Atty. John R. Jacobson

Atty. John R. Jacobson

John is an experienced trial lawyer and counselor to businesses and their executives. He has successfully tried dozens of civil jury trials in federal and state court, has secured favorable outcomes on appeal including before the Tennessee Supreme Court, and has experience in most arbitration forums.

Nashville Nashville 36 Years Experience 36 year
Call (615) 949-2919 Email

Profile Summary

About John R. Jacobson at a glance

John R. Jacobson is a Senior Partner based in Nashville, Tennessee, practicing at Riley & Jacobson, PLC. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Their practice focuses on divorce, business, class action, trade secrets, and partnership disputes. Admitted to practice in Tennessee (1990). Educated at University of Tennessee (J.D., 1990) and University of Mississippi (B.A., 1987). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of American Bar Association (Member, Litigation Section) Tennessee Bar Association Nashville Bar Association. Serves clients in Nashville, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John is an experienced trial lawyer and counselor to businesses and their executives
  • He has successfully tried dozens of civil jury trials in federal and state court, has secured favorable outcomes on appeal including before the Tennessee Supreme Court, and has experience in most arbitration forums
  • John’s practice focuses on commercial litigation in clients’ high stakes cases, regardless of the amount in controversy
  • He regularly represents clients in the healthcare, financial services, entertainment, and other industries
  • Those cases routinely involve defense of class actions and multi-district litigation
  • John has significant experience in cases involving business divorces, restrictive covenants and trade secrets
  • Because many of his clients operate in heavily regulated industries, John’s clients often turn to him in connection with internal investigations
  • John’s clients range from large Fortune 500 companies to chart-topping recording artists to small-business owners
  • Businesspersons regularly consult with John for insight on their thorny business issues
  • John is accessible to clients any time their problems arise
  • Whether a CEO of a publicly-traded company or a member of a closely-held LLC, John’s commitment is the same
  • He recognizes that a full understanding of his clients’ business and the circumstances they face are crucial to solving their legal issues
  • John looks for and often finds a creative solution to his client’s business problems, even if that solution does not involve filing suit or appearing in court
  • Clients and referral sources have been quoted in Chambers, describing John as “super smart, very savvy, and someone I would refer clients to” and “a really talented lawyer at a solid group
  • He is well liked by both arbitrators and judges and has good business sense.” John co-founded Riley & Jacobson PLC almost thirty-years ago with the goal of creating a firm that was singularly focused on counseling clients through their most difficult times
  • Peers recognize the firm as exceptional, as a preeminent lawyer-ranking service describes the firm as “a prominent Nashville boutique recognized for its talented team of practitioners
  • It provides the full gamut of commercial litigation services. . .” Chambers has ranked John in Band 1 for commercial litigation for approximately 20 years, a testament to the firm’s continued success in providing clients excellent service
  • While John has been involved in a number of civic and charitable organizations, John is particularly passionate about education and has long served on the board of a nationally recognized K-12, independent Nashville school
  • John has also served for years on the Alumni Advisory Board for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi
  • He and his wife, Dee, are proud supporters of the school, and their three children have all attended Ole Miss
  • Mr. Jacobson graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi in 1987 with a B.A. degree
  • He received his J.D. with high honors in 1990 from the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of the Order of Coif and the Tennessee Law Review

Practice Areas Explained

John R. Jacobson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John R. Jacobson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

John R. Jacobson is one of 45,063 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Tennessee →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

John R. Jacobson is one of 452,854 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Tennessee →

Class Action

John R. Jacobson is one of 23,998 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action attorneys in Tennessee →

Trade Secrets

John R. Jacobson is one of 6,133 trade secrets attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trade secrets attorneys in Tennessee →

Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

John R. Jacobson is one of 1,455 partnership disputes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse partnership disputes 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 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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John R. Jacobson

Where is John R. Jacobson's law office located?
John R. Jacobson's law practice is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm is Riley & Jacobson, PLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John R. Jacobson handle?
John R. Jacobson focuses on divorce, business, class action, trade secrets, partnership disputes. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Tennessee.
How long has John R. Jacobson practiced law?
John R. Jacobson has 36+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1990.
Where did John R. Jacobson go to law school?
John R. Jacobson earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (B.A., 1987).
How can I contact John R. Jacobson for a consultation?
You can contact John R. Jacobson 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 John R. Jacobson received?
John R. Jacobson's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Tennessee
- 1990
B.A.
University of Mississippi
- 1987

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Tennessee
Admitted: 1990

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