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 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jennifer | August 07, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Very professional and highly recommended!

Jere was very professional and forthright from the initial consultation to the end of the court case. He reviewed the facts and saw what many prior attorney consultations failed to see and presented those facts and won our case against frivolous charges and accusations from my ex. He took my ex dow...n a few notches and got the results we needed. Jere is frank, honest and will fight for your rights. He knows the law and will use it to your advantage!

Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2012 | Child Custody

Got my kids back, kept the trial focused on facts

I would say the odds were stacked against me in my custody case. I was young and unmarried at the time. Two separate parties tried to take my kids through the courts. First a government agency made an attempt. They acted because parts of my extended family (that wanted my children for their own), spu...n a web of lies that this agency was all too eager to act upon. The government backed off because of Jere's quick intervention. That would have been an easy route for my children to default to the extended family. Unhappy with the loss, the extended family filed for custody directly while continuing to push the government to support their case. The second court case was nasty, not because of facts or evidence, but because the judge was willing to accept every speculation presented as fact. At one point Jere said, “don't worry, this judge is making major evidential errors. We may have to appeal, but we'll win”. It turned out he was right. After attending months of multi-hour court room appearances with the first judge, and watching my kids get passed around from home to home, an appeals judge quickly overturned the first judge's ruling. Jere remained empathetic the entire time during the long hours spent in the court room. Hours that would have tried anyone's patience. He could have easily given up like some attorney's actually do, but he stayed tenacious. It probably helped that I made myself worth defending by showing up to court with a good attitude and showing that I'm not the negligent monster as portrayed. All said and done, I won full custody of my children against great odds.

Posted by Teri | October 30, 2012 | Child Custody

Jere Ownby is an Excellent Lawyer

We were extremely pleased with the services our attorney, Jere Ownby, did for us involving a child custody case. Mr. Ownby was extremely knowledgable as well as supportive during a very difficult and emotional time for us. He promptly returned our phone calls and emails, even after hours and on wee...kends when we needed his advice. We highly recommend him, without hesitation.

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

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Donna Hipp Smith headshot
Donna Smith

Family lawyer

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Brenda Brooks

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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

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Shannon Michelle Holland headshot
Shannon Holland

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Lori Farris Fleishman headshot
Lori Fleishman

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Marty R Phillips headshot
Marty Phillips

Appeals lawyer

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Edwin Anderson

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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