James Earl Wagner, Estate Planning Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General · 4.2/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
MemberatFrantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP
Knoxville, TN
Practicing estate planning in Knoxville since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.2 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Earl Wagner?
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Quick answer
James Earl Wagner is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Family Law · General
- Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and General matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Earl Wagner: James Earl Wagner is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Earl Wagner
James concentrates on estate planning, family law, general, personal injury, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Personal Injury
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POA
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Product Liability
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Workers Comp
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Estate Planning cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes estate planning 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.
Family Law cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes family law 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.
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.
POA cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes poa 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
About James Earl Wagner — Over 41 years of Tennessee estate planning experience
James Earl Wagner is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
James Earl Wagner is a lawyer practicing defective and dangerous products, wills & living wills, general practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from East Tennessee State University in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. James practices at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP in Knoxville, TN.
Working with James on a estate planning matter
James Earl Wagner is a lawyer practicing defective and dangerous products, wills & living wills, general practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from East Tennessee State University in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. James practices at Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP in Knoxville, TN.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and general matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
James Earl Wagner's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1985
East Tennessee State University
B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court I
1985 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1985 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in East Tennessee State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in East Tennessee State University. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Earl Wagner
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 and Tennessee Bar Associations National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
membership
Locations
James Earl Wagner's office in Knoxville
James's primary office is at 550 W. Main Ave., Ste. 500, Knoxville, TN, 37902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP
550 W. Main Ave., Ste. 500
Knoxville, TN 37902
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Earl Wagner — 4.2/5 rating from 4 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 estate planning attorneys in Knoxville.
4.2
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Earl Wagner claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Earl Wagner — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning 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 estate planning attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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 estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Earl Wagner
How much does it cost to hire James for a estate planning 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 estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple estate planning 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 estate planning 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
Estate Planning attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
James handles estate planning matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Tennessee
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





