William D. Massey, Appellate Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatThe Law Office of Massey McClusky McClusky & Fuchs
Memphis, TN
Practicing appellate in Memphis since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 8
- Bar admissions
Are you William D. Massey?
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Quick answer
William D. Massey is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Massey McClusky McClusky & Fuchs. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Memphis, TN
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from Memphis, TN.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William D. Massey: William D. Massey is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Massey McClusky McClusky & Fuchs. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William D. Massey
William concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Probation
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Sex Crimes
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Theft
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Violent Crimes
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White Collar
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Appellate cases in Memphis, Tennessee
William takes appellate 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 William agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Memphis, Tennessee
William takes criminal defense 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 William agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Memphis, Tennessee
William takes drug crimes 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 William agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Memphis, Tennessee
William takes dui/dwi 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 William agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Memphis, Tennessee
William takes federal crimes 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William D. Massey — Over 45 years of Tennessee appellate experience
William D. Massey is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Massey McClusky McClusky & Fuchs. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
William D. Massey has been practicing law for over thirty-one years, over twenty-eight of those years in the Memphis area. His area of expertise is in trial work for cases involving drug or murder charges. He has tried cases in Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas, in addition to throughout the state of Tennessee. He is a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist in Western Tennessee and he devotes 100% of his practice to litigation work. He also has been chosen on numerous occasions to speak at seminars in order to share his immense experience, particularly pertaining to advocacy related topics.
Published Works
- "Offer the Olive Branch, But Grip the Sword", October and December 2006, February 2007
- "The Heart of a Fighter", April, 2007
- "We Will Remember", June, 2007
- "A Collage from a Believer", August, 2007
Classes/Seminars
- "Suppression of Evidence After Berrios", National Bar Association, Ben F. Jones Chapter, 2007
- "The Gentle Wind of Words, Moving Jurors from Abstract to Experiential", National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Key West, FL, 2007
- "Getting It On The Table", Making the Case for Life Seminar X, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Southern Center for Human Rights, Las Vegas, NV, 2007
- "Qualifying and Defending Our Expert Witness", Bench Bar Seminar, Memphis Bar Association, San Destin, FL, 2007
- "The Team Approach to Death Penalty Defense", Loosening the Death Belt, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Birmingham, AL, 2007
- "Opening Statement as Story Telling", Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2006
- "Themes Theory and Theater from Daringly Dangerous Minds", Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2006
- "Embracing Confessions: To Hug or To Squeeze", Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2005
- "Closing Argument: Taking the State's Case to the Dump in High Profile Cases", Betting on Justice V, Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Little Rock, AR, 2004
- "Friends Don't Let Friends Waive Opening", Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2004
- "A Diner Menu Approach to Preparing for a Death Penalty Trial: How To Serve Desert with the Main Course and Cook a Little Hash", National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, San Antonio, TX, 2004
- "Cross My Heart, Hope to Die: The Pain of False Confessions", National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, New York City, NY, 2003
- "Wiggins & ABA Guidelines", Making the Cases for Life Seminar VI, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Southern Center for Human Rights, Memphis, TN, 2003
- Faculty and Senior Instructor, Tennessee Criminal Defense College, 1998 - Present
Honors and Awards
- Best Lawyers in America, 2008 - 2009
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2007 - 2008
- Recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Association for Justice
- Robert W. Ritchie Award for Outstanding Service to the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2004
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund's 22nd Annual Capital Punishment Training Conference, 2003
- Lionel Barrett, Jr., Award for Outstanding Work of Death Penalty Arena, 2001
- Special Congressional Recognition, United States House of Representatives for Invaluable and Outstanding Service to Community, 2001
- Who's Who, Executives and Businesses, Honored Professionals, 1999 - 2000
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, President, 2005 - 2006
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Executive Committee, 2001 - 2007
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Board of Directors, 2002 - 2008
- Tennessee Bar Association, Parliamentarian, 2003
- Tennessee Bar Association, Executive Committee, 2003 - 2004
- Tennessee Bar Association, Executive Committee, 2006 - 2007
- Memphis Bar Association, Criminal Law Section, President
William's approach to appellate cases
William D. Massey has been practicing law for over thirty-one years, over twenty-eight of those years in the Memphis area. His area of expertise is in trial work for cases involving drug or murder charges. He has tried cases in Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas, in addition to throughout the state of Tennessee. He is a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist in Western Tennessee…
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
William D. Massey's legal education and bar admissions
Memphis State University, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law,
J.D. · 1981
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. Political · 1978
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
United States Distri
1998 · ACTIVE
United States Suprem
1994 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1992 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1991 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1989 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1989 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1982 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1981 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Memphis State University, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and B.A. Political in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Memphis State University, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and B.A. Political in University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William D. Massey
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Criminal Justice Section
membership
Locations
William D. Massey's office in Memphis
William's primary office is at 3074 East Road, Memphis, TN, 38128. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of Massey McClusky McClusky & Fuchs
3074 East Road
Memphis, TN 38128
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William D. Massey — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Memphis.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William D. Massey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William D. Massey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William D. Massey
How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple appellate 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Memphis?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee
William handles appellate matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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