James Hugh Varner, Jr, Criminal Defense Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Knoxville, TN
Practicing criminal defense in Knoxville since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you James Hugh Varner, Jr?
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Quick answer
James Hugh Varner, Jr is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · Personal Injury
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Hugh Varner, Jr: James Hugh Varner, Jr is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Knoxville
James concentrates on criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Workers Comp
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Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes criminal defense 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 James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes family 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 James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes personal injury 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 James agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
James takes workers comp 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Hugh Varner, Jr, criminal defense attorney serving Knoxville
James Hugh Varner, Jr is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Knoxville, Tennessee and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
James Hugh Varner, Jr is a lawyer practicing criminal defense law, personal injury law, workers compensation law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S. degree from United States Military Academy in 1973, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices in Knoxville, TN.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James Hugh Varner, Jr is a lawyer practicing criminal defense law, personal injury law, workers compensation law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S. degree from United States Military Academy in 1973, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices in Knoxville, TN.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1980
United States Military Academy
B.S. · 1973
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1981 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.S. in United States Military Academy.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.S. in United States Military Academy. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Office locations for James Hugh Varner, Jr in Knoxville, Tennessee
James's primary office is at Knoxville, TN, 37939-0366. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Hugh Varner, Jr — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Knoxville.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Hugh Varner, Jr claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Hugh Varner, Jr — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Hugh Varner, Jr
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Tennessee
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





