Atty. Jay Nelson Chamness

Atty. Jay Nelson Chamness

Jay Nelson Chamness is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, labor & employment law and 6 other areas of law. Jay received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years.

Nashville Nashville 33 yrs experience 33 year
Call (615) 747-7299 Book Appointment

Civil Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Nashville, TN · 33+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Jay Nelson Chamness at a Glance

Jay Nelson Chamness is a Partner based in Nashville, Tennessee, practicing at Cornelius & Collins, LLP. They have 33+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1993. Their practice focuses on wills, probate, medical malpractice, personal injury, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in Tennessee (1993), U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1994), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (1998). Educated at St. Louis University (J.D., 1993) and Vanderbilt University (B.A., 1988). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations Defense Research Institute. Serves clients in Nashville, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Jay Nelson Chamness

  • Jay Nelson Chamness is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, estate planning, labor & employment law and 6 other areas of law
  • Jay received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years
  • Jay practices at Cornelius & Collins, LLP in Nashville, TN

Practice Areas Explained

Jay Nelson Chamness's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jay Nelson Chamness handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Nashville.

Wills in Nashville

Jay Nelson Chamness is one of 34,363 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in Tennessee →

Probate in Nashville

Jay Nelson Chamness is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Tennessee →

Medical Malpractice in Nashville

Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.

Jay Nelson Chamness is one of 48,593 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in Tennessee →

Personal Injury in Nashville

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Jay Nelson Chamness is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Tennessee →

Estate Planning & Probate in Nashville

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Jay Nelson Chamness is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Tennessee →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Nashville

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 Nashville 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 venue, 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.

Nashville Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Nashville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

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

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Jay Nelson Chamness

Where is Jay Nelson Chamness's law office located?
Jay Nelson Chamness's law practice is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm is Cornelius & Collins, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Jay Nelson Chamness handle?
Jay Nelson Chamness focuses on wills, probate, medical malpractice, personal injury, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Tennessee.
How long has Jay Nelson Chamness practiced law?
Jay Nelson Chamness has 33+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1993.
Where did Jay Nelson Chamness go to law school?
Jay Nelson Chamness earned their education at (J.D., 1993); (B.A., 1988).
How can I contact Jay Nelson Chamness for a consultation?
You can contact Jay Nelson Chamness 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 Jay Nelson Chamness received?
Jay Nelson Chamness's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Nashville Choose Jay Nelson Chamness

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Jay Nelson Chamness's practice in the field of wills, probate, medical malpractice, personal injury, and estate planning.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Jay Nelson Chamness brings 33+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Tennessee, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, Jay Nelson Chamness can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering wills, probate, and medical malpractice, Jay Nelson Chamness can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Nashville

A Nashville-based practice means Jay Nelson Chamness attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Jay Nelson Chamness Handles in Nashville

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Jay Nelson Chamness has experience with under Tennessee law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Surgical error claims
Medical Malpractice
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
Medical Malpractice
Birth injury lawsuits
Medical Malpractice
Hospital negligence
Medical Malpractice
Car accident injury claims
Personal Injury
Slip and fall cases
Personal Injury
Wrongful death suits
Personal Injury
Workers' compensation appeals
Personal Injury
Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Jay Nelson Chamness directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Jay Nelson Chamness Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Nashville commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Jay Nelson Chamness.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Jay Nelson Chamness directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
St. Louis University
- 1993
B.A.
Vanderbilt University
- 1988

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Tennessee
Admitted: 1993
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Admitted: 1994
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
Admitted: 1998

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