John Bollen Carlson, Appellate Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Franchise · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Nashville, TN
Practicing appellate in Nashville since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you John Bollen Carlson?
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Quick answer
John Bollen Carlson is an attorney based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Franchise. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Franchise
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Franchise matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Bollen Carlson: John Bollen Carlson is an attorney based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Franchise. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John Bollen Carlson
John concentrates on appellate, business, franchise, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Franchise
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General
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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IP
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Appellate cases in Nashville, Tennessee
John takes appellate 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 John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee
John takes business 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 John agrees to represent you.
Franchise cases in Nashville, Tennessee
John takes franchise 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Nashville, Tennessee
John takes general 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 John agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Nashville, Tennessee
John takes juvenile 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John Bollen Carlson — Over 50 years of Tennessee appellate experience
John Bollen Carlson is an attorney based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Franchise. John has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Bollen Carlson is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, antitrust law and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Davidson College in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. John practices in Nashville, TN.
John's approach to appellate cases
John Bollen Carlson is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, antitrust law and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Davidson College in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. John practices in Nashville, TN.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and franchise matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
John Bollen Carlson's legal education and bar admissions
Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1976
Davidson College
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Florida
1977 · ACTIVE
Tennessee Illinois
1976 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.A. in Davidson College.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University and B.A. in Davidson College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John Bollen Carlson
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
John Bollen Carlson's office in Nashville
John's primary office is at 214 2nd Ave N Ste 300, Nashville, TN, 37201-1638. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Bollen Carlson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Nashville.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Bollen Carlson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Bollen Carlson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Bollen Carlson
How much does it cost to hire John for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple appellate 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new appellate clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
John handles appellate matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Tennessee
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





