Julia Spannaus has worked extensively in many areas of family law and family-based immigration. She also serves foster and adoptive families with their unique needs as they interact with state agencies.
Julia previously represented child welfare agencies in the State of Tennessee and the City of New York, and has worked as a solo attorney since 2012. She regularly works in Knox, Loudon and Blount counties, and will also travel to other East Tennessee counties as needed for your case.
Julia maintains a small pro bono case load and sometimes offers a sliding fee scale, on a limited basis, for clients with documented limited resources. She maintains a commitment to public service and will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact Julia Spannaus now, at (865) 984-1923, to set up a consultation.
Speaking Engagements and Publications
March, 2024; Contributed to Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law, 8th Edition, pp. 663-666 “Special Immigrant Juvenile Status”
August, 2023; Presenter, Blount County Bar Association, Adoption Law Updates for 2023
May, 2019; Presenter, Tennessee Clerk of Courts Conference hosted by the Administrative Office of the Courts: Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption for Tennessee Court Clerks
August, 2016; Presenter, Highlights of the New Tennessee Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Knoxville Bar Association CLE
September, 2015; Author, Naming Names, DICTA Magazine, Knoxville Bar Association
July, 2015; Presenter, Bristol Bar Association, Family Court Aspects of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
November, 2014 and April 2015; Presenter, Legal Topics, Blount County After School Program at Fairview Friends
October, 2014; Presenter, ABCs of Representing Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, University of Tennessee College of Law Symposium
May, 2014; Author, Technology for Lawyers, Word Processor Alternatives, DICTA Magazine, Knoxville Bar Association
April, 2014; Co-Author, Technology for Lawyers, Internet-Based Fax Services, DICTA Magazine, Knoxville Bar Association
October 4, 2013; Panel Moderator, “Ripples in the Pond, Spotting the Issues that can Make a Difference – An Update for Attorneys Representing Children and Families,” presented by the Knoxville Bar Association Committee on Unmet Legal Needs of Children.
2006-2007; Senior Symposium Editor, Environmental Law Review, Fordham University School of Law. Symposium Topic “Environment as a Human Right”.
Legal Work Experience
2012 – Present; Family Law and Immigration Law Attorney based in Maryville, Tennessee
2011 – 2012; Regional General Counsel, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Smoky Mountain Region (Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Claiborne, Sevier, Hamblen and Jefferson Counties)
2009 – 2011; Staff Attorney, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Blount and Jefferson Counties
2007 – 2009; Staff Attorney, NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Brooklyn, New York
2007; Externship with The Door, prepared and filed Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum applications for children who were abused, neglected or abandoned in New York City and the surrounding areas.
2006 – 2007; Lincoln Center Legal Services, Family Law Clinic and International Justice Clinic, New York City
2005; Leitner Center Summer Fellowship, Research project covering the transitioning foster care system as Romania modified standards of care for admission into the European Union. Project hosted by a small NGO in Constanta, Romania.
2001; Internship, US Senate Office of Senator Bill Frist
Bar Associations, Committees and Groups
2024 – 2025 – TBA Adoption Law Section; Chair Executive Council
2023 – 2024 – TBA Adoption Law Section; Vice Chair Executive Council
2018 – Present; Founding member TBA Adoption Law Section Executive Council
2016 – 2021; NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist
2016 – 2020; Member, American Immigration Lawyer’s Association
2021 – 2024; Board Member, Haven House
2015 – 2018; Board Member, Vice President of the Board, Haven House
2013 – Present; Member, Tennessee Bar Association
2013 – 2017; Member, East Tennessee Law Association for Women (ETLAW)
2012 – Present; Member, Knoxville Bar Association (KBA)
2013 – Present; Member, KBA Committee on the Unmet Legal Needs of Children
2013; Steering Committee Member for Family Recovery Court, Knox County Juvenile Court
2013; Legal Aid of East Tennessee Pro Bono Honor Roll, Blount County
Bar Admissions and Specializations
2015 – 2020; Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist, NACC Certification
2009 – Present; Tennessee Bar, Active License
2008 – 2012; New York State Bar, 2nd Department (as Julia Smith)
Education
2007; Fordham University School of Law, JD
2002; Georgetown University, MA
2000; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, BA
Appellate Work
2019; In re Rilyn S., Loudon County Circuit Court; Termination of Parental Rights on numerous grounds against one parent, upheld on appeal;
2014; In re E.L.R., Loudon County Chancery Court; Termination of Parental Rights on grounds of abandonment by parents, upheld on appeal;