James M. Smith

About James

James Smith is a founding shareholder of the firm and practices in the Paris, Tennessee, office. James has developed a specialized practice in the rapidly growing area of Rental Purchase Law, where he advises clients throughout the country on compliance practices and litigation strategies. James holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He has tried dozens of cases, both jury and non-jury, across Alabama and Tennessee, and has handled appeals at all levels. He serves as coordinating counsel for clients throughout the Southeastern United States and is a Certified Litigation Management Professional. James was born in Mt. Olive, Alabama in 1969. He is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Curia Honoris, and Order of the Barristers. While in law school he was a Cordell Hull Teaching Fellow, Managing Editor of the Cumberland Law Review, and a member of the American Bar Association National Trial Team. Immediately upon graduation from law school, James clerked for the Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Alabama.

Licensed States

Education

Colleagues at HAT Law

Carl Hagwood

President

Pete Bloss

Of Counsel

Senith C. Tipton

Founding Shareholder (Retired)

Julie B. Mitchell

Shareholder

Hunter C. Carroll

Shareholder

Michael H. Gregory

Shareholder