Joseph E. Costner

Joseph E. Costner is a Maryville trial attorney whose practice includes criminal defense, civil litigation, and personal injury matters. Joe represents clients at trial and appellate levels in state and federal criminal cases, including serious and complex prosecutions. His civil practice includes litigation involving government agencies and individuals, and he has represented attorneys and health care professionals in civil, criminal, and administrative matters requiring experienced courtroom advocacy.

Joe earned a B.S. in Political Science from Maryville College and a J.D. from Memphis State University School of Law. He graduated from law school in 1978 and entered a career focused on trial practice. His education in political science and law supports work involving constitutional issues, government action, criminal procedure, evidence, and civil disputes, while decades of courtroom experience provide practical context for evaluating difficult factual and legal problems.

Joe handles criminal law, DUI and DWI, litigation and appeals, personal injury, products liability, workers compensation, wrongful death, medical malpractice, civil rights, and serious criminal charges. His practice reaches homicide, drug offenses, fraud, money laundering, theft, white collar crimes, and other complex matters. He represents clients in Tennessee and federal courts, combining trial strategy with appellate experience when disputes continue beyond the initial proceeding.

Joseph E. Costner is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He belongs to criminal defense, trial lawyer, and local bar organizations and serves on the Helen Ross McNabb Center Board of Directors. His practice reflects decades of trial work, federal and state court experience, and a sustained focus on representing clients in serious criminal and civil litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Tennessee Law Group
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Present, Blount County Bar Association
• Board Member, Helen Ross McNabb Center

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• Memphis State University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Maryville College
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges