Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
65 Client Reviews
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L. Rocky McElhaney II
also known as Rocky McElhaney, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About L.
Biography
Rocky McElhaney learned many of the life lessons he now uses to help his clients while growing up near Buffalo Trail, in Morristown Tennessee, a small town about 35 miles east of Knoxville. At Central Point Baptist Church, he was taught the proper order of core values by his grandmother - faith, family, friends, and then finances. Rocky's dad worked as a millwright. His mom was an aide for Head Start. The family lived paycheck to paycheck. Rocky watched his parents work hard for what little they had. They overcame obstacles and made ends meet. By their example, Rocky learned that if you work hard, you can make it.
On August 5, 1988, when Rocky was 15, his dad, Larry McElhaney, injured his low back at work. He filed a workers’ compensation claim, but the insurance company would not pay or provide timely medical treatment. Larry had no choice but to return to work and struggle through the pain. It took three years for Rocky’s dad to get the surgery he needed.
Rocky saw the stress on his dad’s face as he dealt with the physical pain of his injury compounded by financial worry as bills piled up. The family got evicted and had to move. For over three years, Larry dealt with the never-ending stall tactics and red tape of an insurance company that wrongfully refused to give him the benefits he had earned. He was worn down. Larry eventually hired a lawyer. The insurance company still refused to accept responsibility. In fact, in court papers, the insurance company denied it owed Larry anything for his injury. With the help of that lawyer, the family finally got justice.
It was at that moment that Rocky decided to become an attorney – to fight for people the way that lawyer fought for his Dad and his family. Rocky knows that hard working people who are injured should not be subjected to additional hardship because a big corporation or insurance company refuses to do the right thing. Rocky believes that injured people deserve an attorney they can trust to ensure that those that harm them are held fully accountable. Big corporations and the billion dollar insurance companies that back them should be held to the same standard we teach ourchildren - to immediately take responsibility when they cause damage to another and fully pay for the harms and losses.
After he earned his Bachelors or Arts in History from the University of Knoxville and went on to graduate with honors from Nashville School of Law in 1999, he began working as an attorney to feed his passion for pursuing civil justice for the seriously injured. Rocky decided early on that if he was going to reach and help as many folks as he could he was going to have to start a his own people-centered practice that specialized in workers’ compensation, personal injury, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, auto and tractor-trailer wrecks and offered individuals assistance with appealing denied social security disability benefits claims. As the principal and founding member of Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, he could begin building his dream, his way: taking aggressive steps to obtain the maximum compensation under the law for each and every client in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Representing only the people, not the powerful, over the past 14 years, Rocky has built this law firm to fight for injured people. What makes Rocky different is that he really cares about his clients. Every injured person is his dad and every ruthless insurance company is the one that impacted his family. From that viewpoint, Rocky and his team fight to make sure every client and their family get the maximum compensation for what they go through, not just a quick settlement. Rocky builds friendships with his clients, not just professional relationships. For example, Bridget Pack first hired Rocky in 2000 and they still text to this day. Rocky went to trial for Ernest Atkinson in 2002. Ernie and Rocky would meet at least once every other month at the Beacon Light restaurant on Highway 100 to eat breakfast until Ernie passed away in 2006. Rocky knows his clients’ names and their stories; not just their case number and date of injury.
The firm’s commitment to identifying with their clients’ needs and to fighting for not just fair, but maximum compensation awards has helped his intimate, family-oriented practice develop a statewide presence.
Rocky was a professor of Legal Writing at Nashville School of Law from 2005- 2008. During 2006-2007 he served as President of the Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and through the present, he remains an active member of the Board of Directors. Rocky is a member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Rocky’s memberships also include the Nashville and Maury County Bar associations. In 2012, Rocky went on to be voted one of Tennessee’s Top Rated Lawyers by Legal Leaders. In 2013, he received Martindale Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Rating. This rating is granted to those lawyers with only the highest possible peer rating in both legal and ethical standards. For 6 years running Rocky has received the title of “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” from the American Trial Lawyers Association. Other notable achievements include being voted Nashville Business Journal’s “Best in Bar” from 2007-2010. His practice was selected again by NBJ as one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2013. Rocky attributes many of his personal and firm successes to him making client service his highest priority.
Rocky routinely lectures to other lawyers regarding workers' compensation and trial related issues. He has argued twice before the Tennessee Supreme Court, establishing ground-breaking legal rulings in workers' compensation. Again, Rocky demonstrated his degree of personal involvement and passion for protecting injured- workers when in 2013, he arduously campaigned against the passing of Governor Haslam’s workers’ compensation reform bill at the House and Senate. Because of the devastating effects that this particular bill would have on working class people who become injured, Rocky and his firm took a grassroots outreach approach to saturate local newspapers, television, and internet blogs trying to raise Tennessean awareness and opposition to the bill that would affect injured-workers so close to home.
In recognition of this work, in 2013 the Tennessee Association for Justice honored Rocky with a Paladin Award for demonstrating superior skills against seemingly insurmountable odds and for working tirelessly to combat the significant threats to the civil justice system.
Rocky works hard and plays harder. He and his wife Penny have three little boys. On evenings after work, he can be found pitching to his sons, chasing them down on their bikes and battery-powered 4-wheelers, or grilling in the back yard. He likes to SCUBA dive and snow ski. He enjoys Tennessee football games in autumn and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida in springtime. Rocky has an adventurous spirit which led him to jump out of an airplane to skydive, drive a NASCAR 155 MPH at Kentucky Speedway and cliff dive 35 feet into the Caribbean Sea at Rick’s Café in Jamaica.
MY TEAM AND I HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES OR THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE GET JUSTICE!
*Auto Accidents *Wrongful Death *Recall Injuries *Slip and Fall *Med-Mal *Product Liability
Helping victims of work-related injuries across Tennessee get the help they need!
Injured? Denied the Social Security Disability benefits you so rightly deserve? We can help!
Helping for brain injury injury victims and their families live a better lives after the accident
Specialized, aggressive, strategic and selfless- everything you need in a car accident attorney!
Medical professionals and hospitals have a duty to keep you safe. If you've been injured- call us!
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Car Accident
18%
26 years | 3,000 cases
Personal Injury
18%
26 years | 2,000 cases
Brain Injury
16%
26 years | 1,500 cases
Spinal Cord Injury
15%
26 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Awards
2015 2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 26 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
(800) 425-2055
Fax
545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 105, Nashville, TN, 37228
rockylawfirm.com/our-staff/larry-r-rocky-mcelhaney/Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
475 Saundersville Road, Hendersonville, TN, 37075
rockylawfirm.com/our-staff/larry-r-rocky-mcelhaney/Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
615 Main Street, B21, Nashville, TN, 37206
rockylawfirm.com/our-staff/larry-r-rocky-mcelhaney/Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
2197 Madison Street, Suite 103, Clarksville, TN, 37043
rockylawfirm.com/our-staff/larry-r-rocky-mcelhaney/Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
2805 Old Fort Parkway, Suite H, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130
rockylawfirm.com/our-staff/larry-r-rocky-mcelhaney/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find L. online.
L. Rocky McElhaney II's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 31 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | July 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Cool guys and great lawyers!
A distracted driver hit me. He went right through a red light looking at his phone. I was injured bad. I had to have 2 surgeries on my neck and shoulder. At the time of the wreck I was in my work vehicle so I had a work comp claim and a claim against the driver. Rocky, Steve and Paige handled everyth...
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Bad Highway Rear End Collision- Hired Rocky! Loved Rocky!
The work Rocky McElhaney, Justin Hight and my paralegals put into my case has changed my life. I was with a different lawyer first and was unhappy with his efforts. Calling this firm was the best decision I've ever made. He and his whole team are just remarkable people who went out of their way to ma...
Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding job on my case
Rocky and the whole team at RML we’re always accommodating, down to earth. I spent months talking to the insurance company who made me almost feel like I was crazy and then when I called Rocky, he not only understood what I was talking about but showed me how the insurance company was trying to twist...
Posted by Cierra | April 10, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Highly recommend and this is why..
I highly recommend Rocky Mcelhaney Law Firm if you are looking for a firm that will have your best interests as a priority. They go above and beyond to give you the outcome you deserve. Rocky and Penny have done an amazing job establishing a firm with the standards and workmanship that this one has. ...
Posted by Joyce | March 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
This law firm is great! Highly recommend!
Rocky did a super job. He went above and beyond what was necessary. The entire staff was great to work with. He and the staff were very personable and eager to please. I would highly recommend him and the other lawyers at his firm.
L. Rocky McElhaney II's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Rocky is a superb advocate for his clients and I highly recommend him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I attended law school with Rocky at the same time, and since then have kept up with his rise to the top. There is a reason for all the well-deserved awards bestowed on Rocky. He represents working people and is extremely passionate about what he does. He is also hard-working, extremely knowledgeable in several areas of the law, and is both client-focused and success-oriented while always bearing ethics in mind. Rocky is well-known and highly respected in the Nashville legal community and commits a significant amount of his time to civic involvement. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Not only do I endorse this lawyer, but I frequently recommend him to people who have suffered personal injuries."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Rocky for twenty years - and when I needed a lawyer, he was first on my list. He is a great guy, and puts all his heart into representing his clients, and making sure their best interests are served. Rocky and his firm are fantastic folks, and I cannot recommend them enough."
"It is easy to endorse Rocky. He is a forceful advocate for his clients and works hard on their behalf. If you're looking for someone to represent you, you should seriously consider calling Rocky."
"Rocky and I have gone toe to toe several times over the last decade. I have never doubted his passion in representing his clients. He is aggressive but not unreasonable. I have always enjoyed working in cases opposite him and have the utmost respect for his skills as an attorney."
"Rocky is an excellent lawyer and great advocate for his clients. Whether someone is in an auto accident or has an on-the-job injury, Rocky will fight to ensure that they receive their maximum recovery. People need a lawyer like Rocky to battle against the insurance companies and I highly endorse him for fighting the good fight!"
"I endorse L. Rocky. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have defended at least two cases in which Rocky represented injured parties. Rocky aggressively and zealously represented the interests of his clients and obtained good results for them. If you are looking for a "bulldog" attorney to represent your interests in a personal injury action, call Rocky!"
"I have provided technical assistance to Rocky and his Staff for several cases. Rocky listens to his clients and prepares each case with an in-depth analysis. He covers all the bases. His litigation skills are outstanding. I would recommend Rocky to my friends without reservation. Clarence Bennett, Brentwood, TN"
"I endorse this lawyer. Rocky is a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I would refer any personal injury or workers' compensation matter to Rocky. He is very aggressive and successful at litigating these types of cases."
"Rocky is an excellent lawyer. He is aggressive and represents his clients with great passion. Although we disagree on some legal issues sometimes, I enjoy working with him on a case and respect him as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
William Mazzota
Criminal defense lawyer
Timothy Miles
Class action lawyer
Jonathan Griffith
Personal injury lawyer
Timothy Carter
Criminal defense lawyer
Cynthia Sherwood
Personal injury lawyer
Landon Lackey
Workers compensation lawyer
Tracy Shaw
Litigation lawyer
Donald Saulters
Personal injury lawyer
Thomas Shumate
Personal injury lawyer
Jason Lee
Litigation lawyer
Taylor Sutherland
Personal injury lawyer
Steven Fifield
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Dillon
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
2015 Top Three Best Attorneys in Nashville, ThreeBestRated.com
2015
ESGR Patriot Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
2015
Voted NBJ's 2015 Best Places to Work, Nashville Business Journal
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Significant Trial Experience Inductee, Trial Masters
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
AFL-CIO Presidents Award, Tennessee AFL-CIO
2013
Best Places to Work, Nashville Business Journal
2013
Paladin Award, Tennessee Association for Justice
2013
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Nashville Pro Bono Program
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Tennessee's Top Rated Lawyers, Tennessee's Legal Leaders
2012
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2011, SuperLawyers
2011
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal
2009
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal
2009
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association
2008
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal
2008
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2007
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal
2007
Sponsorship Award, Nashville Bar Minority Opportunities Program
2002
Enterprise Award, Nashville Bar Association
2001
Enterprise Award, Nashville Bar Association
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Founder and CEO, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
2005 - 2008
Intro to Law and Legal Writing Professor, Nashville School of Law
2002 - 2006
Managing Partner, Arena & McElhaney
2001 - 2002
Partner, Williams & McElhaney
1999 - 2001
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Larry R. Williams
1996 - 1999
Law Clerk, Law Office of Larry R. Williams
Associations
2014 - Present
Trial MastersCharter Member
2009 - Present
Tennessee Association for Justice Workers' Compensation Practice GroupFound and Co-Chair
2013 - 2014
Tennessee Association for JusticeVice President
2012 - 2013
Tennessee Association for JusticeExecutive Committee Member of the Board of Governors
2006 - 2007
Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionPresident
2006 - 2011
Tennessee Association for JusticeMember
1999 - 2002
American Bar AssociationMember
1998 - 2014
Nashville Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionMember of the Board of Directors
Education
1999
Nashville School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (main)
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Networking for Business Professionals
"The Sleeping Giant" The Necessity of an Umbrella Policy with UM Coverage
2013
Tennessee State House and Senate, Consumer and Human Resources Committee
Fighting the Devastating Changes Being Made with the Governors' Proposed 2014 Workers' Compensation Reform Bill
2013
TAJ Annual Summer Conference
Fast and Furious: Fifteen Fast Break Points for the Tennessee Trial Lawyer
2013
AFL-CIO Biennial Convention
Tennessee Workers: Promised the Gold Mine But Given the Shaft!
2013
2013 TAJ Annual Review and Ethics
Ethically Marketing Your Practice
Publications
2013
Tennessee Top Lawyer Magazine Presented by Legal Leaders
Regional Presence Personal Touch
2013
Man Magazine
Legal Eagles
2013
Facebook
The Coolest Part of My Job
2006
Ongoing Website Blog 2006- Present
The Plaintiff's Table
2006
Ongoing Website Blog 2006- Present
The Soap Box Law Blog
2006
Business Website 2006-Present
What Our Clients Have to Say
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Guides