
Richard W Bethea, Jr, Business Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and Energy · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
RetiredatChambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Chattanooga, TN
Practicing business in Chattanooga since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 16
- Bar admissions
Are you Richard W Bethea, Jr?
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.
Quick answer
Richard W Bethea, Jr is a retired based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Energy. Richard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chattanooga, TN
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Business · Class Action · Energy
- Handles Business, Class Action, and Energy matters from Chattanooga, TN.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard W Bethea, Jr: Richard W Bethea, Jr is a retired based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Energy. Richard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard W Bethea, Jr
Richard concentrates on business, class action, energy, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Class Action
View other Class Action attorneys
Energy
View other Energy attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Health Care
View other Health Care attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
IP
View other IP attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Patent
View other Patent attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Product Liability
View other Product Liability attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Business cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Richard takes business matters in Chattanooga, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Richard takes class action matters in Chattanooga, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Richard takes energy matters in Chattanooga, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
General cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Richard takes general matters in Chattanooga, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Richard takes health care matters in Chattanooga, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard W Bethea, Jr — Over 48 years of Tennessee business experience
Richard W Bethea, Jr is a retired based in Chattanooga, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Energy. Richard has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Richard W Bethea, Jr is a lawyer practicing automotive, business law, class actions and 16 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Richard practices at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. in Chattanooga, TN.
Working with Richard on a business matter
Richard W Bethea, Jr is a lawyer practicing automotive, business law, class actions and 16 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Richard practices at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. in Chattanooga, TN.
Clients Richard works with
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and energy matters in Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Richard W Bethea, Jr's legal education and bar admissions
University of Georgia School of Law
J.D. · 1978
University of Georgia
B.A. Business · 1975
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2008 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1992 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1978 · ACTIVE
Georgia
1978 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in University of Georgia School of Law and B.A. Business in University of Georgia.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in University of Georgia School of Law and B.A. Business in University of Georgia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard W Bethea, Jr
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Litigation Counsel of America
bar_fellowship
Locations
Richard W Bethea, Jr's office in Chattanooga
Richard's primary office is at Liberty Tower Suite 1700, 605 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37450. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Liberty Tower Suite 1700, 605 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37450
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard W Bethea, Jr — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Chattanooga.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard W Bethea, Jr claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard W Bethea, Jr — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Chattanooga, 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 Richard
Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard'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 Richard W Bethea, Jr
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Chattanooga?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new business clients right now?
Richard'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 Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Richard 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 Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Chattanooga handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
- JW
John Wallace Crow II
Clarksville, Tennessee
5.0· 48
- RM
Rocky McElhaney Esquire
Nashville, Tennessee
5.0· 34
- TE
Todd Elliott Panther
Nashville, Tennessee
5.0· 31
- CC
Christopher Chad Sabis
Nashville, Tennessee
5.0· 26
- MN
Myers N. Massengill II
Bristol, Tennessee
5.0· 24
- SS
Sonya Smith Wright
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
5.0· 22