Carmen Rhea Kelley, Business Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Memphis, TN
Practicing business in Memphis since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Carmen Rhea Kelley?
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Quick answer
Carmen Rhea Kelley is an attorney based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Carmen has over 36 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Memphis, TN
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · Employment
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Employment matters from Memphis, TN.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Carmen Rhea Kelley: Carmen Rhea Kelley is an attorney based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Carmen has over 36 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Carmen's practice areas in Memphis
Carmen concentrates on business, criminal defense, employment, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carmen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Business cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Carmen takes business matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carmen agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Carmen takes criminal defense matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carmen agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Carmen takes employment matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carmen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Carmen takes general matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carmen agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Carmen takes insurance matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carmen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Carmen Rhea Kelley, business attorney serving Memphis
Carmen Rhea Kelley is an attorney based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Carmen has over 36 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Carmen works from Memphis, Tennessee and takes on business matters across the region.
Ms. Carmen Rhea Kelley is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, professional liability defense, white collar criminal defense and 2 other areas of law. Carmen received a B.S.Ed. degree from Baylor University in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. Carmen practices in Memphis, TN.
How Carmen handles business matters
Ms. Carmen Rhea Kelley is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, professional liability defense, white collar criminal defense and 2 other areas of law. Carmen received a B.S.Ed. degree from Baylor University in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. Carmen practices in Memphis, TN.
Who Carmen represents
Carmen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and employment matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Carmen studied and practices
Memphis State University
J.D. · 1990
Baylor University
B.S.Ed. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Carmen's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1992 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1990 · ACTIVE
Carmen studied at J.D. in Memphis State University and B.S.Ed. in Baylor University.
Law school and academic background
Carmen completed J.D. in Memphis State University and B.S.Ed. in Baylor University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carmen runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Carmen's legal honors and published work
Carmen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Carmen Rhea Kelley's office in Memphis
Carmen's primary office is at 26 S Dunlap St, Memphis, TN, 38103-4909. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Carmen Rhea Kelley — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Carmen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Memphis.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Carmen Rhea Kelley claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Carmen Rhea Kelley — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Carmen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Carmen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carmen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Carmen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Carmen
Carmen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Carmen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Carmen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Carmen Rhea Kelley
How much does it cost to hire Carmen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Carmen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Carmen offer a free consultation?
Carmen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carmen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Carmen's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Carmen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Carmen take my case if I'm outside Memphis?
Carmen is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Carmen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Carmen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Carmen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Carmen accepting new business clients right now?
Carmen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee
Carmen handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Tennessee
If Carmen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Memphis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





