David T. Black
Kizer & Black, Attorneys, PLLC
329 Cates Street
Maryville, TN 37771
Map
Phone: (865) 982-7650 | Fax: (865) 980-1640
http://www.Kizer-Black.com
Common Sense Results Since 1968
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Bar Admissions
TN, Feb 1968
Bar Number: 000999
Specialty Certifications
Certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy and Supreme Court Committee on Continuing Legal Education in Civil Litigation.
Other Court Admissions
Tennessee Trial and Appellate Courts, U.S. District Court, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court
Association Memberships
Blount, Knox, Tennessee, and American Bar Associations, Tennessee and American Association for Justice, Knox Inns of Court, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Litigation Counsel of America,
Continuing Education
By providing continuing education seminars in Trial Technology and attending seminars in the substantive areas of Civil Litigation.
Example Cases
Multiple civil trials involving complex Business transactions, Estate disputes, and Personal Injury. Former Assistant Attorney General for Blount, Loudon, and Roane Counties.
Confidentiality Orders have been entered in major mediated settlements and cases that have been appealed are listed by word search (David Black) in the Tennessee and Federal Reporting System, or by searching Google.
Education
University of Tennessee College of Law
Juris Doctorate
Knoxville
TN
1967
Omicron Delta Kappa, Scarrabean Society
University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science
Knoxville
TN
1966
Dean's List, Omicron Delta Kappa, Scarrabean, multiple involvements in student activities
Number of Attorneys
11
State Licensed In
Tennessee
Firm Focus and History
Our firm is a General Practice firm with lawyers representing clients in Civil Trials, Business Transactions, Real Estate, Probate and Estates, Construction, Municipal, Domestic, and Environmental issues. The firm was established in 1968, when I joined Ben Kizer in his existing practice. Mr. Kizer was a World War II veteran who began his legal career in 1952. He retired in 1982, and the practice continued to grow and expand to its present size. The firm name was retained to the present day.
Previous Employment Summary
I served in the Army Security Agency from 1969 to 1971 and returned to the practice with Mr. Kizer. Other than the military service, and various jobs prior to and during college and law school, my employment has been continuous with Kizer & Black.
Activities and Awards
AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in Best Lawyers in America, Advocate American Board of Trial Advocates, City Attorney (cities of Maryville and Rockford), listed in "Super Lawyers" Mid South, Litigation Counsel of America.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
An informed client is better prepared to relate the facts of his or her case and to ask questions regarding the law applicable to the situation. However, there is so much misinformation available on the web and through form books that a little knowledge can be a dangerous approach.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Document preparation by clients is helpful in identifying issues of concern to the client and may save some time, but a full discussion with counsel is in the client's best interest.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Not recommended.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Because of the challenge of learning so many different subjects (medicine, engineering, architecture, construction, business, etc) and the joy of solving problems by assisting deserving clients.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
From delivering newspapers, mowing yards, bagging groceries, selling shoes, serving as dorm counselor and assistant head resident, to engaging is multiple student activities as an undergraduate, to completing my undergraduate and legal education by my 23rd birthday, my Military service, to my experience as a part time Assistant Attorney General, as well as a lifetime of dealing with people makes me a better, understanding, and compassionate lawyer.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
A lawyer has a license to achieve a responsible change in the lives of not only one person but many persons.
What do you like best about your career?
The ability and tools to solve problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our firm has 11 lawyers consisting of 4 women and 7 men ranging in age from 30 to 66 supported by the best and most respected assistants with employment with the firm ranging from 2 years to 42 years. Stability, experience, and knowledge are descriptive of our lawyers, paralegals, and staff.
What are your strengths and style?
The ability to communicate without alienating the adversary (unless absolutely necessary).
Personal Interests:
My interests include family, travel, history, collecting local historical memorabilia, and sports.
Office Manager/Assistant
Cheryl McClanahan
Fax
(865) 980-1640
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Melanie Davis speaks French. Our staff speaks Spanish.
Additional Offices
Loudon County Office
902 East Broadway
Lenoir City, TN 37771
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
There are three types of fee arrangements dependent upon a variety of factors: Contingent (a fixed percent of recovery in Plaintiff's case), a fixed fee based upon mutual agreement (dependent upon an evaluation of the reasonable estimated time and difficulty involved) and an hourly rate (time involved). Sometimes a fee can involve a minimum hourly rate plus a partial contingency.
Hourly Rates
Dependent upon the area of practice and experience of the lawyer handling the matter. Range of hourly fees is from $175 to $295 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
If we do not believe, after initial consultation, that we can be of service, then there is generally no charge.
Typical Retainer
Retainer is case specific based on the type of matter--range from $1,500 up.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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