Edward J. McKenney, Jr.

Edward J. McKenney, Jr.

Memphis, TN recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007
Harris Shelton PLLC

32 Best Lawyers awards

Harris Shelton PLLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management Litigation - Municipal Municipal Law

Biography

Edward J. McKenney, Jr. is an attorney with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee. He has decades of experience representing public and private clients in civil litigation in both state and federal courts. His practice focuses on municipal law, employment law defense, education law, business litigation, personal injury matters, and contract disputes. His recognized practice areas include Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Municipal, and Municipal Law.

Mr. McKenney has been with Harris Shelton since 1979. Before joining the firm, he served as a staff attorney with Memphis Area Legal Services, where he gained early courtroom and client advocacy experience. Over the course of his career, he has handled a wide range of matters involving local government operations, employment issues, and complex civil disputes.

In addition to his work in private practice, Mr. McKenney serves as the City Attorney for Bartlett and represents several municipalities throughout West Tennessee. His work with local governments includes advising on regulatory compliance, employment matters, litigation, and general municipal operations.

A Memphis native, Mr. McKenney has maintained longstanding involvement in community and civic organizations. He was the charter president of the Northeast Shelby County Rotary Club and has served on the board of directors for the American Heart Association Memphis Branch, United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South, the Northeast Community Mental Health Center, and the Memphis Jaycees.

Harris Shelton PLLC

32 Best Lawyers awards

Harris Shelton PLLC logo

Overview

  • University of Memphis, B.B.A., graduated 1974
  • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., graduated 1976

  • Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association, 1977

  • Tennessee Bar Association - Past Chairman of the Employment Law Section
  • Advisory Board for the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) - Member
  • Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association - Past President; still serves on the Executive Committee
  • Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association - Fellow

  • United States Supreme Court, 1984
  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1980
  • S. Federal Court, 1977
  • Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association, 1977
  • Tennessee Bar Association - Past Chairman of the Employment Law Section
  • Advisory Board for the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) - Member
  • Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association - Past President; still serves on the Executive Committee
  • Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association - Fellow
  • University of Memphis, B.B.A., graduated 1974
  • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., graduated 1976
  • United States Supreme Court, 1984
  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1980
  • S. Federal Court, 1977

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Litigation - Municipal Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2014 - Municipal Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Municipal Law, Memphis (2022)
  • Employment Law - Management, Memphis (2018)
  • Litigation - Municipal, Memphis (2017)
  • Municipal Law, Memphis (2014)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Litigation - Municipal
  • Municipal Law
Special Focus:
  • Management
Awards:
  • Memphis Employment Law – Management Lawyer of the Year, 2018

  • Memphis Municipal Law – Lawyer of the Year, 2014

  • Martindale Hubbell rating AV Preeminent

Additional Information

  • Civic and Community Involvement
  • Charter President of the Northeast Shelby County Rotary Club
  • Former member of the board of directors for the American Heart Association Memphis Branch
  • United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South
  • Northeast Community Mental Health Center
  • Memphis Jaycees
  • Publicity
  • Death and Dying in Tennessee, The University of Memphis Law Review, 1978
  • Developments in the Doctrine of Equitable Restraint, The University of Memphis LawReview, Vol. 12, p. 385

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