How much does it cost to hire James for a construction 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 construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do construction cases in Tennessee typically take?

Simple construction 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 Paris?

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 construction clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James M. Smith, Construction Attorney in Paris, Tennessee

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Creditor Rights, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

ShareholderatHagwood and Tipton PC

Paris, TN

Practicing construction in Paris since 1998.

28+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 6 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Construction Creditor Rights Insurance Personal Injury Product Liability

Are you James M. Smith?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James M. Smith is a shareholder based in Paris, TN. The practice focuses on Construction, Creditor Rights, and Insurance. James has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hagwood and Tipton PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Paris, TN
Experience: over 28 years
Known for: Construction · Creditor Rights · Insurance

Handles Construction, Creditor Rights, and Insurance matters from Paris, TN.
Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on construction, creditor rights, insurance, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Paris, Tennessee

James takes construction matters in Paris, 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.

Creditor Rights cases in Paris, Tennessee

James takes creditor rights matters in Paris, 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 Paris, Tennessee

James takes insurance matters in Paris, 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 Paris, Tennessee

James takes personal injury matters in Paris, 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.

Product Liability cases in Paris, Tennessee

James takes product liability matters in Paris, 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

Meet James M. Smith — construction lawyer in Paris

Phi Delta Phi; Omicron Delta Kappa; Curia Honoris; Order of the Barristers; Cordell Hull Fellow; Cumberland Law Review, Managing Editor; Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities; ABA National Trial Team, Member; Trial Advocacy Board; Law Clerk to the Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Alabama

James's approach to construction cases

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, creditor rights, and insurance matters in Paris and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Samford University Cumberland School of Law
J.D. Cumberland · 1998
Samford University
B.A. Human · 1990

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Tennessee
2016 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1998 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. Cumberland in Samford University Cumberland School of Law and B.A. Human in Samford University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. Cumberland in Samford University Cumberland School of Law and B.A. Human in Samford 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

Recognition and thought leadership

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

Birmingham and American
Member: Life Insurance Law Committee Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Committee) Bar Associations Alabama State Bar Alabama Defense Lawyers Association Claims and Litigation Management Alliance - Member Defense Research Institute Litigation Management In · membership

Locations

James M. Smith's office in Paris

James's primary office is at 216 W. Wood Street, Paris, TN, 38242. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hagwood and Tipton PC

216 W. Wood Street

Paris, TN 38242

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James M. Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 6 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 construction attorneys in Paris.

5.0

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James M. Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James M. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction 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 construction attorney in Paris, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 construction practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction 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 construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James M. Smith

How much does it cost to hire James for a construction 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 construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple construction 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 Paris?
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 construction 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

Construction attorneys serving Paris, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

James handles construction matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Paris handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.