How much does it cost to hire Claire for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Claire walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Claire offer a free consultation?

Claire charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Claire's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Tennessee typically take?

Simple general 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. Claire gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Claire take my case if I'm outside Memphis?

Claire 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 — Claire 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 Claire?

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. Claire will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Claire accepting new general clients right now?

Claire's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Claire McClain Cissell, General Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on General, Health Care, and Insurance · 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

ShareholderatLewis Thomason, P.C.

Memphis, TN

Practicing general in Memphis since 1996.

30+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 3 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

General Health Care Insurance Litigation Personal Injury

Are you Claire McClain Cissell?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Claire McClain Cissell is a shareholder based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on General, Health Care, and Insurance. Claire has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Memphis, TN
Experience: over 30 years
Known for: General · Health Care · Insurance

Handles General, Health Care, and Insurance matters from Memphis, TN.
Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Claire's practice areas in Memphis

Claire concentrates on general, health care, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Claire handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Memphis, Tennessee

Claire 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 Claire agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Memphis, Tennessee

Claire takes health care 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 Claire agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Memphis, Tennessee

Claire 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 Claire agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Memphis, Tennessee

Claire takes litigation 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 Claire agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Memphis, Tennessee

Claire takes personal injury 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 Claire agrees to represent you.

Biography

Claire McClain Cissell, general attorney serving Memphis

Ms. Cissell, a shareholder in the firm’s Memphis office, has experience in civil litigation matters. She focuses her practice on medical malpractice defense. Ms. Cissell has extensive experience trying medical malpractice lawsuits to verdict, as well as appellate experience at the state and federal levels. Ms. Cissell previously served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable James M. Tharpe and the Honorable Robert A. Lanier.

PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES

•Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America , Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants since 2019
•Mid-South Super Lawyers 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Ms. Cissell volunteers at the Memphis Animal Shelter

How Claire handles general matters

The kind of cases Claire takes

Claire reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, health care, and insurance matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Claire studied and practices

University of Memphis
J.D. · 1996
Arkansas State University
B.A. Arkansas · 1983

Jurisdictions

Claire's state bar admissions

Arkansas
1998 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1996 · ACTIVE

Claire studied at J.D. in University of Memphis and B.A. Arkansas in Arkansas State University.

Law school and academic background

Claire completed J.D. in University of Memphis and B.A. Arkansas in Arkansas State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Claire runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Claire's legal honors and published work

Claire has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Claire's professional memberships and bar associations

Affiliations •Memphis Bar Association •Tennessee Bar Association •Association of Women Attorneys
membership

Locations

Claire McClain Cissell's office in Memphis

Claire's primary office is at 40 South Main Street, Suite 2900, Memphis, TN, 38103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lewis Thomason, P.C.

40 South Main Street, Suite 2900

Memphis, TN 38103

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Claire McClain Cissell — 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Claire. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Memphis.

4.4

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Claire McClain Cissell claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Claire McClain Cissell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Claire usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Claire charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire'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; Claire will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Memphis, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Claire

Claire discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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. Claire confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Claire's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Claire McClain Cissell

How much does it cost to hire Claire for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Claire walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Claire offer a free consultation?
Claire charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Claire's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple general 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. Claire gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Claire take my case if I'm outside Memphis?
Claire 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 — Claire 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 Claire?
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. Claire will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Claire accepting new general clients right now?
Claire's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee

Claire handles general matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Claire's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Memphis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.