Brad C. Burnette

Trial Attorney | Partner

“I love being a trial lawyer, and I’m proud of the work we do at this firm. We fight for people seeking justice after they’ve been harmed. Insurance companies and corporations have teams protecting their interests. We’re here to help level the playing field for everyone else.”
— Brad Burnette

Professional Background

Brad Burnette is a dedicated trial lawyer who brings both passion and experience to every case he handles. A proud graduate of Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee, Brad went on to earn his degree in political science with a minor in legal studies from East Tennessee State University. He completed his legal education at the University of Memphis School of Law, graduating with honors in 2005.

Brad began his legal career as an associate at one of Tennessee’s most respected civil defense firms, where he represented employers, insurance carriers, and businesses in a wide range of cases including workers’ compensation, slip-and-falls, auto accidents, and construction disputes. Hired almost exclusively by insurance companies, Brad gained deep insight into how they evaluate and manage claims, knowledge that now gives him a strategic advantage.

In 2014, Brad made the intentional move from defense work to plaintiff representation, joining what was then known as Fox & Farley. Since then, he has focused on advocating for individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries or losses. Brad is a proud trial lawyer. He prepares cases with the expectation of going to court, because insurance companies don’t make fair settlement offers unless they know he’s willing to try the case. His motto is “Pray for Peace but Prepare for Trial.” His presence in a courtroom is only necessary with insurance companies refuse to take full responsibility for the harm caused by their insureds. Without exception, his trial adversaries are lawyers hired by insurance companies.

Brad is honored every time a client trusts him to take their case. He views that responsibility as a privilege and takes pride in helping clients seek justice when they need it most.

Professional Affiliations & Leadership

• Board of Governors, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association (since 2015)
• Member: Tennessee, Knoxville, and Anderson County Bar Associations
• Member: Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court
• Non-Voting Member: Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council

Experience & Recognition

• Named one of the Top 10 Lawyers Under 40 (2016) – National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
• Named one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Tennessee (2017)– American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
• Graduate & Master’s Program, Keenan Trial Institute – Advanced trial techniques focused on injury law
• 10.0 Rating on Avvo – Based on peer reviews and client satisfaction
• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell – The highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability
• Regularly voted among the Top Attorneys in Knoxville by CityView Magazine

Community Involvement

Giving back has always been important to Brad. He began volunteering at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center at age 12 and continues to serve his community today. Since 2013, he has mentored at-risk youth through Amachi of Knoxville, a faith-based program that pairs mentors with children whose parents are incarcerated—a cause that is deeply personal to him.

Personal Life

Originally from New Orleans, Brad relocated to East Tennessee in 1990 and has proudly called it home ever since. He lives in Knoxville with his wife, a high school teacher, and their three children. Their household also includes two French bulldogs and a hamster, which he insists was not his idea.

When he’s not in the courtroom, Brad is all-in on family life. His sons play baseball, and his daughter is active in cheerleading and gymnastics. He rarely misses a game or event and finds his greatest joy in watching his kids compete and grow.

Brad is also an avid backcountry hiker and mountain biker who spends much of his free time exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby state parks. He is a strong advocate for preserving public lands and trail systems across Tennessee.