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J. Matthew Bolton
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About J.
Biography
Matt joined Herndon, Coleman, Brading, & McKee in August 2006 upon his return to East Tennessee, where he was born and raised. He devotes 100% of his practice to litigation, representing individuals and businesses in a wide range of civil disputes, primarily including personal injury, premises liability, and breach of contract matters. He also manages an expansive domestic relations practice, including contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, post-divorce modifications, child support, paternity actions, and contested and uncontested adoption petitions. Matt’s other primary area of practice is criminal defense representation, both at the local state level and in the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Western District of Virginia. Matt graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, later graduating law school in 2006 with an emphasis on trial practice. Always with an eye on giving back to the community, he has served on many area boards, including the Dawn of Hope and Hands On Children’s Museum, and he is a co-founder of the Lawyers Helping People Program, which has been recognized state wide for its contributions in assisting indigent citizens in the community obtain legal help in a variety of areas, free of cost. In 2016, Matt was recognized by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys as a “Top 10 Under 40” attorney and was also named as a Mid-South Rising Star in the Super Lawyers publication the same year. He is a member in good standing of the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Washington County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, having graduated its yearly renown criminal defense trial college in March of 2016.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Family
45%
Litigation
30%
Criminal Defense
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 20 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Cox Bolton, LLP
605 E. Unaka Ave, Johnson City, TN, 37601
lawyerfirm.com/attorneys/j-matthew-bolton/J. Matthew Bolton's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
51 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 46 - 50 of 51 reviews
Posted by Melissa | October 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer imaginable.
He was amazing. He got my case completey dropped, he was very attentive to my needs, listened to me, and was on my side the entire time. I would hire him again and recommend him a thousand times over. Money well spent! I can't appreciate him enough, he got the D.A. on my side for god's sake. H...
Posted by Robert | July 22, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Mathew Bolton / Great all around attorney!
Matthew Bolton is your man!! I just got our of court with him and let me tell you my case was no easy task. But Mr. Bolton GOT IT DONE! And was the most professional and attentive person I have met. Not only did he take care of my case in a timely and orderly manner, but also was very personable and...
Posted by Kaylin | February 14, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
good criminal lawyer
Matthew represented my husband in Federal Court, he worked wonders and was so unbelievably thorough. Hire him if you need a lawyer, he was a ray of light in a very, very dark time in our life.
Posted by anonymous | February 04, 2013
Quite pleased
Matt did a great job for me. He immediately jumped to action when I hired him, and I was blown away with his responsiveness and professionalism. I was very happy when all was said and done, and i would recommend him for anybody.
Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Family
Avoid this Loser.
Didn’t fight for what was best for his female client even though she was the one that was wronged by her husband. Total disappointment! Find someone else that will put your needs first and won’t be intimidated by the other attorney.
J. Bolton
Replied last March 25, 2026I’m sorry you are dissatisfied with your experience. I am unable to address any specifics in a public forum, but what I can say is that I approach every matter by giving honest, direct advice grounded in the law and the facts and advocating accordingly. I wish you the best moving forward.
J. Matthew Bolton's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Bolton is a fantastic attorney who has gotten wonderful results for his clients for 12+ years. I highly recommend his services."
"I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Bolton as opposing counsel in a complex real estate civil dispute. At all times, I have found Mr. Bolton to be a thoroughly-prepared and exceptionally effective advocate on behalf of his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney within his areas of practice."
"I worked with Attorney Bolton on several family matters. He was always responsive to calls and emails, which helps resolve a matter quickly for the clients. His frankness is refreshing and appreciated. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I attending law school with Matt. He is a phenomenal, hardworking attorney and I've only heard great things about him in his practice. I highly endorse Matt."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Bolton is a hard working attorney who zealously defends individuals charged with crimes. I have seen firsthand Mr. Bolton's work result in very favorable outcomes for his clients. I recommend Mr. Bolton if you have a criminal case in the Tri-Cities or in Federal Court."
"Matt Bolton is a dedicated advocate for his clients. His ability to think outside the box has lead to great results for clients in many different types of cases. I would recommend Matt for representation especially in complex issues involving specific areas of the law."
"John is a great Attorney for his clients!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Charles Schierer
Federal crime lawyer
Joshua Kesling
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Partner, Herndon, Coleman, Brading and Mckee, LLP
Associations
2006 - Present
Washington County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Tennessee Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2006 - Present
American Bar Association, Domestic Relations SectionMember
2006 - Present
American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Civil Litigation CommitteeMember
2006 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
Tennessee Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - 2011
Washington County Bar AssociationPresident
Education
2006
Appalachian School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (main)
BS - Bachelor of Science
Activity
Legal Answers