Herbert Thornbury - Chattanooga, TN
Attorney at McMahan Law Firm
Personal Injury Lawyers in Chattanooga, TN
701 Cherokee Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
53
Years
Experience
Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer
Updated: 09/21/2026
Areas of Practice
- Personal Injury
- Wrongful Death
Attorney Information
Overview
Attorney Herbert Thornbury Brings Decades of Trial Experience to Every Case
With more than 50 years of legal service, Attorney Herbert Thornbury is a respected figure in Tennessee’s legal community. He has dedicated his career to representing clients in personal injury cases, helping individuals and families recover the justice and compensation they deserve.
A Board Certified Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Mr. Thornbury brings seasoned trial experience, deep legal knowledge, and strategic clarity to every case he handles.
Mr. Thornbury began practicing law in Tennessee in 1973 and has since built a reputation for thorough preparation, compassionate advocacy, and results-driven representation. He is a military veteran and a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law.
In addition to his litigation work, Mr. Thornbury has also taught business law and remains active in numerous professional legal organizations.
His legal excellence has earned him recognition from Super Lawyers, a distinction awarded to just 5% of attorneys based on peer evaluations, professional achievements, and independent research.
Awards and Honors
Awards
Honors
- Super Lawyers, 2011 - 2015
- Super Lawyers, 2017 - 2026
- AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, 2015
- Super Lawyers, 2008
Other Sources of Feedback About Herbert Thornbury
Included on the 2026 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Mid-South Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Tennessee College of Law,
Knoxville,
Tennessee, 1973
J.D.
Non Legal Education
-
McCallie School,
Chattanooga,
Tennessee, 1963
Diploma
Honors: Board of Directors, 1988-1989; 1992-1993
Honors: President, Alumni Counsel, 1987
Honors: Alumni Counsel, 2000-2008 -
University of Tennessee,
Chattanooga,
Tennessee, 1968
A.B.
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- State of Tennessee Municipal Court, Town of Walden, Municipal Court Judge, 1990 - 2008
- United States Army, 1968 - 1976
- Town of Walden, Judge, 1992 - 2024
- Herbert Thornbury, Attorney, 1973 - Present
Languages
-
English
Classes and Seminars
-
Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Speaker on Workers’ Compensation and Subrogation
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National Business Institute, Speaker on Workers’ Compensation
-
Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association, Speaker on Workers’ Compensation and Liability
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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Adjunct Professor, Business Law
- American Institute of Banking, Adjunct Professor, Business Law
Pro Bono Activities
- Multiple Sclerosis Society, Board of Directors
- National Medical of Honor Heritage Center, Secretary, Board of Directors
Representative Cases
-
Waters v Liberty Mutual Ins. Co.
-
Porreca v Chili's Inc.
-
Petitt v Associated General Contractors
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Underwood v Robinson Manufacturing
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Teeters v Curry
Bar Admissions
- Tennessee, 1973
Specialties and Certifications
- Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy, 1995-2025
- Rule 31 General Civil Listed Mediator, Tennessee Supreme Court
- Certified Civil Trial Specialist, Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization, 1998
Other Affiliations
- Chattanooga Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association (Member, Board of Governors)
- Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, 1980 - 1996 (Member, Board of Governors)
- American Association for Justice
- Tennessee Delegate to The Democratic National Convention 2020
- Appointment by the Tennessee Supreme Court as a trial hearing officer of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, 2 terms, 8 years
- Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association (President), 1992 - 1993
- Tennessee Association for Justice, 1991 - 1992 (Chairman)
- Tennessee Association for Justice (Board of Governors), 1980 - 1996
Photo
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