“We are attorneys defined by spirit and character.”
~ John Owings
Welcome to our Knoxville, Tennessee based law firm. We greatly appreciate your interest in learning who we are along with the services we provide. Should you have questions, need additional information, want to meet or speak with one of us, please feel free to contact us by any of the means outlined in our Contact section.
We look forward to hearing from you to discuss how we can be of service. Thank you again for being our guest.
Friend of the firm, Carl Papa, won the High Jump at today’s National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Carl is quite the athlete and is the inventor of the Pin High Pro, a very successful golf swing aid. Way to go Carl! The 2025 National Senior Games are presented by Humana and are…
On June 12, 2024, Owings, Wilson & Coleman, in conjunction with the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Harriman branch location. Members of the firm, along with clients, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and the general public celebrated with coffee, donuts and muffins from Gather Coffee. …
During the pandemic, issues with student discipline rose drastically. Legislators nationwide have responded to this emergent issue by developing new laws that empower teachers with more control over their respective classroom environment. Despite legislative intent, however, it remains crucial for state and local governments alike to be mindful of Tennessee’s legislative answer that has a…
Hello all, The last time we talked, we discovered an alarming statistic that only 33% of Americans have Estate Planning documents in place at the time of their death. The absence of a will, or dying intestate, can have significant implications for the distribution of your assets. I run into so many people that think…
The state of housing in 2023 is undeniably tumultuous. Even if you have been living under a rock, the rent for said rock has likely increased in the past eight months. In this environment, it is important for renters to understand their rights and obligations under Tennessee law. According to a report by the National…
As a lifetime speeder, some would call me an aggressive driver, I understand the desire to get to your destination as quickly as possible, even if there is no excuse other than the self-indulgence of getting things done. My real excuse, although not a defense, is the fact that I have an aversion to…
I left the ice cream in the refrigerator yesterday. I think that I am losing it! Ever had a “senior moment?” Personally, I have been having them since my early 20’s. While most of the time these moments happen to us because our busy lives are so distracting, dementia and Alzheimer’s are on the rise.…
Unsurprisingly, the prospect of divorce is not often contemplated by couples during their wedding planning. Yet, more and more Americans are entering into agreements prior to their wedding to ensure a clear separation of assets in the event of divorce. While certainly nothing new, the prenuptial agreement (or antenuptial agreement) remains the most consistently effective…
As we have all noticed going through our daily lives, the economy is rapidly changing from where it was a year ago. The current rate of inflation in the United States is sitting at 8.2%. Gas is more expensive. Groceries seem to cost more every time you walk into a store. Bottom line – people’s…
This article is something that I have been encouraged to write because of my experience in helping my mother, who has low vision issues associated with Macular Degeneration, find ways to stay safe at home and function more independently. The methods I use and the products I mention are not the only way to make…
Owings, Wilson & Coleman is a proud sponsor of the Alcoa City Schools Foundation. ACSF is a nonprofit foundation that rallies both resources and the community so that the City of Alcoa’s educators and students are supported and provided for. Since 1989, ACSF has contributed to improving the quality of education in the City of…
Enforcement of Parking Restrictions Do you live in a subdivision that has rules regarding parking on the street, or in special parking areas, and there is always one member who takes advantage of the space and parks in violation of the rules? You are not alone as that is a common occurrence. The issue is…
What Happens When I Can No Longer Take Care of Myself? Ok, I worry. Odds are you do too, or you wouldn’t be spending the time to read an attorney’s blog. One of my favorite worries is wondering how I will afford long-term care services. That’s a nice way of saying “How do I pay…
Technology has long been at the forefront of our lives, both at home and at work. From the telephone, fax machine, dishwasher, toaster, and television to the work computer, microwave, personal computer, and cell phone; the arrival of modern conveniences has been employed to enhance both our personal and professional lives. As technology grew and…
In this month’s edition of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Dicta, Stephanie D. Coleman and Gavin A. Smelcer review the operation of executive orders issued by some past U.S. Presidents and our Tennessee Governors. It is the Dicta cover story and centerfold. See Stephanie D. Coleman & Gavin A. Smelcer, Edicta Praetoris: Executive Orders and the…
We are thrilled to announce that Felicia Coalson has been named as a new partner with our firm. Felicia has been with us since 2015 and offers our clients over a decade of experience in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate Litigation. This is a great fit for our closely held business…
As many of us know, the dynamics surrounding families and their senior members can be quite complex. Oftentimes, disputes arise among family members as to the best course of action regarding the appropriate type of care for an elder member. These issues can be magnified with the introduction of the need for cognitive, rehabilitative, or…
Recently, the West Knox Utility District (WKUD) hosted John Owings and Felicia Coalson of Owings, Wilson & Coleman for a ‘Diversity in the Workplace’ workshop. As part of the curriculum, John and Felicia addressed the fundamentals of cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in the workplace. Additionally, they discussed the policies of WKUD, including sensitivity training…
John Owings has been recognized in the May 2020 edition of the Court Historical Society Newsletter, for being appointed, as a young lawyer, to be the first pro se law clerk for the Eastern District of Tennessee in 1988. Click here to read the article.
Owings, Wilson & Coleman would like to congratulate attorneys John Owings, Stephanie Coleman and Sarah Jarrard in obtaining a substantial settlement on behalf of our client in a personal injury matter. The client sustained serious injuries as the result of the negligence of others and we are pleased to be able to obtain an outstanding…
Owings, Wilson & Coleman is proud to be a business sponsor for the Junior Service League of Maryville. Junior Service League, with the support of community partners, like OWC, and generous individual donations, has provided gifts for over 1,400 needy children each year all across Blount County. To find out more about this wonderful organization,…
Our newest attorney, Carlee Smith, was sworn in to practice law on October 21, 2019 by Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. Carlee’s family, along with several firm members, attended the ceremony. A reception followed at the firm to celebrate with Carlee.
OWC attorneys, Sarah Jarrard and Brandon Criswell, both welcomed babies in the month of September. Sarah and Ryan Jarrard welcomed Kaitlyn Ann on September 11th and Brandon and Rebecca Criswell welcomed James Cooper on the 16th. Congrats to all and welcome the OWC family!
Our newest attorney, Brandon Criswell, was sworn in to practice law on October 15, 2018 by Judge Cerny. Brandon’s wife, new baby, mother and father, along with several firm members, attended the ceremony. A reception followed at the firm to celebrate with Brandon.
On September 27th OWC sponsored a private reception honoring RAM founder, Stan Brock. The event was attended by distinguished guests from around the world and many employees and volunteers of RAM. The reception took place at 4:00 p.m. prior to the Celebration of Life honoring Stan at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
John Owings and Felicia Coalson have recently presented their “Preparing for Going Home” seminar for the membership of two (2) local churches: the South Harriman Baptist Church and the Harriman Church of God. Preparing for Home is a two (2) hour seminar that gives learned information and guidance regarding gathering information and documentation, estate planning,…
The firm, along with friends and family, attended the Smokies baseball game on August 23, 2018. The Smokies fell to the Jackson Generals, but our suite got a visit from Homer the mascot. It was definitely a win for kids, Ava and Mic!! Fun was had by all!
OWC hosted a reception on August 9th to welcome Anna Hinds as Of Counsel to the firm. The reception was attended by firm staff, colleagues, friends and family. The firm welcomes Anna and looks forward to working with her!
John Owings spoke at the 2018 Business Conference of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts on August 10th. The conference took place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and had approximately 700 attendees. John’s topic was Public Employee Whistleblower Claims. The conference lasted 3 days and covered a wide variety of topics related to current utility…
The firm held a UT themed baby shower for Sarah and Ryan Jarrard on July 26th as they prepare for the arrival of Kaitlyn Ann in September. Everyone is so excited for them!
John Owings and wife Meg recently traveled to Guatemala for a mission trip with their church, South Harriman Baptist Church. John was performing outreach and music while Meg administered eye exams. OWC donated adult and children’s sunglasses to help the cause.
It is with great pride that we welcome Anna Hinds, one of the legal profession’s premier practitioners. Anna began practicing law in East Tennessee in 1967 with the formation of her own firm. After 30 plus years in practice she changed her designation to, “Of Counsel,” where she remained when joining our firm in March…
Firm members attended Zoofari on June 2, 2018. Fun was had by all and a lot of money was raised for our record-breaking zoo!
On behalf of everyone in our firm, we would like to extend congratulations to one of our partners, Stephanie Coleman. Stephanie is recognized in the most current Super Lawyers Mid-South 2017 Rising Stars Edition for her performance in the practice of Business & Corporate Law. Having begun her career in 2007 as a clerk with…
