Shelley Suzanne Breeding - Adoption profile photo

Shelley Suzanne Breeding

Breeding Carter, PC • Knoxville, TN
Adoption

Is this your profile?

Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.

Claim Profile →

Contact

Email
Phone
(865) 999-0142
Address
800 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37929, US

Professional

About

Shelley Suzanne Breeding is a distinguished attorney based in Knoxville, TN, specializing in family law, business law, and civil litigation. With extensive experience in managing high-stakes divorce and business disputes in both state and federal courts, she has successfully argued numerous cases before the Tennessee Court of Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court. As the founding attorney of Breeding Carter, PC, Shelley provides comprehensive legal services to individuals and corporations alike. Her business law practice encompasses the entire spectrum, from corporate formation and contract drafting to litigation support. In family law, Shelley excels in complex divorce cases and adoption proceedings, often collaborating with expert witnesses for business valuations and psychological evaluations in child custody matters. Shelley’s trial experience is extensive, having conducted both jury and bench trials throughout East Tennessee. She adeptly navigates all phases of litigation, including case filing, discovery, depositions, and appeals. Known for her meticulous preparation, Shelley has taken dozens of expert witness depositions and is proficient in pre-trial motions and procedures in state and federal courts. Her reputation as lead counsel in hundreds of cases underscores her commitment to client advocacy. Additionally, Shelley is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 mediator, offering her clients alternative dispute resolution options through mediation and collaborative divorce processes. These approaches allow for creative solutions outside of traditional litigation, prioritizing the best interests of families. Recognized by her peers as a "Top Attorney" and featured in Cityview Magazine for her work in adoption and family law, Shelley is also an active speaker and lecturer. She has contributed to continuing legal education through the National Business Institute and the Knoxville Bar Association, and has taught at the University of Tennessee College of Law and Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. A Lebanon, Virginia native, Shelley earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, where she was a Whittle Scholar. She later obtained her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law, complemented by international study experiences in England, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. Before founding her firm in 2008, she contributed to public health initiatives at the CDC in Atlanta. Outside of her legal practice, Shelley enjoys family life with her husband, two sons, a rescued English Mastiff, and a beloved cat.

About Adoption Law

Adoption attorneys guide families through the legal process of adopting a child. They handle all legal requirements to create new family bonds. Common matters include domestic adoption, international adoption, stepparent adoption, foster care adoption.

Find more adoption attorneys →

Credentials

Education
2005 UNIV TN JD - Juris Doctor 2002 University of Tennessee BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
Japanese

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2016 Adoption and Family Law/Divorce/Child Support, City View Magazine Top Attorneys 2016 2015 Adoption and Family Law/Divorce/Child Support, Cityview Magazine Top Attorneys 2015 2014 Adoption and Family Law/Divorce/Child Support, CityView Magazine 2014 Top Attorneys 2013 Adoption and Family Law/Divorce/Child Support, Cityview Magazine 2013 Top Attorneys 2012 Adoption and Family Law/Divorce/Child Support, Cityview Magazine 2012 Top Attorneys
Publications
2012 National Business Institute Seminar Family Law from Start to Finish 2011 National Business Institute CLE Seminar Family Law from A to Z: Child Custody and Visitation 2011 National Business Institute CLE Seminar Family Law from A to Z: Finance 101 for Family Law Practitioners 2010 National Business Institute: Preventing Financial Mistakes During Divorce Failure to Properly Manage Personal Affairs After a Divorce 2001 The Hiragana Times (Japan) Japan's Health Care System: The Rise and Fall of a Once Great System
Associations
2010 - Present TN Supreme Court Rule 31 Family Mediator Mediator 2010 - Present Knox County Foster Care Review Board Volunteer 2010 - Present Tennessee Valley Mediation Association Member 2007 - Present TN Supreme Court Rule 31 Civil Mediator Mediator 2006 - Present Knoxville Bar Association Member
Speaking
2014 Rule 31 Mediation Training Family Law in Tennessee 2012 National Business Institute CLE Seminar Family Law from Start to Finish 2012 KBA Annual Law Day Celebration Status of the Legal Profession 2012 KBA Annual Ethics Bowl Legal Ethics 2011 National Business Institute CLE Seminar Family Law from A to Z
Updated: Apr 03, 2026