Zealous, Effective, Holistic, Client-Centered Representation.
Over 40 Years Experience.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights
Other Practice Areas
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About Mark Stephens

Mark Stephens served as the elected Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial District (Knoxville) for 29 years. He left that position on November 1, 2019 to return to private practice and to work to promote The Justice Initiative, a non-profit Mr. Stephens founded in 2015.

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The Law Office of Mark E. Stephens | Knoxville
Criminal Defense

Mr. Stephens has spent 37 of his nearly 40-year career defending people who have been charged with a crime. He has handled nearly every kind of case imaginable. He is a proven, accomplished trial lawyer who was inducted as a Fellow into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers in 2018. Mr. Stephens has tried to a jury verdict more than 75 cases, mostly homicides, or cases involving allegations of violence.

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Civil Rights

For nearly 40 years, I’ve fought for the rights of my clients and I am committed to fighting for your rights as well. Whether you’ve been a victim of police brutality, jail inmate abuse, police pursuits, or an inmate death, I am available to discuss your case with you and can assist you in making early, critical decisions.

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Memberships

ACTL
TACDL
Testimonials

Mark Stephens served as the head of the District Public Defenders Office for the 6th Judicial District since its creation over 30 years ago. Knox County and this region has been extremely fortunate to have had him serving in that capacity. Mark represented an indigent family member who is dear to me, and in my opinion, no attorney, at any price, could have worked harder or done a better job than Mark Stephens. He is very knowledgable of the law and the court system and those who work in it. Mark is personable, kind-hearted, and courteous to clients as well as their families. His abilities and expertise as a defense attorney are unquestionably superb and I highly recommend him for anyone needing representation. I will forever be grateful for him.

– Barbara Duncan

“Mark Stephens is in this line of work for the right reason. No one cares more for his client, their families and the community as a whole than he does.”

– Sharon Bitzer, Owner of The Foundry