Freeman & Fuson

Origins and team structure

Mark T. Freeman and Joseph W. Fuson founded the Nashville firm in 2009. The website describes both founders as trial attorneys and identifies each as a founding partner. The firm began with two lawyers and now lists a six-attorney team.

Carolanne R. King is a partner. Marissa Knight, Katherine Parkinson and Nickolas I. Schulenberg are associate attorneys. This structure gives the firm two founding partners, another partner and three associates.

The website says Freeman & Fuson represents clients across Tennessee. Its stated work spans criminal defense, family law, personal injury and civil litigation. In my opinion, the named attorney roles make the team structure easy to understand.

Criminal defense across several charge types

The firm's criminal defense work includes DUI, drug charges, assault and domestic assault. It also covers property crimes, white collar charges, juvenile defense and traffic matters. These categories include cases that can differ greatly in procedure and possible consequences.

How criminal cases generally proceed

A criminal case often begins after an arrest, citation or formal charge. Prosecutors then review reports and other evidence, while defense counsel examines the charge and the events behind it. Courts may hold an initial appearance, bond hearing, preliminary hearing or arraignment, depending on the case and court.

Defense work can involve police reports, video, photographs, witness accounts, test results and electronic records. A DUI matter may involve a traffic stop, field sobriety exercises or chemical testing. A drug case may turn on a search, possession evidence or the identity and amount of a substance.

Assault and domestic assault cases can involve competing accounts of a confrontation. Courts may also address release conditions or an order of protection in matters involving family or household members. Juvenile cases follow procedures that account for the age of the accused and the role of the juvenile court.

Decisions before trial

Criminal cases may include motions about searches, statements or the use of evidence. Prosecutors and defense counsel may discuss a negotiated resolution, while the client decides whether to accept an agreement or continue toward trial. If a case reaches trial, a judge or jury considers the proof under the rules that apply to the charge.

The firm's list of criminal matters shows experience with both common charges and more involved allegations. Traffic matters and white collar charges occupy different parts of the criminal system. Their presence on the same practice list gives prospective clients a clear view of the subject areas Freeman & Fuson handles.

Family law and changing household arrangements

Freeman & Fuson lists divorce, child custody and orders of protection among its family law services. The firm also handles post-divorce matters, grandparents' rights and parental relocation. These cases often require courts to apply legal standards to personal facts and current family needs.

Divorce and custody procedure

A divorce usually begins when one spouse files a complaint and provides formal notice to the other spouse. The parties may exchange financial records and information about property, debt, income and household expenses. They can resolve issues by agreement, or a judge can decide disputed questions after a hearing or trial.

Child custody cases often address parenting time, decision-making authority and the child's living arrangements. Parents may submit proposed parenting plans and evidence about the child's needs. A court applies Tennessee law and enters an order that governs the parents' responsibilities.

Post-divorce work arises when former spouses seek enforcement or a change to an existing order. A parental relocation request may require notice, a response and a court decision under the governing legal standards. Grandparents' rights involve their own statutory questions and family history.

Orders of protection

An order of protection case can move on a short schedule. One party may request temporary relief, and the court can set a hearing where each side presents evidence. Related domestic assault charges may proceed in criminal court under a separate case and set of rules.

The firm's mix of divorce, custody and protective-order work covers several points when families seek court guidance. Its inclusion of post-divorce and relocation matters also shows that the family practice continues into disputes that arise after an earlier order.

Personal injury matters tied to accidents and loss

The personal injury practice includes car, motorcycle, tractor-trailer and ATV accidents. Freeman & Fuson also lists workplace accidents and wrongful death. The range covers collisions involving different vehicles as well as injuries connected to employment.

Evidence and claim development

An injury claim commonly begins with an inquiry into how the event occurred and who may bear legal responsibility. Relevant material can include crash reports, photographs, video, witness statements and medical records. Vehicle damage, treatment history and employment records may also affect the evaluation of a claim.

Car and motorcycle cases can raise questions about speed, right of way, visibility and driver conduct. Tractor-trailer cases may involve a commercial driver, a motor carrier and records connected to the vehicle or trip. ATV accidents can present questions about the location, operation and condition of the vehicle.

Workplace accidents may involve workers' compensation rules or claims against another responsible party, depending on the facts. Wrongful death cases concern a fatal injury and the claims that Tennessee law permits eligible parties to pursue. Courts and insurers examine liability, causation and legally recognized losses in these matters.

Resolution and court proceedings

Claimants may present supporting records to an insurer and discuss settlement. If the parties cannot agree, a claimant may file a civil lawsuit within the applicable time limit. The litigation can include written discovery, document requests, depositions, motions and trial preparation.

The website identifies the accident types the firm accepts without attaching settlement figures or case-result claims. As a reviewer, that direct practice list is useful because it lets readers compare their matter with the firm's stated work.

Civil disputes involving contracts, property and business

The firm's civil litigation list reaches several kinds of commercial and individual disputes. It includes breach of contract, business disputes, real estate disputes, landlord and tenant conflicts and construction issues. The firm also handles probate litigation, insurance litigation, consumer protection claims, equal pay disputes and non-compete agreements.

Contract and property cases

A breach-of-contract case usually requires the parties to identify the agreement, the duties it created and the conduct that caused the dispute. Written contracts, amendments, invoices, correspondence and payment records can shape the issues. A court may consider whether a valid agreement existed, whether a party breached it and what remedy the law permits.

Real estate and construction disputes may depend on deeds, leases, plans, contracts, inspection records or communications about the work. Landlord and tenant conflicts can concern possession, rent, property condition or lease duties. Each category has its own deadlines and procedural requirements.

Business, probate and consumer disputes

Business disputes can involve ownership, payment obligations or the terms of a commercial relationship. Non-compete matters call for close reading of the agreement and Tennessee law. Equal pay and consumer protection claims depend on the governing statutes and the facts supported by records.

Probate litigation can arise when interested parties dispute an estate, a will or the conduct connected to estate administration. Insurance litigation may concern coverage, policy language or the handling of a claim. These matters often require document review and focused court filings before the parties reach a hearing or trial.

Service across Middle Tennessee

The firm is based in Nashville and lists a Franklin satellite office available by appointment. Its website identifies Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties among the service areas. It also states that the firm represents clients across Tennessee.

Freeman & Fuson's published record presents a firm founded by two trial attorneys with six lawyers in named roles. Its work covers criminal charges, family disputes, injury claims and a varied civil docket. The website places the firm's founding in 2009 and identifies Mark T. Freeman and Joseph W. Fuson as its founders.