JM

James McCown Smith, Business Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatSmith & Smith

Memphis, TN

Practicing business in Memphis since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James McCown Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Memphis, TN
Experience
over 50 years
Known for
Business · Entertainment · IP
  • Handles Business, Entertainment, and IP matters from Memphis, TN.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James McCown Smith: James McCown Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Memphis

James concentrates on business, entertainment, ip, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Memphis, Tennessee

James takes business matters in Memphis, 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.

Entertainment cases in Memphis, Tennessee

James takes entertainment matters in Memphis, 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.

IP cases in Memphis, Tennessee

James takes ip matters in Memphis, 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.

Probate cases in Memphis, Tennessee

James takes probate matters in Memphis, 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.

Real Estate cases in Memphis, Tennessee

James takes real estate matters in Memphis, 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 McCown Smith, business attorney serving Memphis

James McCown Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Memphis, Tennessee and takes on business matters across the region.

James McCown Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate law, business law, intellectual property law and 3 other areas of law. James received a degree from Vanderbilt Law School, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at Smith & Smith in Memphis, TN.

Working with James on a business matter

James McCown Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate law, business law, intellectual property law and 3 other areas of law. James received a degree from Vanderbilt Law School, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at Smith & Smith in Memphis, TN.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and ip matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • University of Memphis

    J.D. · 1976

  • Vanderbilt Law School University of Alabama

    B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Tennessee

    1976 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Memphis and B.A. in Vanderbilt Law School University of Alabama.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Memphis and B.A. in Vanderbilt Law School University of Alabama. 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

  • TBA Members

    membership

Locations

James McCown Smith's office in Memphis

James's primary office is at 4917 William Arnold Road, Memphis, TN, 38117-4237. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith & Smith

4917 William Arnold Road

Memphis, TN 38117-4237

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James McCown Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 Memphis.

5.0

1 client review

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire James McCown Smith — 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 Memphis, 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 McCown Smith

  • 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 Memphis?

    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 Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville 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.

More counsel

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