
Richard W. Sebastian, Business Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Creditor Rights · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratOrtale Kelley Law Firm
Nashville, TN
Practicing business in Nashville since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Richard W. Sebastian?
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Quick answer
Richard W. Sebastian is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Creditor Rights. Richard has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ortale Kelley Law Firm. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Business · Construction · Creditor Rights
- Handles Business, Construction, and Creditor Rights matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Richard W. Sebastian: Richard W. Sebastian is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Creditor Rights. Richard has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ortale Kelley Law Firm. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Richard takes on
Richard concentrates on business, construction, creditor rights, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Construction
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Creditor Rights
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes business matters in Nashville, 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.
Construction cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes construction matters in Nashville, 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.
Creditor Rights cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes creditor rights matters in Nashville, 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.
Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes litigation matters in Nashville, 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.
Real Estate cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Richard takes real estate matters in Nashville, 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
Meet Richard W. Sebastian — business lawyer in Nashville
Richard W. Sebastian is a managing partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Creditor Rights. Richard has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ortale Kelley Law Firm. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Awards
Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About AwardsClient Champion Awards
Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.
At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.
At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.
At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale Peer Awards
A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Richard W. Sebastian got this award in 2021
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
Avvo Awards
Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.
How Richard handles business matters
About Richard W. Sebastian View website Awards Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity…
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and creditor rights matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Nashville School of Law
J.D. · 1992
Middle Tennessee State University
B.S. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1992 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in Nashville School of Law and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in Nashville School of Law and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University. 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
Recognition and thought leadership
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Nashville, Tennessee, Federal and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Richard W. Sebastian's office in Nashville
Richard's primary office is at CMT Building, 330 Commerce Street, Suite 110, Nashville, TN, 37219-8985. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ortale Kelley Law Firm
CMT Building, 330 Commerce Street, Suite 110
Nashville, TN 37219-8985
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard W. Sebastian — 4.5/5 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 Nashville.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard W. Sebastian claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard W. Sebastian — 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 Nashville, 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. Sebastian
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 Nashville?
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 Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville 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.
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