Carolyn Gilliam, Elder Law Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
focused on Elder Law and Trusts
Knoxville, TN
Trusted elder law attorney serving Knoxville.
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Quick answer
Carolyn Gilliam is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Elder Law and Trusts.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TENNESSEE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Elder Law · Trusts
- Handles Elder Law and Trusts matters from Knoxville, TENNESSEE.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law (2026).
About Carolyn Gilliam: Carolyn Gilliam is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Elder Law and Trusts.
Areas of practice
Carolyn's practice areas in Knoxville
Carolyn concentrates on elder law and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carolyn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Carolyn takes elder law matters in Knoxville, 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 Carolyn agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Carolyn takes trusts matters in Knoxville, 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 Carolyn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Carolyn Gilliam, elder law attorney serving Knoxville
Carolyn Gilliam is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Elder Law and Trusts. Carolyn works from Knoxville, Tennessee and takes on elder law matters across the region.
Carolyn Levy Gilliam is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law. She primarily practices in the areas of wills, trusts, elder law, conservatorships, probates, business matters, and litigation regarding these areas. She was named as a Top Attorney for 2020 in the Knoxville Cityview Magazine in Social Security Disability, Elder Law, and Adoption. Ms. Gilliam also serves in a fiduciary capacity for her clients, as a trustee of a trust, personal representative/executrix of a will, power of attorney, or a court-appointed conservator. Carolyn has worked at McDonald, Levy & Taylor since her senior year at Farragut high school. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and had the highest GPA of Management majors in her class. She has been selected into the Academic Honor Society of Phi Eta Sigma and is also a member of numerous bar associations, including the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Association for Justice. Carolyn is married and the mother of a young daughter and son. She and her husband, Eric, live in Farragut. Carolyn loves to play golf and played Division I college golf at Mercer University. She is a member at Fox Den Country Club in Farragut, Tennessee where she has won three club championships. She and her husband are also members of the Virginian Golf Club in Bristol, Virginia. Carolyn is a Board Member and past Co-Treasurer of the Dream Connection, Inc., an all-volunteer organization that fulfills the dreams of children that have life-threatening illnesses. She is also the President and Chair of the board of Legacy Housing Foundation whose mission is to provide innovative programs, life-enhancing services, and strong affordable housing communities for everyone in need. She is also an active partner of Shoreline Church.
Working with Carolyn on a elder law matter
Carolyn Levy Gilliam is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law. She primarily practices in the areas of wills, trusts, elder law, conservatorships, probates, business matters, and litigation regarding these areas. She was named as a Top Attorney for 2020 in the Knoxville Cityview Magazine in Social Security Disability, Elder Law, and Adoption. Ms. Gilliam also serves in a…
Who Carolyn represents
Carolyn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law and trusts matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Carolyn studied and practices
The University of Tennessee
— · 2013
Mercer University
— · 2010
Carolyn studied at — in The University of Tennessee and — in Mercer University.
Law school and academic background
Carolyn completed — in The University of Tennessee and — in Mercer University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carolyn runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Carolyn's legal honors and published work
Carolyn has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Carolyn Gilliam's office in Knoxville
Carolyn's primary office is at 10805 Kingston Pike, Suite 200, Knoxville, Tennessee, 10805. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Carolyn Gilliam
Carolyn has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Carolyn Gilliam — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Carolyn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Carolyn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carolyn'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; Carolyn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Carolyn
Carolyn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law 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. Carolyn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Carolyn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Carolyn Gilliam
How much does it cost to hire Carolyn for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Carolyn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Carolyn offer a free consultation?
Carolyn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carolyn's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Carolyn's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple elder law 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. Carolyn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Carolyn take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Carolyn 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 — Carolyn 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 Carolyn?
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. Carolyn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Carolyn accepting new elder law clients right now?
Carolyn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Carolyn handles elder law matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Tennessee
If Carolyn's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.