Jere Franklin Ownby III

Jere Franklin Ownby III

4.3
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 35 years

Family Lawyer at Knoxville, TN
Practice Areas: Family, Personal Injury, Child Custody ... +5 more

3902 Glenfield Drive, Knoxville, TN

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
See Details

About Jere

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Family 18%

23 years

18%
Child Custody 16%

23 years

16%
Juvenile Law 15%

23 years

15%
Adoption 13%

23 years

13%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 50-250 per hour

Contingency

33%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 35 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 1991

Suspended

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2019

Location

Law Offices of Jere Franklin Ownby III

3902 Glenfield Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37919-6698

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Jere Franklin Ownby III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews

Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

The State Supreme Court suspended his license on July 10,2017

Please don't hire him. He's suspended for failure to provide legal services for which he was hired. He also missed several scheduled deadlines and court appearances. He failed to maintain confidentiality. He admitted his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct (competence), dilig...ence, communication and fairness to opposing party and counsel and misconduct.

Posted by ekinwiiliams17 | January 22, 2017

Im touched

I had not yet hired him,but his words and manner of approach made me feel safe,he was extensive and patient in communicating his message,if he were to run for office,i think he would make a nice president..Thank you so much.

Posted by Michael | August 25, 2016 | Probate

Just needed advice

Due to a death in the family we were looking for some advice on how to move forward regarding the absence of a will. Do we have any legal rights in this case? Do we need a lawyer? Is the situation worth pursuing for us? Mr. Owen do we have any legal rights in this case? Do we need a lawyer? Is the s...ituation worth pursuing for us? Mr. Ownby was kind enough to give us some direction, make a referral for us, and provide us with a little bit of insight. He certainly was under no obligation to do this, as a lawyer's time and knowledge is what we pay them for, but he offered it anyway and we greatly appreciate that. If the time arises where we need help in an area that is his specialty we will absolutely give him a call!

Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2016 | Child Support

I feel misled

I retained Jere as my lawyer in October 2014, after trying to secure his counsel since August of 2014. I retained him to go to court for both child support and child custody. He came highly recommended at that time and had great reviews online. My difficulty in reaching him should have been a big ...red flag, but I was desperate for someone who would listen to me, and he really seemed to care and seemed highly motivated. I finally got a court date scheduled for December, which was rescheduled for the end of January. The case went south very quickly in court, but Jere promised that we would appeal the case. It's almost the end of April and I am still waiting for that appeal to be scheduled. I have contacted him multiple times by phone and email, the majority of which were ignored. I can only reach him by scheduling a phone appointment, and he misses those as well. He has promised twice now to file the appeal and has not yet done so. He still has not filed the first appearance for child custody. I am highly disappointed because it seems he has had great customer satisfaction in the past, but something has obviously happened in the past 8 months that has made him very unreliable and unresponsive. I fired my first lawyer for unwillingness to move forward, and despite not satisfying half of my contract with him, I am close to firing him as well and suing for services not rendered. I am hopeful that he will turn things around and inspire me to change my review. Based on my experience with him so far, I won't hold my breath.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Adoption

I hired Jere Ownby for a custody battle. Long after 21/2 years Custody battle I the biological decided to allow my child's Step-Father to adopt. Adoption papers was soon after filed in Sept. He notified me via e-mail stating there was no need for me to be at the court date in Oct. I have not heard fr...om Ownby in reference to the adoption papers being signed. I did contact my child's mother and she said they were. Nov will be 30 days since they appeared before the judge. I still have not heard from Ownby. My ex said she would notify me with the change of Birth Certificate. I think Mr Ownby is a great Lawyer , just not so great at keeping in touch. He is very knowledgeable.

See All Client Reviews

Jere Franklin Ownby III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jere
Edwin Arnold Anderson headshot
Edwin Anderson

Family lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked against Jere and worked on the same side as Jere. I have always been impressed with his compassion. professionalism, and dedication to his clients. Jere is well-respected by the Judges in Knox County and by his peers. Anyone represented by Jere Ownby has a great lawyer."

John Greel Ralls Jr. headshot
John Ralls

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."

Nicholas William Lee headshot
Nicholas Lee

Unknown lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I still recall the first time I saw Jere Ownby in action, being impressed by his courtroom presence and him passionately advocating for his client. Since that day, through continuing to see him in action and his reputation among the legal community, I can say nothing less than Mr. Ownby is a stellar lawyer with exceptional skills who fights for his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jere. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Adoption lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Sam English headshot
Sam English

Family lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. As hard as it may be to say this, Jere Ownby is a very fine lawyer. He is experienced and very competent in his area of practice. I have practiced law against this man. I was impressed with his knowledge of the law, his ability to think on his feet in Court and his professionalism. I would proudly have him represent anyone in my family."

Brenda Gail Brooks headshot
Brenda Brooks

Family lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jere has an excellent reputation among fellow attorneys as a skilled attorney and forceful advocate for his clients. When family and juvenile law issues arise in my practice, I know Jere will provide me with solid answers just as he does for his clients."

Luke A Shipley headshot
Luke Shipley

Family lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ownby is a fierce advocate for his clients and has an exceptional courtroom presence. Beyond that, he is a genuinely good and caring person. It's always a hard fight against a worthy adversary when Mr. Ownby is on the case."

John Spyros Fotopoulos headshot
John Fotopoulos

Domestic violence lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Raymond George Wigell headshot
Raymond Wigell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ownby has consistently provide the Avvo community with responses that assist and educate. His legal knowledge and experience is noteworthy. I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Grace Ingrid Gardiner headshot
Grace Gardiner

Family lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jere is a fantastic litigator and the best advocate for his clients"

Tatiana Kadetskaya headshot
Tatiana Kadetskaya

Unknown lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Truly excellent lawyer. Well respected in the legal community."

Russell Warren Lewis IV headshot
Russell Lewis

Unknown lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ownby is a highly-experienced experienced attorney and an asset to the profession of law."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ownby is one of the finest attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his client and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."

Theodore Robert Kern headshot
Theodore Kern

Juvenile law lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jere is a dedicated advocate who works hard for his clients."

John Murphy Milazo headshot
John Milazo

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Owenby is an attorney who has spent more than two decades giving sound advice to his clients. Often the best advice is not easy to hear, but Mr.Owensby will counsel his clients on their best path, regardless of how it will affect their opinion of him and his counsel. Twenty-two years of sound advice should give anyone the confidence to commit to following the strategic plan such a seasoned professional."

Robert M. Stivers Jr. headshot
Robert Stivers

Child support lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As both a personal friend, and fellow member of the Bar, I know he has integrity and knowledge beyond question."

Ben Hyder Houston II headshot
Ben Houston

Unknown lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Mr. Ownby on many cases over the years. He is a zealous advocate who works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. He also thinks outside of the box, and often comes up with creative solutions in order to resolve cases. He gets my stamp of approval."

Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough headshot
Mary Yarbrough

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is well respected for his expertise in the area of family law."

View All Endorsements
Luke A Shipley headshot
Luke Shipley

Family lawyer

Sam English headshot
Sam English

Family lawyer

Donna Hipp Smith headshot
Donna Smith

Family lawyer

Brenda Gail Brooks headshot
Brenda Brooks

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Maia Agatha Niemann headshot
Maia Niemann

Family lawyer

Julia Ann Spannaus headshot
Julia Spannaus

Child custody lawyer

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert M. Stivers Jr. headshot
Robert Stivers

General practice lawyer

Larry Rice headshot
Larry Rice

Family lawyer

Grace Ingrid Gardiner headshot
Grace Gardiner

Family lawyer

Patti Jon Burton Garner headshot
Patti Garner

Family lawyer

Ben Hyder Houston II headshot
Ben Houston

Family lawyer

Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough headshot
Mary Yarbrough

Family lawyer

Casey Lorraine Spitzer Carrigan headshot
Casey Carrigan

Family lawyer

Theodore Robert Kern headshot
Theodore Kern

Family lawyer

Shannon Michelle Holland headshot
Shannon Holland

Family lawyer

Lori Farris Fleishman headshot
Lori Fleishman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Marty R Phillips headshot
Marty Phillips

Appeals lawyer

Edwin Arnold Anderson headshot
Edwin Anderson

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Scott Leon Saidak headshot
Scott Saidak

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019.

Censured issued in TN, 2019

updated on 01/24/2019

When an attorney is censured it means he or she did something wrong but may still practice law. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Publicly Censured issued in TN, 2019

updated on 08/11/2023

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Censured issued in TN, 2018

updated on 05/07/2018

When an attorney is censured it means he or she did something wrong but may still practice law. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Publicly Censured issued in TN, 2018

updated on 01/09/2024

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Suspension issued in TN, 2017

updated on 10/05/2017

Suspended means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Honors

2015

Top Attorney, CityView Magazine

2011

Top Attorney, CityView Magazine

2009

Top Attorney, CityView Magazine

2008

Top Attorney, CityView Magazine

1991

American Jurisprudence Award-Trial Practice, Lawyer's Cooperative Publishing

1991

American Jurisprudence Award--Pretrial Litigation, Lawyer's Cooperative Publishing

1991

Who's Who Among American Law Students -10th Edition, Summa Publishing

1991

National Semi-Finalist, National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition

1991

Member, Order of Barristers

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Trial Lawyer, Ownby Law Firm

1991 - 2003

Associate, Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos

1989 - 1991

Summer Associate, King & Ballow

Associations

2014 - Present

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral--Knoxville

Chapter member

2001 - Present

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Minister

1991 - Present

Knoxville Bar Association

Member

1994 - 1995

American Inns of Court

Barrister

1991 - 1991

American Inns of Court

Pupil

Sample of Legal Cases

In Re: Alexadra J.D. Tenn. Court of Appeals 2010

Juvenile Court's determination that child custody arangement should be changed was upheld by the Tennessee Court of Appeals

Staples v CBL & Associates 15 SW3d 83 (Tenn. 2000)

Tennessee Supreme Court held client did have a triable case; case was sent back to trial court; case settled.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

University of Tennessee College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (main)

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (main)

MA - Masters

Speaking Engagements

2004

Stephen Ministry Continuing Education

"What the Heck Goes On At Juvenile Court"

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution