About Us
Profile
Fifteen years of legal experience as an Attorney and Judge. Expert in Criminal and Civil law, Mediation, Program Development, and Staff Supervision.
Highlights
Strong analytical thinker and the ability to conduct legal research on novel as well as mundane legal issues.
Diplomacy and the ability to work as part of a team with various types of people.
Ability to work under strict time schedules and great amounts of stress.
Reputation for fairness, impartially, consistency and confidentially in the judicial setting.
Professional Experience
Attorney - Private Practice • Nashville, TN, 2008 - Present
Responsible to clients in various matters, including bankruptcy, criminal matters, and family law.
Bankruptcy cases include Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Criminal cases range from General Sessions Court to post-conviction hearings.
Tenncare • Nashville, TN, 2000 – 2008
Level 4 Attorney-
Responsible for making sound legal decisions to determine whether patients will receive specific types of medical and/or behavioral care.
Provide attorney services for the State at contested hearings.
Provide written response to policy questions that arise within the hearing and appeals process. Serve as liaison with external agencies during review/audit process.
Direct, manage, and coordinate special projects and complete such projects according to designated timeframes.
Town of Smyrna • Smyrna, Tennessee 1993 - 2006
Municipal Judge with General Sessions Powers
Served as Smyrna's first elected judge.
Adjudicated criminal misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, municipal code violations, and mediations between parties.
Developed the Domestic Violence Resolution Program, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, Financial Responsibility Program, and Traffic Safety Program.
Education
Juris Doctorate, Nashville School of Law • Nashville, TN, 1989 (Licensed to practice law, 1989)
Bachelor of Arts, Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN, 1980
Special Skills
Certified Trial Specialist with the National Judges College.
Rule 31 Listed Mediator in Civil and Family Law - Approved by the TN Supreme Court, 1994.
Personal Interests
Wilderness Hiking and Camping.
U.S Civil War (Member Civil War Preservation Trust since 2003).
Representing Clients In The Following Cities:
Nashville | Gallatin | Murfreesboro | Franklin | Lebanon
Chris CoatsAttorney at Law
2300 21st Ave. S
Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-292-2226
Fax: 615-385-2757
