
Jay Nelson Chamness, Employment Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
PartneratCornelius & Collins, LLP
Nashville, TN
Practicing employment in Nashville since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 7 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Jay Nelson Chamness?
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Quick answer
Jay Nelson Chamness is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cornelius & Collins, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Employment · Estate Planning · Litigation
- Handles Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Jay Nelson Chamness: Jay Nelson Chamness is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cornelius & Collins, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jay takes on
Jay concentrates on employment, estate planning, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jay handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Wills
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Business
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Employment cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Jay takes employment matters in Nashville, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Jay takes estate planning matters in Nashville, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Jay takes litigation matters in Nashville, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Jay takes medical malpractice matters in Nashville, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Jay takes personal injury matters in Nashville, 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jay Nelson Chamness — employment lawyer in Nashville
Jay Nelson Chamness is a partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cornelius & Collins, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Jay Nelson Chamness is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, labor & employment law and 6 other areas of law. Jay received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years. Jay practices at Cornelius & Collins, LLP in Nashville, TN.
Working with Jay on a employment matter
Jay Nelson Chamness is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, labor & employment law and 6 other areas of law. Jay received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years. Jay practices at Cornelius & Collins, LLP in Nashville, TN.
Who Jay represents
Jay reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, estate planning, and litigation matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. Louis University
J.D. · 1993
Vanderbilt University
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Jay's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1993 · ACTIVE
Jay studied at J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
Jay completed J.D. in St. Louis University and B.A. in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jay runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Jay has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Jay's professional memberships and bar associations
Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations Defense Research Institute
membership
Locations
Jay Nelson Chamness's office in Nashville
Jay's primary office is at Nashville City Center, 511 Union Street, Suite 1500, Nashville, TN, 37219-0695. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cornelius & Collins, LLP
Nashville City Center, 511 Union Street, Suite 1500
Nashville, TN 37219-0695
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Jay Nelson Chamness — 4.9/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Jay. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Nashville.
4.9
7 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jay Nelson Chamness claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jay Nelson Chamness — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jay usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jay charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay'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; Jay will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Jay
Jay discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Jay confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jay's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jay Nelson Chamness
How much does it cost to hire Jay for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jay walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jay offer a free consultation?
Jay charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Jay's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple employment 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. Jay gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jay take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
Jay 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 — Jay 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 Jay?
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. Jay will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jay accepting new employment clients right now?
Jay's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Jay handles employment matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Tennessee
If Jay's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





