
James Douglas Overbey, Business Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.8/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Of CounselatOwings, Wilson & Coleman
Knoxville, TN
Practicing business in Knoxville since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you James Douglas Overbey?
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Quick answer
James Douglas Overbey is an of counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Owings, Wilson & Coleman. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Douglas Overbey: James Douglas Overbey is an of counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Owings, Wilson & Coleman. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Knoxville
James concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, government, and health care. 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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Criminal Defense
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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Litigation
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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.
Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes criminal defense 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.
General cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes general 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.
Government cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes government 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.
Health Care cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes health care 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 Douglas Overbey, business attorney serving Knoxville
James Douglas Overbey is an of counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. James has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Owings, Wilson & Coleman. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. James works from Knoxville, Tennessee and takes on business matters across the region.
James Douglas Overbey is a lawyer practicing administrative law, antitrust law, business law and 6 other areas of law. James Douglas received a B.A. degree from Carson-Newman College in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. James Douglas practices at Owings, Wilson & Coleman in Knoxville, TN.
James's approach to business cases
James Douglas Overbey is a lawyer practicing administrative law, antitrust law, business law and 6 other areas of law. James Douglas received a B.A. degree from Carson-Newman College in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. James Douglas practices at Owings, Wilson & Coleman in Knoxville, TN.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1979
Carson-Newman College
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1979 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. in Carson-Newman College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. in Carson-Newman College. 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.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Knoxville, Blount County, Tennessee (Member, Health Law Section) and American (Member, Sections on Antitrust Law Health Law) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Douglas Overbey's office in Knoxville
James's primary office is at 800 Riverview Tower, 900 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902-1800. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Owings, Wilson & Coleman
800 Riverview Tower, 900 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902-1800
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Douglas Overbey — 4.8/5 rating from 3 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.
4.8
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Douglas Overbey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Douglas Overbey — 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 Douglas Overbey
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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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





