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Biography
A respected figure in family law since 1987, John Hollins Jr. is the son of legendary divorce attorney John J. Hollins Sr. and has established himself as one of Tennessee’s foremost divorce lawyers.
His extensive knowledge and proven effectiveness in navigating high-stakes and complex divorce cases have made him a trusted advocate for clients across diverse professions. John has successfully represented prominent doctors, dentists, lawyers, judges, professional athletes, musicians, entertainment industry professionals, financial advisors, property developers, CEOs, and business owners. His expertise extends to high-asset divorces, where his strategic approach minimizes conflict while achieving favorable outcomes. If mediation proves unsuccessful, he is a highly experienced litigator with over 37 years of trial litigation in divorce, civil, and criminal cases.
Recognition and Accolades
John’s exceptional work has earned him widespread acclaim:
• Named Tennessee Family Lawyer of the Year (2021 and 2023) by The Best Lawyers in America.
• Honored by Chambers and Partners for his expertise with High Net Worth clients in Tennessee (2024).
• Recognized as one of the Top 50 Lawyers in Tennessee by Mid-South Super Lawyer (2024).
• Holds the prestigious AV Preeminent peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
• Member of the elite American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 2011.
Author and Advocate
As the author of Surviving Divorce: A Lawyer’s Common Sense Guide to What You Should Know Before, During, and After a Divorce, John provides practical advice to help clients and their families navigate the divorce process with clarity and dignity. His vast experience in thousands of cases informs his empathetic approach, emphasizing resolution over conflict.
Community Leadership
Beyond his legal practice, John is deeply committed to giving back. He serves as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Nashville and has been a dedicated participant in annual mission trips to Mandeville, Jamaica since 2012, supporting the church’s dental practice.
Personal Life
John has been happily married to Laura since 1997. Together, they cherish time with their twin daughters and a Boykin Spaniel dog. The family shares a love for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting, and clay target shooting, and they are avid supporters of the Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Tennessee Titans, and Nashville Predators.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Chairman of Tennessee U.S. Senator Fred Thompson’s Celebrity Shoot which benefited various 501(c)(3) charities (1995–2000)
Staff volunteer and fundraiser for election campaign of Tennessee U.S. Senator Fred D. Thompson, 1994 and 1996
Board member of Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (1997–2000)
Member of the Tennessee Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (1995–Present)
Member of Delta WaterFowl (2000–Present)
Board member and 2003 honoree of the Iron Man charity fund raiser benefiting various 501(c)(3) charities (2000–2003)
Deacon, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee (2008–present)
Habitat for Humanity home building projects (2010 – Present)
Downtown Presbyterian Church homeless lunch program (2011 – 2016)
Chairman Delta Water Fowl Sporting Clay Tournament (2012 – Present)
Tornado and Flood disaster relief in Huntsville, AL and Nashville, TN (2010)
Education
• D., University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1987
• A., Auburn University, 1984
Experience
JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
• United States Supreme Court
• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
• Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee
APPELLATE CASES
• Doe 1 ex rel. Doe 1 v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville,154 S.W.3d 22 (Tenn.2005)(outrageous conduct claims against the Roman Catholic Diocese stemming from Catholic priest sexual molestation of adolescent boys).
• Biscan v. Brown, 160 S.W.3d 462 (Tenn. 2004) (adult host had duty to exercise reasonable care to protect minor guests and third persons from risks associated with drinking and driving and established the parameters of the Tennessee Dram Shop Act as it applies to social hosts).
• Solima v. Solima, No. M2008-00528-COA-R3-CV, 2008 WL 4963528 (Tenn.Ct.App. Oct. 17, 2008) (criminal contempt conviction for failure to abide by Parenting Plan Order).
• Berg v. Berg, No. M2013-00211-COA-R3-CV, 2014 WL 2931954 (Tenn.Ct.App. Feb. 19, 2014) (appeal from a final divorce decree wherein Wife took issue with several of the trial court’s financial decisions).
PROFESSIONAL LISTINGS
• Best Lawyers in America in the field of Domestic Relations (2003 – Present)
• Martindale–Hubbell (Highest Rating: AV) (2000 – Present)
• Fellow in American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2011 – Present)
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
• Hearing Panel Member: Board of Professional Responsibility, Supreme Court of Tennessee (2000–2002)
• Board Member: Board of Professional Responsibility, Supreme Court of Tennessee (2003 – 2008)
• Board Member, Tennessee Clay Target Complex (2001 – Present)
• John Marshall American Inns of Court, Williamson County, Master (1998 – 2006; 2018 – Present)
BAR AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Lawyer of the Year – Family Law, “The Best Lawyers in America” (2021)
• Ten Best Family Law Attorneys, “American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2020)
• Listing in “The Best Lawyers in America” in the field of Family Law (2003 – 2023)
• Listing in “The Mid–South Super Lawyers” Family Law Section (2008–present)
• Listing in “The Mid-South Super Lawyers” Top 100 Tennessee (2019)
• Listing in Nashville Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar” Family Law category (2018 – Present)
• Member of the Nashville Bar Foundation (2003–present)
• Barrister of the Tennessee John Marshal American Inn of Court, Williamson County, TN (1998)
• Nashville Bar Association (1987–present)
• Tennessee Bar Association (1987–present)
• American Bar Association (1987–present)
• Tennessee Association for Justice (1987–present)
Continuing Legal Education Presentations and Speaking Engagements
• 2015 Tennessee Association for Justice CLE Presentation on “Rainmaking 101”
• 2014 Tennessee Association for Justice CLE Presentation on “Rainmaking 101”
• 2013 Tennessee Attorney’s Memo CLE Presentation on “How to Prepare Your Client for Depositions”
• 2012 Tennessee Association for Justice CLE Presentation on “How to Prepare Your Client for Depositions”
• 2011 Tennessee Attorney’s Memo CLE Presentation on “How to Identify and Avoid Unprofitable Family Law Cases”
• 2011 Tennessee Association for Justice CLE Presentation on “How to Mentally Prepare Your Client for Divorce”
• 2010 Tennessee Association for Justice CLE Seminar on “How to Identify and Avoid Unprofitable Family Law Cases”
Insights
John Hollins Jr.
John Hollins Jr.
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