Chris W. McCarty

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Chris W. McCarty: Attorney with Lewis Thomason, P.C.
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Chris W. McCarty, a shareholder in our Knoxville office, focuses his practice in employment law, education law, and civil litigation. He represents clients in both state and federal courts across Tennessee and is recognized as a Rule 31 Mediator. Chris is also a trained arbitrator.

Prior to his legal career, Chris taught eighth-grade United States history at Seymour Middle School in Seymour, Tennessee. He now serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Chris is passionate about education, school safety, their intersection with the law, and the overall advancement of public education.

Beyond his legal practice, Chris is also a sought-after speaker on employment and education law topics, and he has contributed articles to publications such as Education Week, HR Magazine, the Tennessee Bar Journal, and the Knoxville Business Journal.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys family life in the Farragut area with his wife and three children. He is actively engaged in his community through his church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian.

PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES

• Best Lawyers 2025 Employment Law-Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Knoxville

• Member, The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

• University of Tennessee College of Law, Adjunct Professor, 2021

• Tennessee Council of School Board Attorneys, President, 2018-2020

• Best Lawyers 2020 Employment Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Knoxville

• Named to The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law Management and Education Law

• Named a Cityview Magazine Top Attorney

• Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, Elected Member, 2018

• Knoxville Bar Foundation, Fellows Program, 2016

• Member, American Arbitration Association (AAA) Panel of Employment Arbitrators

• Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2015, 2016

• Leadership Sevier, 2015

• Knoxville Zoo, Circle of Friends Leadership Council, 2015

• Nucleus Knoxville, President, 2014

• “40 Under 40”, Knoxville Business Journal, 2013

• Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, 2012

• Leadership Tomorrow Sevier, 2010

• Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, President’s Award, 2009

• Introduction Knoxville, 2007

• Knoxville Bar Association, Publications Committee

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Following college, Mr. McCarty spent two years teaching eighth grade United States history at Seymour Middle School in Seymour, Tennessee. He now lives in the Concord area with his wife and their three children, and is actively involved with his church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian.

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Areas of Practice (10)

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Governance
  • Director and Officer Professional Liability
  • Education & Government Relations
  • Employment
  • General Civil
  • Labor & Employment
  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Professional Liability

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
Maryville College, B.A., 2001
Law School Attended:
University of Tennessee, J.D., 2006
Year of First Admission:
2006
Admission:
2006, Tennessee; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee; Tennessee Court of Appeals
Memberships:

AFFILIATIONS

• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

• Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

• DRI - Employment & Labor Law Committee

• Society for Human Resource Management

• American Bar Association

• Knoxville Bar Association

• Tennessee Bar Association

• National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys

Reported Cases:
Representative Experience: Mr. McCarty handles matters in all State and Federal courts throughout Tennessee as well as in the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.; First Hurdle for FLSA Salary Threshold Just Got Higher - Knoxville Business Journal (2017); FLSA Salary Threshold: The First Hurdle Just Got Higher - DICTA (2017); When Competition is a Bad Word - Knoxville Business Journal (2015); Unfriendly Employees on Facebook May be Protected - Knoxville Business Journal (2011); Court Affirms Injunction Reinstating Striking Workers - HR Magazine (2011); The Best Money Can Buy: Spotting and Using Evidence of Fake Degrees - ALI-ABA The Practical Litigator (2010); No Pain, No Gain: Liability for Deaths and Injuries in School Athletics - Inquiry & Analysis (2008); Blogging for Evidence - TBA Journal (2007)
ISLN:
919556582

Peer Reviews

4.6/5.0 (21 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.7/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.7/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.7/5.0

  • Communication

    4.7/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.1/5.0

  • 4.8/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 12/18/09 in Employee Benefits

    Excellent attorney. Bright, efficient, ethical. He takes care of his clients and is constantly investing time in furtherance of his legal skills.

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  • 4.8/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 12/18/09 in Education Law

    Excellent attorney. Bright, efficient, ethical. He takes care of his clients and is constantly investing time in furtherance of his legal skills.

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  • 4.8/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 12/18/09 in Civil Practice

    Excellent attorney. Bright, efficient, ethical. He takes care of his clients and is constantly investing time in furtherance of his legal skills.

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  • 4.8/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 12/18/09 in Business Law

    Excellent attorney. Bright, efficient, ethical. He takes care of his clients and is constantly investing time in furtherance of his legal skills.

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  • 4.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 05/05/12 in Education Law

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  • 4.0/5.0 Rated by a Member on 09/27/10 in Litigation

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  • 4.0/5.0 Rated by a Member on 03/19/10 in Education Law

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  • 3.8/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 10/23/10 in Litigation

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  • 3.8/5.0 Rated by a Marketing Partner on 03/18/10 in Civil Litigation

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  • 3.8/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 12/17/09 in Negligence

    Chris is a good young lawyer who is diligent and professional.

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Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

Video Call Options

  • Zoom

Contact Chris W. McCarty

Contact Information:

865-523-6529  Fax

www.lewisthomason.com/attorneys/chris-w-mccarty

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