John E. Owings

John E. Owings has practiced law in East Tennessee for more than 37 years, concentrating on local government law, public finance, utility law, eminent domain, and complex civil litigation.

Before joining Owings, Coleman & Coalson in 2008, John served for 18 years in the Knox County Law Department, including as Knox County Law Director from 2006 to 2008. In that role, he represented and advised Knox County and its elected officials on a wide range of matters involving governmental operations, employment law, civil rights claims, contracts, education law, and tort liability.

John has been a certified state and federal court mediator since 1995 and has extensive experience representing counties, municipalities, utility districts, school systems, and public boards throughout Tennessee. His public finance practice includes serving as bond counsel and legal advisor on major public infrastructure, utility, and educational facility projects.

Throughout his career, John has argued cases before the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Tennessee Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He has been counsel of record in numerous published appellate decisions, including Helton v. Knox County, a leading Tennessee governmental tort liability case.

John is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized in the “Red Book” as bond counsel. He serves as general counsel, county attorney, or city attorney for numerous governmental entities across East Tennessee.