Cheryl Gilley Rice

Rice, Cheryl Gilley

Cheryl Gilley Rice

Shareholder

Cheryl is a litigator with over three decades of experience representing clients in complex civil matters in both state and federal courts and in arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. She represents individuals as well as businesses of all sizes in a wide range of matters, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, interference with contracts and business relationships, fraud, governance disputes, business “divorces,” misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of restrictive employment covenants, banking disputes, creditor’s rights, and real estate disputes. She also provides outside general counsel service to several businesses.

Cheryl enjoys helping her clients resolve issues in the courtroom and through alternative forms of dispute resolution, recognizing that litigation is not always the best route to resolution of disputes. Cheryl was a 4-year letterman and Co-Captain of the Women’s Tennis team at George Mason University. She graduated from GMU’s Scalia Law School at age 23 as the youngest member of her law school class. Cheryl joined a litigation boutique firm in Northern Virginia where she practiced until 2000 when she joined Egerton, McAfee.

In her down time, you may find her cycling, hiking, gardening, or enjoying college sports, especially basketball. She and her husband, Bill, are blessed with two lovely daughters, a fantastic son-in-law.

  • Areas of Practice

    Business Law: Bankruptcy, Employment

    Litigation: Business and Commercial Disputes, Trade Secret Litigation, Trade Practice Disputes, Banking Disputes, Estate and Trust Litigation, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Breach of Contract Actions, Personal Injury Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration

  • Education

    • J.D., George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
    • B.A., George Mason University
  • Admissions

    • Virginia
    • District of Columbia
    • Tennessee
    • U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
    • Sixth Circuit United States Court of Appeals
    • U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
    • Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
    • U.S. Supreme Court
  • Professional Activities

    • Governor’s Council for Judicial Nominations (2015-2020; Chair 2015-2017)
    • Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments (2013-14)
    • Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women (President, 2014-15; President-Elect, 2013-14, Inaugural Empowerment Conference Chair, 2015)
    • Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility (Hearing Committee Member 2012-2018)
    • Knoxville Bar Association (Board Member, 2016-2017; President, 2021; Executive Committee 2018-2022)
    • Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court (Master of the Bench; President 2022-23; Executive Committee 2018-2024)
    • Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Pro Bono Committee (2018-2025)
  • Honors & Awards

    • “AV” Rating by Martindale-Hubble
    • Fellow of the Knoxville Bar Foundation, the Tennessee Bar Foundation, and the American Bar Foundation (Lifetime)
    • ETLAW Spirit Award Recipient (2021)
    • Legal Aid of East Tennessee Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (2017)
    • CityView Magazine Top Attorney
    • Egerton, McAfee (Shareholder 2002-present; Firm President, 2023-2026)
  • Civic Activities

    • Leadership Knoxville (Class of 2017, Board Secretary 2024-2026)
    • The McNabb Center (Board Member, 2021-present; Chair-elect 2025-26)
    • Helen Ross McNabb Foundation Knoxville Challenger Steering Committee (2014-present; Co-chair 2023-2024)
    • Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation (President, 2020-2024; Board Member 2025)
    • GMU College of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Chapter (Board Member 2020-2026; President 2024-2025)
    • Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church (Sunday School leader, 2005-present)
    • Bearden High Girls’ Basketball Booster Club (President, 2018)
    • West Valley Middle School PTSO Board (2014-2015)
    • Blue Grass Elementary School PTA Board (2008-2013; Legislative Committee Chair 2011-2013)
    • YMCA Mighty Marlins (Board Member 2009-2010)