Loretta Cravens

Loretta Cravens is not the kind of lawyer who hides behind legal jargon or forgets a client’s name after the first meeting. She believes that excellent legal representation begins with trust, honesty, and a genuine human connection. Whether someone is facing a criminal charge, dealing with a difficult family issue, or navigating a complex business dispute, Loretta is committed to making clients feel seen, heard, and protected – every step of the way.

Why Clients Choose Her

Clients often say they hire Loretta because she is “real.” She shows up fully prepared, listens intently, communicates in plain English, and fights tenaciously when it matters most. Her approach is anything but one-size-fits-all. Instead, clients receive personalized, thoughtful counsel from a legal partner who is deeply committed to achieving the best possible outcome.

Loretta is known as an honest, no-nonsense advocate who genuinely cares and shows up 100% – both in and out of the courtroom.

She brings a rare blend of clarity and calm to legal chaos. That means digging into the details, demystifying legal options without the legalese, and fighting tirelessly for the results her clients need.

Experience and Recognition

• Over 20 years of courtroom, trial, and negotiation experience
• Repeatedly recognized by Cityview magazine and named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
• Holds prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale and a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO – reflecting her trusted reputation, ethical standards, and skill

Practice Areas Include:

• Criminal Defense (State & Federal – felonies and misdemeanors)
• Juvenile Defense
• White-Collar Crime, including pre-charge investigations, audits, and subpoena response
• Healthcare Law (billing, licensing, compliance)
• Business Litigation & Professional Discipline
• Civil Litigation, including Personal Injury

A Look at Her Journey

Originally from a small town on the Cumberland Plateau, Loretta graduated magna cum laude in political science from Tennessee Tech University and earned her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was recognized with the Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions. Since then, she has built her life and career in Knoxville, arguing and briefing cases throughout state and federal courts – even reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.

She is also a 2009 graduate of the National Criminal Defense College.

More than any title or accolade, what matters most to Loretta is trust. She does not just represent clients – she builds relationships. Clients stay informed, understand their options, and know that she and her team are fighting with everything they have.

Service Beyond the Courtroom

Loretta serves as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law and regularly contributes as a guest lecturer and panelist at the University of Tennessee College of Law. She is a frequent speaker, CLE presenter, and published author on topics ranging from criminal defense to leadership.

She has held leadership positions as President of the Knoxville Bar Association, Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women, and East Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women. She is a Fellow of both the American Bar Foundation and the Knoxville Bar Foundation, and a member of the Hamilton Burnett American Inns of Court. Loretta also has served on the board of directors for the Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and as co-chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law Steering Committee for three terms. Her public service includes work as a hearing officer for the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility and as a member of the City of Knoxville Beer Board.

Community Engagement

Her commitment to community runs deep. Loretta is a founding board member of Family Lifeline, a board member for Federal Defenders Services of East Tennessee and has been an active supporter of Zoo Knoxville and its Circle of Friends. She also has held roles with the Knoxville Ice Bears Booster Club – where her team spirit runs high.

When she is not working or volunteering, Loretta enjoys watching University of Tennessee sports, spending time with her spouse and dogs, reading, and pursuing her personal mission of keeping her houseplants alive.

Let’s Talk

Empathy, compassion, experience, and excellence are Loretta’s tools of the trade. She understands that legal problems can be overwhelming – but believes no one should face them alone. Her approach is clear, strategic, and rooted in care. For those feeling uncertain about the road ahead, Loretta is ready to listen, offer clarity, and stand by their side.