James William Friauf

James William Friauf

4.8
Rating: 5.7

Licensed for 18 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Knoxville, TN
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Litigation, Corporate & Incorporation

9111 Cross Park Drive, D200, Knoxville, TN

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

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

17 years

70%
Litigation 25%

Landlord/Tenant, Fair Housing, Contracts, Insurance, Neighbor Disputes, Personal Injury

18 years

25%
Corporate and Incorporation 5%

Organizing and reorganizing business entities, preparing bylaws and operation agreements, providing risk management assessments.

17 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 275-325 per hour

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 18 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2008

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Location

Law Office of James W. Friauf

9111 Cross Park Drive, D200, Knoxville, TN, 37923

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James William Friauf's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

51 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | January 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

STAY AWAY

Find someone else if you want what is best for you!!! This lawyer and his assistant were convinced we had a case when we provided our evidence to begin with. They would never communicate in person or by phone. They said they do everything through e-mail. That is no way to become personally knowledge...able of a person’s case. After a year, Friauf backed out on us saying we didn’t provide evidence for our case. What? It was provided in the beginning. They just lost personal contact and involvement because of the way they communicate.

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2021 | 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 d...etailed 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.

Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 Brittany K. | February 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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.

James Friauf

Replied last February 21, 2020

Thank you for the kind words, Brittany. It was a pleasure representing you! ~ James

Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Unprofessional

terminated representation over my case and gave no explanation. Didn’t return my evidence documents. He met with opposing counsel without telling me and never even told me what happened. Very unprofessional. Pathetic excuse for a firm

James Friauf

Replied last August 27, 2019

Anonymous, I apologize for the delay in returning your original documents. They were mailed to you today. I regret you are displeased with our firm's decision to withdraw representation of you. I attempted to explain to you previously why continued representation was not possible in light of the available evidence. If you would like further clarification, I invite you to contact me. Our firm prides itself on providing the highest caliber of legal services to our clients, as evidenced by the many kind words left by our clients here on Avvo. That said, we cannot and will not pursue legal claims when the evidence does not support those claims. Should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to call me directly. Kindest regards, ~ James

See All Client Reviews

James William Friauf's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Ariana Elizabeth-Lucy Mansolino headshot
Ariana Mansolino

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Luke Parker Ihnen headshot
Luke Ihnen

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Lanis Loretha Karnes headshot
Lanis Karnes

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Jesse Daniel Nelson headshot
Jesse Nelson

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Mary Samantha Parris headshot
Mary Parris

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Friauf is a very client focused attorney, and I endorse him wholeheartedly."

Stacie Dawn Miller headshot
Stacie Miller

General practice lawyer | 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 All Endorsements
Luke Parker Ihnen headshot
Luke Ihnen

Civil rights lawyer

Ariana Elizabeth-Lucy Mansolino headshot
Ariana Mansolino

Civil rights lawyer

Lanis Loretha Karnes headshot
Lanis Karnes

Child custody lawyer

Michael Barrett Menefee headshot
Michael Menefee

Divorce and separation lawyer

Mary Samantha Parris headshot
Mary Parris

Wills and living wills lawyer

Suzanne Kay Roten headshot
Suzanne Roten

Employment and labor lawyer

Jesse Daniel Nelson headshot
Jesse Nelson

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  5.7 (Average)

Professional misconduct

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

Censured issued in TN, 2021

updated on 02/02/2024

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:

“Regrettably, this was a misunderstanding/miscommunication and not indicative of our firm's reputation. Please see our stellar reviews from many wonderful clients. I look forward to serving you.”

Honors

2019

Excellence in Labor Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2017

Clients' Choice, Avvo

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, Law Office of JAMES W. FRIAUF

2012 - 2013

Labor Counsel, United States Army

2009 - 2012

Associate, Wimberly Lawson Wright Daves & Jones

2008 - 2009

Associate, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt

Associations

2015 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Knoxville Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Woodson v. Portfolio Recovery

Settled

Story v. The Wilderness of the Smokies

Settled

Williams v. Skvasik

Settled

Hall v. Zoder's Inn

Settled

Bailey v. Sperry Van Ness/R.M. Moore

Settled

Shelton v. Dixie Stampede

Settled

McKelvey v. Enterprise, Alamo, & National, Avis-Budget Group, Hertz Rent-A-Car

Settled

Marsh v. Midway

Settled

Williams v. State Farm

Summary Judgment Denied; Settled

Watson v. Dixie Stampede

Settled

Koenig v. Fraen Machining

Settled

Ellison v. Knox County Schools

Settled

Washington v. Smokey Mountain Getaways

Settled

Fustos v. Knox County

Settled

Long v. Provision Health Partners

Summary Judgment Denied; Settled

Rinks v. Secret City Chrysler, Dodge, & Jeep

Settled

Booker v. AT&T

Settled

Hartley v. B & M Enterprises, Inc.

Settled

White v. City of Gatlinburg

Settled

Barber v. TSI Industrial

Settled

Krueger v. Dollywood

Summary Judgment Denied, Settled

Wells v. US Cellular

Settled

Meyers v. Erlanger Hospital

Settled

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Middle Tennessee State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2011

Wimberly Lawson Annual Labor & Employment Law Update Conference

Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

2010

Wimberly Lawson Annual Labor & Employment Law Update

Violence in the Workplace

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 2021
    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