Louann Prater Smith, Business Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Of Counsel
Chattanooga, TN
Practicing business in Chattanooga since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Louann Prater Smith?
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Quick answer
Louann Prater Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Louann has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Chattanooga, TN
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Business · Energy · Environmental
- Handles Business, Energy, and Environmental matters from Chattanooga, TN.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Louann Prater Smith: Louann Prater Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Louann has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Louann Prater Smith
Louann concentrates on business, energy, environmental, general, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Louann handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Louann takes business matters in Chattanooga, 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 Louann agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Louann takes energy matters in Chattanooga, 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 Louann agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Louann takes environmental matters in Chattanooga, 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 Louann agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Louann takes general matters in Chattanooga, 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 Louann agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Louann takes government matters in Chattanooga, 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 Louann agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Louann Prater Smith — Over 43 years of Tennessee business experience
Louann Prater Smith is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Louann has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Louann Prater Smith is a lawyer practicing asset based lending, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and 12 other areas of law. Louann received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1976, and has been licensed for 43 years. Louann practices in Chattanooga, TN.
Working with Louann on a business matter
Louann Prater Smith is a lawyer practicing asset based lending, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and 12 other areas of law. Louann received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1976, and has been licensed for 43 years. Louann practices in Chattanooga, TN.
Who Louann represents
Louann reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and environmental matters in Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Louann Prater Smith's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1983
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Louann's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1983 · ACTIVE
Louann studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
Louann completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Louann runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Louann Prater Smith
Louann has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Louann's professional memberships and bar associations
Business Law Section, Real Estate Law Section, TBA Members
membership
Locations
Louann Prater Smith's office in Chattanooga
Louann's primary office is at 633 Chestnut St Ste 1800, Chattanooga, TN, 37450. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Louann Prater Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Louann. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chattanooga.
5.0
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Louann Prater Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Louann Prater 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 Louann usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Louann charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Louann'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; Louann will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chattanooga, 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 Louann
Louann 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. Louann confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Louann'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 Louann Prater Smith
How much does it cost to hire Louann for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Louann walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Louann offer a free consultation?
Louann charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Louann's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Louann'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. Louann gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Louann take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?
Louann 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 — Louann 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 Louann?
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. Louann will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Louann accepting new business clients right now?
Louann'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 Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Louann 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in Tennessee
If Louann's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chattanooga handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





