Jay W. Mader, Business Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratArnett Baker Draper & Hagood, LLP
Knoxville, TN
Practicing business in Knoxville since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Jay W. Mader?
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Quick answer
Jay W. Mader is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnett Baker Draper & Hagood, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Litigation
- Handles Business, Employment, and Litigation matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Jay W. Mader: Jay W. Mader is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnett Baker Draper & Hagood, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Jay W. Mader
Jay concentrates on business, employment, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jay handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Litigation
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Business cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Jay takes business 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Jay takes employment 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Jay takes litigation 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Jay W. Mader — Over 33 years of Tennessee business experience
Jay W. Mader is a partner based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jay has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnett Baker Draper & Hagood, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Jay Mader focuses on employment and business litigation. His employment law practice includes cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation with allegations relating to age, gender, race, and disability, as well as whistleblower claims. He also handles wage and hour and FMLA litigation. Jay’s experience in business litigation includes cases involving breach of contract and fiduciary duty, fraud and misrepresentation, consumer protection, and other business disputes.
He joined Arnett, Draper & Hagood in 2002 and became a partner in 2005. He is licensed in the state of Tennessee and is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and American Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Tennessee, and all Tennessee trial and appellate courts.
He received his B.A. from the University of Tennessee in 1989 and his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1993.
Jay is also a member of the Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court as a Master of the Bench, and currently serves on the Inn’s Executive Committee. He further is a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator.
Jay has an AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubble and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Employment Law, Management and Litigation, and Labor and Employment since 2018.
Selected Experience:Lead counsel in two week jury trial in U.S. District Court resulting in verdict for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, Tennessee Consumer Protection ActDirected verdict on behalf of international company during jury trial of ADEA claimsJury trial defending FMLA retaliation and interference claim in U.S. District CourtTrial to verdict in Chancery Court bench trials involving business and discrimination claimsBriefed and argued cases before Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and Tennessee Court of Appeals in employment and business disputesTransactional work involving sale of division, resort development, and general contract and business counseling Complex Litigation Involving:Defense of administrative charges and proceedings involving EEOC, U.S. DOL, and THRCObtaining summary judgement in discrimination cases involving age discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, false light, intentional interference, and construction defectsLead counsel in complex employment, business, insurance coverage, and construction defect litigation
Jay's approach to business cases
Jay Mader focuses on employment and business litigation. His employment law practice includes cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation with allegations relating to age, gender, race, and disability, as well as whistleblower claims. He also handles wage and hour and FMLA litigation. Jay’s experience in business litigation includes cases involving breach of contract and fiduciary…
Clients Jay works with
Jay reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and litigation matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Jay W. Mader's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
J.D. · 1993
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Jay's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1993 · ACTIVE
Jay studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
Jay completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jay runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Jay W. Mader
Jay has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Jay's professional memberships and bar associations
Knoxville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Jay W. Mader's office in Knoxville
Jay's primary office is at First Horizon Plaza - Suite 2300, 800 S. Gay Street Suite 2300-First Horizon Plaza, Knoxville, TN, 37929. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Arnett Baker Draper & Hagood, LLP
First Horizon Plaza - Suite 2300, 800 S. Gay Street Suite 2300-First Horizon Plaza
Knoxville, TN 37929
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Jay W. Mader — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Jay. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Knoxville.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jay W. Mader claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jay W. Mader — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jay usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jay charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay'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; Jay will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Knoxville, 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 Jay
Jay 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. Jay confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jay'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 Jay W. Mader
How much does it cost to hire Jay for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jay walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jay offer a free consultation?
Jay charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Jay'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. Jay gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jay take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Jay 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 — Jay 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 Jay?
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. Jay will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jay accepting new business clients right now?
Jay'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 Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Jay handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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