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James William Friauf

Employment and labor Attorney at Knoxville, TN

4.8   51 reviews

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About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Employment and labor
    70%
    Represent Employees: Discrimination on basis of Race, Gender, Color, National Origin, Religion, Creed, Age, Disability, Genetics, Military Status (USERRA); Retaliation, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination, FMLA and Leave Rights, Wage and Hour (FLSA), Non-Compete Agreements. Train employers regarding best personnel practices

    14 years

  2. Litigation
    25%
    Landlord/Tenant, Fair Housing, Contracts, Insurance, Neighbor Disputes, Personal Injury

    15 years

  3. Corporate and incorporation
    5%
    Organizing and reorganizing business entities, preparing bylaws and operation agreements, providing risk management assessments.

    14 years

The mission of the Law Office of James W. Friauf, PLLC is "Helping Everyday People and Those Who Serve Everyday People." Specifically, we assist Everyday People in the areas of the law that are most relevant to them on a daily basis: employment law, personal injury, civil rights, and more. We also provide a wide range of legal services to charities and nonprofit organizations at rates lower than those of larger firms. We do so because we recognize it is important that these organizations receive quality legal representation while minimizing the expenditure of precious resources used to care for those in our communities. 

We practice throughout the State of Tennessee in state and federal court and before state and federal agencies. There is NO CHARGE for an initial consultation and many matters for Everyday People we take on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if you recover nothing, you do not have to pay us for our services. If you are a charity or nonprofit organization, please ask us about our special rates.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 15 years
State TN
Status Active
Acquired 2008
Updated 01/17/2023

Contact James

Similar lawyers nearby

Law Office of James W. Friauf, PLLC
9111 Cross Park Drive
D200
Knoxville, TN, 37923

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  51 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job!
Friauf Law Office was my first experience with a law firm. I tried contacting another law firm first and they never returned my messages. I appreciate that they took my case even though they weren't going to make a huge profit. I had a dispute with my previous apartment complex over a large sum of fees for breaking my lease early. The unsatisfactory conditions that I lived in warranted that I had the right to leave early. Jane was my main contact and was very professional and knowledgeable. It felt good to have someone speak for me and be on my side against a large corporation and win. Thank you for sticking up for the little guy!!
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Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire without hesitation! You’ll be in GREAT hands!
From the start Mr Friauf was empathetic, pragmatic, personable, knowledgeable, compassionate, informative, and professional! He was also very creative in solving for problems, including the proximity challenges we had since I was out of State (he did not let that stop him!). , and he was very prudent with the travel expenses and in managing the budget! I felt like he really cared for me as a person, like I was in great hands and we prevailed! You really cannot expect more from your council!! He also has an extremely responsive, competent and compassionate legal aid Jane who will help you each step of the way. Do not hesitate to hire!
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Posted by Danielle | April 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dr. Danielle
I’m so very glad I was referred to Attorney Friauf!! I was originally referred to another law firm and they sounded great at first but then were wishy washy when the other side neglected to respond or do anything. I wasted an entire year and over $10,000 to only have those attorneys say well… I don’t know if we can do anything because they don’t want to work it out etc. So they referred me to Attorney James Friauf. It only took the defense knowing that I was now represented by James Friauf to finally respond and try to work things out!! Attorney Friauf and his staff were very professional and responsive. I felt extremely comfortable with them behind me!! If I ever need an attorney again I will definitely be calling him!!!
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Posted by Jackie | December 8, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A team of professionals
I would like to thank the Friauf firm for handling my case. Jane was very professional and knowledgeable and guided us as to what to expect each step of the way. Jane was a pleasure to work with and very precise in understanding my case as well as what the law defined. She went above and beyond what we expected and we never even stepped foot in the courtroom! I highly recommend this firm.
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Posted by Patrick | July 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Landlord Dispute
James was excellent the whole way through my dispute with a landlord. Quick response, helpful, and got the results I was looking for. Would highly recommend
Posted by Aaron | June 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Prompt and Professional
This was my first time ever needing a lawyer. I didn't even know where to begin. I was dealing with discrimination at my job, and James had it resolved in just a couple of months. He and Jane were prompt with replying to messages and emails; and updating me. They seemed to genuinely care about my situation. I hope I never need a discrimination lawyer again, but I would not hesitate to go back to him again.
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Posted by Amber | June 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best!
Great experience overall having James Friauf as my attorney. James works tirelessly for his client, very insightful and is an expert in his work. Truly a professional and marvelous individual. He stayed in touch very often, and always answered my concerns in a very timely matter from day one. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. Thank you James Friauf!
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Posted by Marc | June 4, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Exceeded expectations!
I had an issue with my former employer that required an expert in fair labor standards. Mr Friauf proved to be extremely knowledgeable and proficient. Within minutes he started working and he wasted no time reporting his findings. Would highly recommend.
Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Fantastic Team That Set The Bar High
Friauf Law Office was my first experience with a law firm and they truly set the bar high. They made me feel heard, kept me up to date on any and all progress, and responded promptly and thoroughly to any questions I had. Throughout the entire process, they explained what was happening and why, and detailed what next steps would look like. I felt empowered and was happy that they had my back. Working with both James and Jane was a pleasure and I would recommend their team to anyone.
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Posted by Natasha | February 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Experience
I don't think there are words that will do justice to describe James & Jane, but let me try with a few; Brilliant, skillful, loyal, compassionate, hard-working, considerate, no-nonsense, aggressive. These two are absolutely amazing! I was searching for an attorney to help me through a difficult experience that I had at my previous workplace. After being told by another that I could not be helped, I found James online and decided to read his reviews. I was so impressed that I called immediately. I spoke with Jane and explained my situation...Immediately she was on my side and wanted to do anything she could to help me. She was more than just a voice on the phone, she was concerned. She passed my information on to James, who also wanted to get started doing anything he could to help. I was contacted and kept up to date on any and everything that was going on in my case from day one. I have worked with multiple attorneys in the past and for that to happen is very rare. My case was handled professionally and it was resolved very quickly. I can't express enough how wonderful these two are. James is a pitbull, and he does not stop until he gets what he thinks you deserve! I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I consider James and Jane the best duo that anybody could ask for, and more importantly than that, I consider both of them to be my friends. II highly recommend James! He will always be my number one go-to!
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Posted by Joe | December 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Went to bat in a challenging environment...
Mr. Friauf was able to salvage something from my job discrimination lawsuit after my previous employer "beared false testimony" in their depositions. Also, he was up against a much larger, reputable firm. And his portal made communications rather seamless.
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Experience.
James is a very compassionate attorney with amazing determination, courage and he worked very hard for and achieved an outcome I was more than happy with . I am very thankful for everything he did for me and my case.
Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
5 stars
From the moment we contacted Attorney Friauf, we knew we would be getting what we paid for. Timely, efficient, real, and upfront. These guys get the job done for sure on the business side of things. It was the personality that stuck with me. It's easy to fight for someone you care about, and I knew that James and the team cared about my situation because of the moral support they provided me throughout the entire process. James and the team do a really good job. They were thorough with the facts of my case. They listened to my claims, and were efficient in their substantiation. I really appreciate their time working with me. I would recommend this consultation ten times over. You won't go wrong!
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Posted by Kassi | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Breastfeeding Rights
When no other attorney listened, James did. When no one else would fight for my breastfeeding rights, James and Jane did. They got me a settlement I deserved, and secured my daughter a future. I will forever be grateful, and would use them again.
Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent prompt services.
Attorney James Friauf reviewed my case and give me the defense plan, represented me and got to work keeping me informed all along the course. Very professional and prompt services. I would highly recommend his services.
Posted by Delany | March 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great work!
I had a lovely experience with James & Jane. Considering I live in California and had many calls and emails regarding my case they were very professional and Organized. James is a Bulldog when you get into the court room deff someone you want on your team! We had a successful case. I would hire him again!
Response from James Friauf March 23, 2020
Thank you for the kind words, Delany! We very much enjoyed representing you and will consider you a lifelong friend. ~ James
Posted by Brittany K. | February 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER; WOULD RECOMMEND!!!
If anybody needs a pitbull of an attorney; then look no futher than James Friauf. He is extremely component and savvy. He took time to explain anything I didn't understand and made me feel like a good friend he was helping, and I was never just a number. He was able to get my settlement quicker than expected and it happened to be more than what I was willing to accept. Mr. Friauf (and his smart paralegal Ms. Jane make a wonderful, smart, spunky team) that you will be happy to let them work for you and take care of your needs!!! WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS ARE; NO TASK IS TOO BIG NOR TOO DAUNTING FOR MR. JAMES FRIAUF!!!! Sincerely, Brittany K.
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Response from James Friauf February 21, 2020
Thank you for the kind words, Brittany. It was a pleasure representing you! ~ James
Posted by anonymous | February 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney ever!
James and his team were fantastic! Easy to get ahold of and answered every question I had. I felt at ease knowing he was my attorney.
Posted by Amanda | February 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Mr. Friauf was extremely helpful in every instance I had a question or concern throughout my whole process. He made a very stressful process less stressful. He was always very easy to get ahold of whenever I needed him. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Review
Mr. Friaff really knew how to handle my employment case. His expertise in employment law and excellent timing of every motion was right on target. He understood my feelings exactly and explained all issues to me. I felt that he cared from the very beginning. That caused me to trust him completely and therefore I had a lot less questions for him. I have no reservations in giving him an excellent recommendation.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-325 per hour
  • Contingency 33%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 4.3 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Censured issued in TN, 2021
updated on 10/29/2021

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.

James's comment: “To say that this statement takes liberties with the underlying facts would be an understatement. I am happy to discuss (without revealing any confidential information) this scenario with anyone. I do not want any client to believe that this statement is reflective of our firm's representation -- it is not. ~ James”

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Law Office of JAMES W. FRIAUF
  • 2013 - Present
  • Labor Counsel
  • United States Army
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Associate
  • Wimberly Lawson Wright Daves & Jones
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Associate
  • Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt
  • 2008 - 2009
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2008
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2005

Legal Cases

  • Woodson v. Portfolio Recovery
  • Settled
  • Story v. The Wilderness of the Smokies
  • Settled
  • Williams v. Skvasik
  • Settled
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Knoxville Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Excellence in Labor Law
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • 2019
  • Clients' Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2017

Speaking Engagements

  • Wimberly Lawson Annual Labor & Employment Law Update Conference
  • Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
  • 2011
  • Wimberly Lawson Annual Labor & Employment Law Update
  • Violence in the Workplace
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (7)
Endorse James
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"James is one of those rare attorneys who truly and sincerely advocates on his clients' behalf. This is clearly evidenced through his outstanding, passionate and supremely diligent representation. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I worked with James on a number of his employment law cases and found his client-based approach to be refreshing and unique in the profession. James approaches each client's issue with the same diligence and care. His pleadings and professionalism are top notch. His firm is able to provide the expertise of a top 100 law firm, packaged with a personal touch. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him in the future. James is an excellent lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse James Friauf as an effective, hard working, conscientious, tenacious lawyer. I have personally observed him and his staff as they zealously work for their clients."
Employment and labor Attorney | May 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known James for several years. Not only is he exceptionally smart, I am always impressed by his ability to think outside the box. He doesn't just "work" a case, he "thinks" about it. This sets him apart from many other attorneys. James is a hard-worker, an excellent writer, and a tenacious advocate. I highly endorse him."
Employment and labor Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Friauf is a very client focused attorney, and I endorse him wholeheartedly."
General practice Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer because he is intelligent and hard working. He advocates vigorously on behalf of his clients while remaining professional."
View more endorsements
Civil rights
Child custody
Divorce and separation
Wills and living wills
Employment and labor
Employment and labor