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 - 4 of 4 reviews | Trustworthiness

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

Posted by anonymous | April 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Smart, Knowledgeable, Stategic, and Compassionate Attorney!

I have had the pleasure of knowing James Friauf on both a professional and personal level. James handled two cases for me, one which was an employment lawsuit and the other was a car accident. His professional strategies and tenacity far exceeded my expectations and granted me with excellent monetary... settlements in both of my cases. James is a very competent and thorough attorney and has always kept my best interest in mind. He demonstrates honesty and integrity, while maintaining vigorous and powerful in the fight for you and your case. James and his staff were always there to answer my questions and communicated with me throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend the legal services of James W. Friauf.

Posted by Shana | January 11, 2015

Best Ever!!

James is my attorney for life!! He was there for me and my family from day! How many attorneys do you know make house calls, allows you to see saw up and down and goes along for the ride? Not once did he judge me or make me feel less important. He was extremely honest even when I didn't want to hear ...it. You hear jokes everyday about slimy lawyers and their unethical behavior. You will never and I mean never hear anything bad about James, I promise you!! He is the people's champion! Writing this review gives me the best feeling because he deserves the best review ever! James Friauf (Jameson inside joke) is my friend, my adviser and forever my attorney!! If want the best then call James he will never disappoint you!!

Posted by William | August 29, 2014 | Personal Injury

A great lawyer

James W. Friauf is a good man. In the time that I spent with him, he has helped me get the medical treatment I needed. He has helped me through every step of the way and he explained everything to me that I had questions towards. He treated me as a person and not a client. That means a lot to me. He ...stuck by me to the very end which shows that he is a committed type of person. I can tell that he had my best interest at heart. If you ever hire him as your lawyer, I can guarantee you are in great hands.

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