$ 450-450 per hour
Sam English
also known as Robert Samuel English
About Sam
Biography
For almost three decades, I have devoted my legal practice to representing clients in high-stakes divorce and custody litigation throughout Middle and East Tennessee. In courtrooms across the state, that focus and preparation have earned me a reputation as “the Bulldog”—not because I seek unnecessary conflict, but because I do not back down when my clients’ children, financial security, or futures are at risk.
I am a divorce and custody trial attorney whose practice is focused almost exclusively on domestic relations. I regularly handle complex, contested matters involving custody disputes, relocation cases, contempt proceedings, and financially complicated divorces. My clients include hardworking parents, business owners, medical professionals, executives, and public figures who require discretion, strategic planning, and an attorney who is fully prepared to take a case through trial when settlement is not possible.
Over the course of my career, my work has been consistently recognized by both peer-reviewed organizations and client-driven publications. I have been named a Top Attorney for Divorce and Custody by CityView Magazine on multiple occasions, selected among the Top 100 Lawyers by The National Advocates, and recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, AVVO, Lawyers of Distinction, and America’s Most Honored Professionals. I have also been honored in Best of Knoxville and “Who Rocks Knox” by the Knoxville News Sentinel. These recognitions reflect not a single year of success, but a sustained record of courtroom advocacy, professional credibility, and client trust.
What truly informs my approach, however, is perspective. I have personally experienced divorce and custody litigation. I understand firsthand the emotional strain, financial pressure, and uncertainty these cases impose on families. That experience allows me to guide clients with both empathy and clarity—listening carefully, speaking honestly, and acting decisively when difficult choices must be made.
Every case I handle is prepared as if it will be tried. While I strongly believe that parents should resolve disputes cooperatively when possible—especially when children are involved—I also recognize that not every case can or should settle. When the other side refuses to act reasonably or places children at risk, I am fully prepared to litigate aggressively and effectively.
My role is to stand with you through one of the most challenging chapters of your life, protect what matters most, and pursue the strongest possible outcome with preparation, resolve, and integrity.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Child Custody
50%
28 years | 3,560 cases
Divorce and Separation
50%
28 years | 4,100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 27 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
The English Law Firm
9225 Westland Drive, Suite 102, Knoxville, TN, 37922
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Sam English's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 76 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Melissa | March 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Honest and compassionate
My husband and I were in the middle of a difficult child custody case. We had two previous attorneys yet our proceedings were not moving forward. We felt we were not being heard and wasn’t sure what direction to take. We hired Sam and immediately things began to change. Sam and his team worked v...
Posted by Juan | August 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
what's a good divorce attorney?
The contrast between the lawyer who represented my ex-wife and Sam, who represented me, was dramatic: her lawyer's idea of advocacy was to be confrontational (luring my ex to also become confrontational). She went after everything, no matter how small. She made empty threats. She did not question he...
Posted by Sara | June 1, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best decision ever.
Sam and his amazing staff assisted my husband and I in a custody modification of children from my previous marriage. Ultimately the modification ended in my husband being able to legally adopt my kids. Sam and the staff were always available to answer any questions that we had. They also always respo...
Posted by Brooke | February 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Custody
I like the way Sam defends me. He will have your back and fight hard for you! He hears you out when you have a concern. Everyone in his firm will work hard to fight for you and will take care of you to the best of their ability.
Posted by Melinda | February 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Sam English
In my book, Sam is a top notch divorce attorney who fights for his clients. I highly recommend him!!
Sam English's Lawyer Endorsements
"Sam English has an excellent reputation for good reasons. He represents his clients well and is a credit to the profession."
"I have fought against Sam English several times in Court. He is a great lawyer. Smart, AGGRESSIVE, and experienced. Sam passionately represents his clients. He is respected by other members of the Bar and by the judges. Anybody represented by Sam English is well-represented."
"Sam English is an excellent divorce lawyer. I highly endorse Sam."
"I would highly recommend Sam as an attorney and mediator. Knowledgeable and aggressive."
"English is passionate about his work and has earned the trust of his clients, and the respect of his peers and judges. Clients can be confident of his representation."
"Sam English is viewed by many as the premier divorce and custody attorney in the greater Knoxville and East Tennessee area. Without question, Sam is know by his clients and his peers as the "go to divorce and custody attorney," especially if a possibility of litigation exists in which aggressive representation may be needed. Without hesitation and without reservation, I would highly recommend Sam to any close friend or family member who wanted to make sure they had the very best chance of obtaining the outcome they desired in divorce or custody litigation. Sam has always been admired for his willingness to fight relentlessly for his clients and their families."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam English is the best divorce lawyer in East Tennessee. He zealously and tirelessly fights for his clients and gets great results."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the toughest and most knowledgeable divorce attorney in East Tennessee. Additionally, Mr. English is able to think on his feet and give impressive depositions and cross-examinations. No stone is left unturned in a courtroom with this attorney."
"I endorse this Lawyer. Sam English is well versed in the law and is an experienced trial attorney. He is a tenacious and zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a great attorney and I would recommend him to my own family members."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. English is a very knowledgeable attorney in the Family Law field who will Zealously represent his clients. He is very up to date on the Law."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've consistently been impressed by Sam in and out of the courtroom and he's one of my first choices for mediators anywhere"
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a strong advocate and a great mediator. He's always a tough but honest adversary"
"Sam is one of the top family law attorneys in East Tennessee. He aggressively represents his clients, stays at the cutting edge of the law, and can match any lawyer around in the courtroom. Anytime I am asked to refer a family law attorney to a friend or family member, Sam's is the first number I give."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Top Attorney - Divorce and Custody, CityView Magazine
2019
2019 Top Divorce and Family Lawyer, CityView Magazine
2018
Best of Knoxville, Knoxville News Sentinel
2018
Favorite Law Firm - "Who rocks Knox", Knoxville News Sentinel
2018
2018 Top Attorney-Divorce and Custody, CityView Magazine
2018
Recognizing Excellence in Divorce and Custody Litigation, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
Recognizing Excellence in Divorce and Custody Litigation, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
2017 Power Attorney, Power Attorneys
2017
2017 Top Attorney - Divorce and Custody, CityView Magazine
2016
Top 10 percent in the State, Lawyers of Distinction
2016
Top 1 Percent, Americas Most Honored Professionals
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2016
2016 Top Attorney for Divorce and Child Custody, CityView Magazine
2015
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2015
2015 Top Attorney-Family Law (Divorce and Child Custody), CityView Magazine
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney, The National Advocates
2014
2014 Client Choice Award, AVVO
2014
2014 Distiniguished Attorney Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Attorney - Family Law, Knoxville City View Magazine
2013
15th Year anniversary of proudly serving the community, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Attorney-Child Custody, AVVO
2013
2013 Distinguished Attorney Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Tennessee family law update, M. Lee Smith
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
2012 Distiniguished Attorney Award, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Trial Attorney, English Law Firm
1999 - 2001
Associate Attorney, Guess, English & Robinson, Trial Attorneys
1996 - 1999
Divorce Court, Circuit Court For Davidson County
Associations
2014 - Present
Tennessee Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2014 - Present
Knoxville Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Tennessee Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
American Trial Lawyers Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
Cox vs. Minyard - Tennessee Supreme Court
Big victory for my client
Caplan vs. Walker, Roane County, TN
The Father was granted custody of the special needs child and allowed to relocate with the child. The Court's gavel fell hard in that case. Any case of alienation of a child should be taken most seriously and aggressively.
Education
2006
Atlanta Divorce Mediators, Inc
Certification for Supreme Court Rule 31 family Law Mediator
1999
Nashville School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2013
Web based forums
Divorce Law and Child Custody Litigation
Publications
2020
Cityview Magazine
Knoxville's Top Divorce and Custody Lawyer
2018
2018 Favorite Law Firm - A Knoxville Star
"Who rocks in Knox" by the Knoxville News Sentinel 2018
2018
Knoxville News Sentinel
Best of Knoxville
2014
Martindale-Hubbell publication
Distinguished attorney award
2014
Martindale-Hubbell publication
10th year distinguished Attorney award 2004-2014
2013
July 2013 Top Lawyers Edition
CityView Magazine
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does divorce decree trump another judgment?
15 May 2015
Q&A
Can I collect from hidden assets from a divorce almost five years ago?
09 May 2015
Q&A
Can dating someone with a past dui affect a custody battle with ex husband?
06 May 2015