Richard Knell Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratParker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith
Nashville, TN
Practicing bankruptcy in Nashville since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Richard Knell Smith?
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Quick answer
Richard Knell Smith is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. Richard has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Estate Planning
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Knell Smith: Richard Knell Smith is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. Richard has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard Knell Smith
Richard concentrates on bankruptcy, business, estate planning, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Wills
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Workers Comp
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Bankruptcy cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes bankruptcy 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard Knell Smith — Over 44 years of Tennessee bankruptcy experience
Richard Knell Smith is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. Richard has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Richard Knell Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, personal injury and 5 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Richard practices at Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith in Nashville, TN.
Richard's approach to bankruptcy cases
Richard Knell Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, personal injury and 5 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Richard practices at Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith in Nashville, TN.
Clients Richard works with
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and estate planning matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Richard Knell Smith's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1982
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1982 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
Richard 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 Richard runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard Knell Smith
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Nashville and Tennessee Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Richard Knell Smith's office in Nashville
Richard's primary office is at Service Source, 201 Fourth Ave. N. Suite 1700, Nashville, TN, 37219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith
Service Source, 201 Fourth Ave. N. Suite 1700
Nashville, TN 37219
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard Knell Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy 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 Richard Knell Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Knell Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Knell Smith
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Richard handles bankruptcy matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





