Akiah Highsmith Lawyer Reviews & Ratings - Johnson City

After a successful tenure in criminal prosecution, Akiah joined Herndon, Coleman, Brading & McKee in November, 2021. He grew up on a farm in a rural part of Hawkins County. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University, he graduated with honors from Appalachian School of Law.. His legal career started in general practice working with the now Chancellor Douglas Jenkins in 2013. He then accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney for the Third Judicial District, where he worked for seven years. While at the District Attorney’s Office, Akiah was promoted to Lead Assistant for the Hawkins and Hancock County offices and handled a diverse caseload ranging from First Degree Murder and other serious felonies to misdemeanor assaults and DUIs. He has handled thousands of cases and has extensive experience in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. He has also served as a Board member for Hawkins County Recovery Court and Chaired the Elder Abuse Task Force for the Third Judicial District. Akiah was also selected as a member of the Business Journal's 2021 class of 40 Under Forty.. In his free time, Akiah enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, hiking and enjoying the outdoors, and is an avid ETSU Bucs and Tennessee Vols sports fan.. Akiah’s practice is focused on civil litigation, criminal defense, estate planning and probate.