. in Knoxville, Tennessee. With over 25 years of extensive trial work the eastern half of Tennessee, he has extensive litigation experience and has successfully tried many jury and non-jury trials in Tennessee State Courts, Federal Court, and Bankruptcy Court. In addition, he serves as counsel for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Auto-Owners Insurance Company, Vice Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, and represents several business and individual clients in litigation and non-litigation matters in State and Federal Courts.In addition to civil jury and non-jury trials, he has represented clients involved in appeals in the Tennessee Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Chris has been a frequent speaker and lecturer on litigation, trying jury trials, effective use of court room technology, insurance coverage issues, and other subjects at multiple Continuing legal education seminars for attorneys.In 2015, Chris was selected by his peers as a top lawyer as published in the July/August 2015 edition of Cityview Magazine, and he was named a Master of the Bar by the Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court. He will also soon be inducted into the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates.Chris has also served on the Board of Directors of nonprofit charitable corporations, the Vestry of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Maryville, Tennessee, and is serving his second term on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, the University of the South (Sewanee).
How James handles business matters
Chris is a litigation attorney with the exceptional defense firm Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C. in Knoxville, Tennessee. With over 25 years of extensive trial work the eastern half of Tennessee, he has extensive litigation experience and has successfully tried many jury and non-jury trials in Tennessee State Courts, Federal Court, and Bankruptcy Court. In addition, he serves as counsel for State…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, insurance, and litigation matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1991
The University of the South
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in The University of the South.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in The University of the South. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Knoxville Bar Association Tennessee Bar Association Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association Defense Research Institute
membership
Locations
James C. 'Chris' Cone's office in Knoxville
James's primary office is at 1900 N. Winston Road, Suite 600, Knoxville, TN, 37919. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Trammell, Adkins & Ward, P.C.
1900 N. Winston Road, Suite 600
Knoxville, TN 37919
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James C. 'Chris' Cone — 4.0/5 rating from 26 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Knoxville.
4.0
26 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James C. 'Chris' Cone claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James C. 'Chris' Cone — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James C. 'Chris' Cone
How much does it cost to hire James for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
James is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new business clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
James handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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