James R. Cook, II (J.R.)

Attorney

James R. Cook, II (“J.R.”) is a board certified family trial law specialist in Tennessee, and is licensed to practice law in both State and Federal court. J.R. earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and his Juris Doctorate degree from the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia. While attending law school, J.R. served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate representing the best interest of children in child custody cases; earned extensive training in negotiation, mediation and arbitration; and completed 150+ hours of community service.

J.R. has has served as Special Master to assist the Court with complex family law work and has been recognized by numerous legal organizations for his outstanding family law accomplishments, including being named a Top 10 Family Law Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine, a Top 10 Attorney Under 40, and the Avvo Client Choice Award for more than five (5) consecutive years. J.R. practices exclusively in the area of family law and has extensive experience handling high and low asset divorces, complicated custody disputes, adoptions, and other family law related matters. He understands how stressful, intimidating and complicated family law may be; therefore, it is his goal to make sure every client receives aggressive, dependable and fair representation.

Bar Admissions

Tennessee and Federal Court

Education

Appalachian School of Law, JD
Marshall University, Psychology

Qualifications

Awards, Press, & Speaking Engagements

  • • Forty Under 40 Honoree - The Tri-Cities Business Journal, 2021

    • Best Law Firm - Times News Readers Choice Award, 2021

    • Best Law Firm - Johnson City Readers' Choice Award, 2021

    • Best Family Lawyer - Johnson City Readers' Choice Award, 2021

    • Best Law Firm - Times News Kingsport Readers’ Choice, 2020

    • Best Law Firm - Times News Kingsport Readers’ Choice, 2019

    • Top 10 Attorneys - American Jurist Institute

    • Top 10 Family Law Attorneys - The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA), 2017-2018

    • 10 Best Client Satisfaction - American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2017-2018

    • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 - American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA), 2016

    • Top 10 Family Law Attorney - Attorney and Practice Magazine

  • • Adoption Law: Start to Finish - National Business Institute

    • Advanced Custody and Support Issues - National Business Institute

    • For Better or Worse: Real Estate & Divorce - Foundation Title & Escrow

    • Divorce Litigation Tactics 2023 - National Business Institute

  • WJHL - Community Heroes: JC attorneys guide families through the adoption process. Read Article →

  • "We will forever be thankful for you, your staff, and the countless hours you spent on our case because we know you truly believed in us and our case. We wish you the best always and we truly, truly appreciate and thank you . I would also like to mention that when we first started looking for an attorney Mr. Cook was referred to us by a judge in another jurisdiction, that speaks volumes."

    — Past Client

  • "In trial, he was aggressive, thorough, and very knowledgeable. He had a clear plan, and looked very prepared for whatever my ex had to say. It was obvious he had prepared ahead of time. We were 100% successful in solidly proving our case. My custody arrangement was changed in my favor, and I couldn't be more thankful!"

    — Past Client

  • "The safety of my child appeared to be the most important item on the agenda throughout the case. He remained very professional and tactful in the courtroom, never skipping a beat, and was always a step ahead of anyone else. Nothing came as a surprise. It appears that no one cares what is right or wrong any longer in a courtroom, but I will tell you his integrity is fully intact. If it can be won, he is the one to make it happen."

    — Past Client

  • "I'm thankful for everything he did for my family, and if ever I need any assistance in the future, JR is the only lawyer I will ever hire."

    — Past Client

  • "The safety of my child appeared to be the most important item on the agenda throughout the case. He remained very professional and tactful in the courtroom, never skipping a beat, and was always a step ahead of anyone else. Nothing came as a surprise."

    – Past Client

  • "If it can be won, he is the one to make it happen."

    —Past Client