
Michael L. Forrester, Employment Attorney in Kingsport, Tennessee
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratHunter, Smith and Davis, LLP
Kingsport, TN
Practicing employment in Kingsport since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael L. Forrester?
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Quick answer
Michael L. Forrester is a partner based in Kingsport, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hunter, Smith and Davis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Kingsport, TN
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Employment · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Employment, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Kingsport, TN.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael L. Forrester: Michael L. Forrester is a partner based in Kingsport, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hunter, Smith and Davis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael L. Forrester
Michael concentrates on employment, insurance, litigation, workers comp, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Workers Comp
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Business
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Employment cases in Kingsport, Tennessee
Michael takes employment matters in Kingsport, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Kingsport, Tennessee
Michael takes insurance matters in Kingsport, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Kingsport, Tennessee
Michael takes litigation matters in Kingsport, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Kingsport, Tennessee
Michael takes workers comp matters in Kingsport, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Kingsport, Tennessee
Michael takes business matters in Kingsport, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael L. Forrester — Over 42 years of Tennessee employment experience
Michael L. Forrester is a partner based in Kingsport, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hunter, Smith and Davis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Awards
AV Preeminent Peer Rated This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher. About AwardsClient Champion Awards
Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.
At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.
At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.
At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale Peer Awards
A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Michael L. Forrester got this award in 2021
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
Avvo Awards
Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.
How Michael handles employment matters
About Michael L. Forrester View website Awards AV Preeminent Peer Rated This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, insurance, and litigation matters in Kingsport and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Michael L. Forrester's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1984
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1984 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
Michael 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 Michael runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael L. Forrester
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association
membership
of the American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
Michael L. Forrester's office in Kingsport
Michael's primary office is at 1212 North Eastman Road, Kingsport, TN, 37664-3146. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hunter, Smith and Davis, LLP
1212 North Eastman Road
Kingsport, TN 37664-3146
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael L. Forrester — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Kingsport.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael L. Forrester claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael L. Forrester — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Kingsport, 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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael L. Forrester
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Kingsport?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new employment clients right now?
Michael'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 Kingsport, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Michael 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 Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Kingsport handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





