Atty. Chris W. McCarty

Atty. Chris W. McCarty

Chris W. McCarty, a shareholder in our Knoxville office, focuses his practice in employment law, education law, and civil litigation.

Knoxville Knoxville 20 yrs experience 20 year
Call (865) 546-4646 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Chris W. McCarty at a glance

Chris W. McCarty is a Shareholder based in Knoxville, Tennessee, practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. They have 20+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2006. Their practice focuses on employment, securities, litigation, education, and government. Admitted to practice in Tennessee U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee U.S. District Court, Eastern District of (2006). Educated at University of Tennessee (J.D., 2006) and Maryville College (B.A., 2001). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Chris W. McCarty, a shareholder in our Knoxville office, focuses his practice in employment law, education law, and civil litigation
  • He represents clients in both state and federal courts across Tennessee and is recognized as a Rule 31 Mediator
  • Chris is also a trained arbitrator
  • Prior to his legal career, Chris taught eighth-grade United States history at Seymour Middle School in Seymour, Tennessee
  • He now serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law
  • Chris is passionate about education, school safety, their intersection with the law, and the overall advancement of public education
  • Beyond his legal practice, Chris is also a sought-after speaker on employment and education law topics, and he has contributed articles to publications such as Education Week, HR Magazine, the Tennessee Bar Journal, and the Knoxville Business Journal
  • Outside of work, Chris enjoys family life in the Farragut area with his wife and three children
  • He is actively engaged in his community through his church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian
  • PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES • Best Lawyers 2025 Employment Law-Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Knoxville • Member, The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) • University of Tennessee College of Law, Adjunct Professor, 2021 • Tennessee Council of School Board Attorneys, President, 2018-2020 • Best Lawyers 2020 Employment Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Knoxville • Named to The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law Management and Education Law • Named a Cityview Magazine Top Attorney • Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, Elected Member, 2018 • Knoxville Bar Foundation, Fellows Program, 2016 • Member, American Arbitration Association (AAA) Panel of Employment Arbitrators • Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2015, 2016 • Leadership Sevier, 2015 • Knoxville Zoo, Circle of Friends Leadership Council, 2015 • Nucleus Knoxville, President, 2014 • “40 Under 40”, Knoxville Business Journal, 2013 • Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, 2012 • Leadership Tomorrow Sevier, 2010 • Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, President’s Award, 2009 • Introduction Knoxville, 2007 • Knoxville Bar Association, Publications Committee COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Following college, Mr. McCarty spent two years teaching eighth grade United States history at Seymour Middle School in Seymour, Tennessee
  • He now lives in the Concord area with his wife and their three children, and is actively involved with his church, Cedar Springs Presbyterian

Practice Areas Explained

Chris W. McCarty's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Chris W. McCarty handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Chris W. McCarty is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Tennessee →

Securities Law

Chris W. McCarty is one of 64,529 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in Tennessee →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Chris W. McCarty is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Tennessee →

Education Law

Education attorneys for special education (IEP), school discipline, Title IX, and student rights.

Chris W. McCarty is one of 24,079 education attorneys indexed nationally. Browse education attorneys in Tennessee →

Government & Administrative Law

Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.

Chris W. McCarty is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Tennessee →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Tennessee

Practicing law in Tennessee. Legal matters in Tennessee are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Knoxville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Tennessee state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Tennessee brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Tennessee courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Tennessee attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Knoxville or all attorneys in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Chris W. McCarty

Where is Chris W. McCarty's law office located?
Chris W. McCarty's law practice is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The firm is Lewis Thomason, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Chris W. McCarty handle?
Chris W. McCarty focuses on employment, securities, litigation, education, government. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Tennessee.
How long has Chris W. McCarty practiced law?
Chris W. McCarty has 20+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2006.
Where did Chris W. McCarty go to law school?
Chris W. McCarty earned their education at (J.D., 2006); (B.A., 2001).
How can I contact Chris W. McCarty for a consultation?
You can contact Chris W. McCarty directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Chris W. McCarty received?
Chris W. McCarty's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Tennessee
- 2006
B.A.
Maryville College
- 2001

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Tennessee U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee U.S. District Court, Eastern District of
Admitted: 2006

Reviews

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