NEWS

Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP is named in Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” for 2016 in the following areas: Knoxville - Tier 1 Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Commercial Litigation Corporate Law Insurance Law Land Use & Zoning Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Knoxville - Tier 2 Personal Injury ...

In 2005, the City of Knoxville enacted so-called “adult use” ordinances, essentially aimed to shut down unpopular businesses such as FMS’ client’s adult cabaret. FMS attorneys immediately filed the suit, claiming the new ordinances ran afoul of free speech rights, as they were aimed at suppressing speech, instead of, as the City claimed, preventing adverse secondary effects resulting from the ...

In the October 2015 edition of the Knoxville Bar Association's publication DICTA, three Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP attorneys published articles. Benjamin Mullins and Taylor Forrester wrote the article, "This is Not Your Grandfather's Sign Ordinance: What to do when your client's Pre-existing, Non-conforming Sign Runs Afoul of the City of Knoxville's New Sign Ordinance." Ben and Taylor's article can ...

In 2011, FMS’ clients contracted for the construction of their mountaintop retirement dream home. On October 31, 2012, with the home almost complete and ready for occupancy, the home suffered a fire and explosion, rendering it a total loss. FMS’ clients sued the contractor and several subcontractors for negligence and breach of contract. The trial court granted summary judgment in ...

On July 31, 2015, the Tennessee Supreme Court entered a decision which will bolster the rights of property owners against the stale claims of distant relatives. This case involves 58 acres which Ricky Bailey, his father, and his grandfather have farmed since 1918. In 2009, one of Mr. Bailey’s neighbors brought a boundary line lawsuit concerning an approximately ¼ acre ...

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Over 79,000 leading attorneys globally are eligible to vote, and we have received more than 12 million votes to date on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on ...

Rich Scrugham spoke at the Everett Senior Center in Maryville, Tennessee on August 13, 2015 about the basics of estate planning and the different parts of an estate plan. He discussed the need and purpose for a will, powers of attorney, and an advanced care plan. The probate process and the bad results of failing to plan for one’s death ...

Reggie Keaton was honored at the 2015 Pro Bono Dinner by Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) for completing many hours of pro bono work for the Knoxville community. Legal Aid of Tennessee has served 26 counties, from Chattanooga to Johnson City for over 40 years. The mission of Legal Aid of East Tennessee is to ensure equal justice for ...

On July 21, 2015, The City of Knoxville approved sweeping and comprehensive amendments to its sign ordinance. Part of the stated purpose of the amended ordinance is to “avoid visual clutter that may be harmful” and to “provide clear and objective sign standards.” This ordinance radically reduces the height and sizes of signs for business within the City of Knoxville ...

Ten FMS attorneys were named by Knoxville’s CityView Magazine as Top Attorneys in 2015 in their respective fields. Each year the magazine calls upon members of the local bar association to vote for their peers in various practice areas. We have listed our winning attorneys and the categories in which they were named as Top Attorneys below. We are proud ...