J. Christopher Rose joins firm as Partner

September 2022

J. Christopher Rose

The Law Firm of Hunter, Smith & Davis is pleased to announce that attorney J. Christopher Rose will be joining the firm as a Partner effective September 12, 2022. “We are extremely pleased that Chris will be continuing his career with our Firm. His practice and ours are very compatible and Chris is a great fit with our clients and existing lawyers as well as our culture. Chris and his brother Curt have practiced together for several years, and as they both contemplated their futures, a move on Chris’ part made sense for all concerned. They say timing is everything and this development is a win-win for everyone”, said Steve Darden, Managing Partner of Hunter, Smith & Davis.

Hunter, Smith & Davis was founded in Kingsport 106 years ago and serves clients throughout the region from its Kingsport and Johnson City offices. The firm offers a full range of legal services, including business, corporate and real estate, labor and employment, commercial and personal injury litigation, estate planning and administration, family law and public affairs law and policy among its major practice areas. Chris Rose is a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School and earned his undergraduate degree at Transylvania University where he engaged in intercollegiate athletics as a swimmer. Chris earned his law degree from the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia and began his legal career at West and Rose in 2009 before moving to Nashville and serving as Staff Counsel for The General. Chris returned to the firm of West and Rose in December, 2017. “A special aspect of Chris coming on-board with us is that Chris and Curt’s father, Steve Rose, was a partner with Hunter Smith in the 70s and early 80s. So, in that sense, this is a bit of a homecoming for Chris,” Darden added.

Chris Rose practices mainly in the areas of insurance defense litigation, governmental tort liability law and litigation and public affairs law. He stated “I’m excited about joining the great folks at Hunter, Smith & Davis and look forward to continuing to serve my current clients as well as becoming part of the team that serves the firm’s client base.”

Commenting on Chris becoming a partner at Hunter, Smith & Davis, Curt Rose said, “This is a great career move for my brother, Chris, and an excellent addition for Hunter, Smith & Davis. While he and I enjoyed years of practice together at West and Rose, and fulfilled our father’s dream of his two sons practicing law together, this allows each of us to pursue our future career goals. I not only support Chris in this move, but I had a hand in helping it come together.”

Chris will be primarily based in the firm’s Kingsport office at 1212 N. Eastman Road. His email address will be crose@hsdlaw.com. The main phone number is 423.378.8800.

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