Overview
Rocky King practices primarily in the area of civil litigation, where his work extends to the following:
- Worker’s Compensation
- Insurance Defense
- Products Liability
- • Personal Injury
Most of Rocky’s present practice is concentrated in Workers’ Compensation defense, where he has particular experience in the manufacturing and transportation industry.
Some interesting cases Rocky has been involved in include the following:
⦁ Perez vs. J&J Tovar Construction and Homestead Construction and Supply Co., Inc. et al, Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims Appeals Board, docket number 2022-03-0563 (Tenn. WC. App. December 4, 2023) decided by Justice Timothy Conner
⦁ Johnson & Associates, LLC, et al v. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. et al, No. E2016 -02469-COA-R3-CV (Tenn. App. July 27, 2018) decided by Justice John McClarty
⦁ Nancy and Jeff Polakiewicz as next friends and guardian of Joseph R. Polakiewicz vs. Tennessee Collision Repair, Inc. (Blount Circuit Court Docket No.: L-17655 – Defense Verdict/Judgment entered November 18, 2016 on this 3-week jury trial in Blount County Circuit Court for the defective repair enhancement claim for severely injured driver).
• James H. Harness v. Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC, et. al., No. E2006-00194-COA-R3-CV (Tenn. App. January 3, 2007)
• Megan Arnold, et. al., v. Charles Arnold, et. al., No. E2001-00596-COA-R3-CV (Tenn. App. February 7, 2002) decided by Justice Houston Goddard.
• Keith Johnson, et. ux., et. al., v. Fortunes Untold, Inc. d/b/a Easy Money Pawn Shop, et. al., No. 03A01-9710-CV-00464, 1998 WL 379186, at *1 (Tenn. App. July 8, 1998)
• John R. Kreis, Inc. and National American Insurance Company vs. Janet Elizabeth Arons, et. al., Tenn. Supreme Court No. 03-S01-9701-CH-00058 decided September 30, 1997 by Justice E. Riley Anderson
• Johnny Ownby vs. National American Insurance Company Tenn. Supreme Court No. 03S01-9604-CV-0037 decided December 19, 1996 by Justice E. Riley Anderson
As an attorney for the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, Rocky was a founding member of the Coalition of Food Industry Defense Counsel (COFIC), a group that defends and promotes the food industry interests at both manufacturing and retail levels. He has worked closely with such industry leaders as Bush Brothers, Inc., Campbell Soup, Dole, Gerber, Heinz, Hormel, Kraft, Quaker Oats, and Star Kist.
Rocky became board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an American Bar Association accredited organization, in December 1995, and by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization in February 1996.
Rocky became President of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association in 2019 and was a member of the Board of Directors for many years prior to being nominated to be President of the statewide organization.
Before attending law school, he was a trainer with the University of Tennessee Athletic Department from 1977-1982, having worked under Coach Johnny Majors, Coach Ray Bussard, Coach Grey Simmons, Coach Stan Huntsman. Rocky is a member of the University of Tennessee’s Letterman “T-Club.” Rocky was an authorized sports agent for the players’ associations of the NFL, NBA, and MLB for several years thereafter.
Rocky enjoys an “AV” rating, as voted by his peers, in the national Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, Trucking Industry Defense Association, Transportation Lawyers Association, and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International.
Rocky has served on the Board of Directors of The AD Foundation, and as the Director of the Kiwanis Club of Knoxville Inc.’s Fresh Air Camp, a camp for underprivileged children, and on the Board of Directors at West End Academy and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Knoxville, Inc.
Rocky served as Assistant Cub Scout Pack Leader for Pack 141 from 2005-2007.
Rocky has been a member of Concord United Methodist Church since 1982 and has been the Confirmation Teacher since 2009.
Areas of Practice
Litigation: Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense and Coverage Matters, Personal Injury Litigation
Business Law
Education
J.D., University of Tennessee, 1985
B.A. Public Administration, University of Tennessee, 1981
Admissions
Tennessee, 1985
U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court for Middle District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court for Western District of Tennessee
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit;
U.S. Supreme Court
Distinctions
President of Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association, 2018-2019.
Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for many years.
Board certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1995.
Board certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy
Recognized Civil Trial Specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specailization since 1995.
Chosen member of The American College of Board Certified Attorneys in June, 2013.
Founding Member, Coalition of Food Industry Defense Counsel
Knox County General Sessions Special Judge, Pro Temp
Chairman, National Legislative Interest Committee, 1982-85
Graduate Student Council, 1982-85