Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Knoxville, TN
Stokes Williams Sharp Cope & Mann has been providing top-tier legal representation in East Tennessee since 1998. Our firm specializes in litigation across insurance defense, personal injury, construction defect, product liability, and commercial trucking law, with a proven track record in complex legal conflicts. Our attorneys bring over 100 years of collective experience, including roles as national counsel in class action matters and advisors to government entities. We maintain an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our legal excellence and adherence to ethical standards.As a regional leader, we combine trial expertise with strategic mediation approaches to deliver results-driven solutions. Our team's deep roots in Knoxville and surrounding areas ensure localized knowledge paired with national-level capability. We prioritize client-focused service, preparing every case for trial while seeking efficient resolutions where possible.
Services
Appellate Work
Automobile Accidents
Banking Law
Construction Litigation
Criminal Defense
Environmental Law
Insurance Defense
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Workers Compensation
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of litigation experience in East Tennessee
- Our team holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- We represent clients in state and federal courts nationwide
- Our attorneys have handled thousands of complex legal cases
- We combine trial expertise with strategic mediation approaches
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
- U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms
What people say
Excellent attorney
Impeccable reputation
Best results possible
Top flight representation
Highly effective litigators
Services
Appellate Work
Our appellate attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with strategic advocacy to preserve favorable outcomes or overturn adverse rulings. With experience in contract interpretation, personal injury, and insurance law, we craft persuasive briefs and deliver compelling oral arguments. Our team has secured favorable results at both intermediate and Supreme Court levels for individuals and corporations.
Automobile Accidents
We represent victims of vehicle accidents with personalized attention to maximize compensation. Our attorneys prepare every case for trial while negotiating with insurance companies to achieve favorable settlements. With thousands of cases handled, we understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of each claim and build robust legal strategies accordingly.
Banking Law
Our banking litigation practice serves financial institutions in complex legal matters including lender liability, check fraud, and loan disputes. We represent major commercial lenders and local institutions in state and federal courts, providing expertise in lien priority determinations, interest rate agreements, and trust disputes with practical, business-focused solutions.
Construction Litigation
We resolve complex construction disputes involving defective work, delays, and contract disagreements. Our attorneys, including those with engineering backgrounds, efficiently manage multi-party lawsuits and have successfully represented clients before state and federal courts. Our combined transactional and litigation experience provides unique insights into construction project challenges.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients facing state and federal criminal charges including DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes. Our strategic approach focuses on early intervention to prevent charges or reduce penalties. With extensive trial experience, we provide aggressive representation at every stage from investigation through appeals, prioritizing clients' future and freedom.
People
Billy J. Stokes
Partner
Co-founding partner with extensive trial experience in insurance defense and commercial litigation. Active in firm leadership since its 1998 formation, focusing on complex legal disputes.
Ellis A. Sharp
President/Partner
Former shareholder at Lewis Thomason who merged practices in 1999. Specializes in insurance defense and professional liability cases with decades of litigation experience.
Jon M. Cope
Managing Partner
Founding member with leadership role since firm inception. Handles insurance defense, construction litigation, and appellate matters across state and federal courts.
Mary Jo Mann
Partner
Experienced litigator focusing on insurance defense and professional liability. Joined the firm in 1999 after practicing at Lewis Thomason, bringing specialized expertise in complex legal disputes.
Dustin E. Sharp
Partner
Skilled attorney handling personal injury, product liability, and commercial litigation. Active trial lawyer with experience in both state and federal court systems.
Questions
What areas of law does Stokes, Williams, Sharp specialize in?
We focus on insurance defense, personal injury, construction litigation, appellate work, banking law, and criminal defense across state and federal courts.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, with the firm established in its current form since 1998.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and determine the best course of action.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily East Tennessee, including Knoxville, with additional representation in state and federal courts nationwide.
What accreditations does the firm hold?
We maintain an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and are listed in U.S. News Best Lawyers Best Law Firms.
Can you handle complex litigation cases?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in complex litigation including class actions and multi-party disputes at national levels.
