How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a adr case?

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in Tennessee typically take?

Simple adr 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?

Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

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

Is Thomas accepting new adr clients right now?

Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Thomas Ashurst Williams, ADR Attorney in Chattanooga

Quick answer

Thomas Ashurst Williams is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on ADR, Construction, and Family Law. Thomas has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chattanooga, TN
Experience: over 62 years
Known for: ADR · Construction · Family Law

Handles ADR, Construction, and Family Law matters from Chattanooga, TN.
Over 62 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on adr, construction, family law, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas takes adr 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas takes construction 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas takes family law 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas takes litigation 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas Ashurst Williams — adr lawyer in Chattanooga

Thomas Ashurst Williams is an of counsel based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on ADR, Construction, and Family Law. Thomas has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Thomas A. Williams has over 50 years of legal experience and trial experience in all the Tennessee court systems, along with pro hac vice appearances in State and Federal Courts in Georgia.

As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, and a retired LTC with the Army Reserve JAG Corps, Mr. Williams has experience in handling all types of federal, civil and criminal cases, including the aftermath of the James R. Hoffa conviction and his related attempts to have his conviction overturned. His litigation experience after leaving the Department of Justice includes claims in product liability, business and commercial disputes, construction liability, tort liability, fire loss and the management of risk associated with litigation. He is an author and has presented numerous seminars on topics within his expertise.

Mr. Williams has completed a term as Trustee of the Board of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority. He chaired the Legal Committee and reviewed laws related to government supervision of the medical field. He is frequently asked to mediate disagreements which are pending in the court system.

Honors and Awards

• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

• "Lawyer of the Year - Personal Injury Defense", Chattanooga area, Best Lawyers, 2014

• "Lawyer of the Year - Insurance Law", Chattanooga area, Best Lawyers, 2020

• Best Lawyers, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Insurance Law

• Super Lawyer, Mid-South region

Publications & Lectures

"Dial Fire for Arson," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol.17, No.1 (Feb. 1981)

"The ABCs of EMG," Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel Quarterly, Vol.46, No.1 (Fall 1995).

Community Involvement

• Former Trustee positions on the boards of McCallie School and Girls Preparatory School

• Former Trustee on the board of Erlanger Hospital

• Civitan International, Member, Chattanooga chapter

Professional Affiliations

• Chattanooga Bar Association, Past President (1986-1987)

• Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association, Past President (1994-1995)

• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (Member 1983-2015, Emeritus Member 2016-present); Chair of the Admissions Committee (2000-2004); Co-Chair of the Insurance Industry Initiative (I-3) (2005-2008); Vice President of the FDCC (2005-2007); Board of Directors of the FDCC (2008-2009)

• University of Tennessee College of Law Advisory Counsel (1993-present)

• Tennessee Board of Law Examiners, Chairman of District 3 Investigating Committee (1989- present)

• Association of Defense Trial Attorneys

• Chattanooga Bar Foundation Fellow

• Tennessee Bar Foundation Fellow

• American Bar Foundation Fellow

• Defense Research Institute (1983-present); Board of Directors (2003-2006)

• American Board of Trial Advocates

Working with Thomas on a adr matter

Thomas A. Williams has over 50 years of legal experience and trial experience in all the Tennessee court systems, along with pro hac vice appearances in State and Federal Courts in Georgia. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, and a retired LTC with the Army Reserve JAG Corps, Mr. Williams has experience in handling all types of federal, civil and criminal cases, including the aftermath of the…

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, construction, and family law matters in Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1963
University of Chattanooga
B.S. · 1961

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Ohio U.S. District C
1992 · ACTIVE
New York
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Milita
1967 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1964 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. in University of Chattanooga.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Thomas Ashurst Williams's office in Chattanooga

Thomas's primary office is at Tallan Building, 200 W. ML King Boulevard, Suite 500, Chattanooga, TN, 37402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC

Tallan Building, 200 W. ML King Boulevard, Suite 500

Chattanooga, TN 37402

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Ashurst Williams — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Ashurst Williams claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Ashurst Williams — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Ashurst Williams

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple adr 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new adr clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Tennessee residents in the last few months, answered by adr attorneys like Thomas Ashurst Williams. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Are Mediation Sessions Open To The Public In Tennessee?
I’m dealing with a family dispute in Nashville, TN, and I’m considering mediation. However, I’m worried about privacy and whether these sessions are open to the public. Can someone
1 verified answer · ADR · Tennessee
Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

Thomas handles adr matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

Thomas Ashurst Williams, ADR Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Quick answer