Stephen Ross Johnson

Stephen Ross Johnson, Appellate Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 39 verified client reviews

PartneratRitchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.

Knoxville, TN

Practicing appellate in Knoxville since 2002.

24+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
39 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Stephen Ross Johnson is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 39 client reviews.

Based in
Knoxville, TN
Experience
over 24 years
Known for
Appellate · Criminal Defense · General
  • Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Knoxville, TN.
  • Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Stephen Ross Johnson: Stephen Ross Johnson is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 39 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Stephen Ross Johnson

Stephen concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, general, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Stephen takes appellate matters in Knoxville, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Stephen takes criminal defense matters in Knoxville, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

General cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Stephen takes general matters in Knoxville, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Stephen takes white collar matters in Knoxville, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Stephen Ross Johnson — Over 24 years of Tennessee appellate experience

Stephen Ross Johnson is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 39 client reviews.

Adjunct Professor University of Tennessee College of Law, Innocence and Wrongful Convictions Clinic. Recipient: Tennessee Bar Association Access to Justice Award; University of Tennessee College of Law Public Service Award; University of Tennessee Legal Clinic Award for Outstanding Criminal Advocacy; University of Tennessee Dean's Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Law; Constitutional Law Moot Court Team.

Working with Stephen on a appellate matter

Adjunct Professor University of Tennessee College of Law, Innocence and Wrongful Convictions Clinic. Recipient: Tennessee Bar Association Access to Justice Award; University of Tennessee College of Law Public Service Award; University of Tennessee Legal Clinic Award for Outstanding Criminal Advocacy; University of Tennessee Dean's Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Law;…

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and general matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Stephen Ross Johnson's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Tennessee

    J.D. · 2002

  • Carson-Newman College

    B.A. University · 1998

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court U

    2006 · ACTIVE

  • Tennessee U.S. Distr

    2002 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. University in Carson-Newman College.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. University in Carson-Newman College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen Ross Johnson

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Knoxville

    Chair, Technology and Law Office Management Committee) Tennessee (Associate General Counsel, 2012-present Chair, Criminal Justice Section, 2006-2009) and American Bar Associations National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Board of Directors, 2013- · membership

  • Fellow, Knoxville Bar Foundation, 2014

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Stephen Ross Johnson's office in Knoxville

Stephen's primary office is at Main Place, 606 West Main Street, Suite 300, Knoxville, TN, 37902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.

Main Place, 606 West Main Street, Suite 300

Knoxville, TN 37902

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Ross Johnson — 5.0/5 rating from 39 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Knoxville.

5.0

39 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Ross Johnson claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Ross Johnson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Knoxville, 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 Stephen

Stephen 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen'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 Stephen Ross Johnson

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

    Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen'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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?

    Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

    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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Stephen accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Stephen'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 Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

Stephen 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

If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.