I have worked very hard the past several years by zealously representing my clients to earn the nickname in Tennessee as” the Bulldog.” I am aggressive but compassionate about my work as a divorce and custody trial attorney. I have many years of experience with complex divorce and custody cases. I primarily handle domestic relations cases and have handled divorce and post-divorce cases for hard working Americans, business owners, professionals, celebrities, country music executives, professional athletes and other high-profile clients. My primary practice area is middle and East Tennessee.
I have personally experienced the difficult times of divorce and custody problems. I know the emotional turmoil, expense and tragedy associated with divorce. My personal experience with divorce has made me an informed trial attorney. I want to help you through the most difficult period in your life. I want to assist you with looking at your case from several different perspectives that only comes from personal and professional experience in this area of the law. My law firm is equipped with the best experts in the area and resources to prepare your case for trial. Most cases involving children should be resolved by only the mother and father. I will explore all options before you opt for the courtroom experience.
I am committed to get you the best result.
Practice areas
My practice area is exclusively divorce, paternity actions, custody modifications, child support matters and protective orders.
24 years, 3,560 cases
My practice area is exclusively divorce, paternity actions, custody modifications, child support matters and protective orders.
24 years, 4,100 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TN | Active | 1999 | 06/29/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Attorney - Divorce and Custody | CityView Magazine | 2020 |
2019 Top Divorce and Family Lawyer | CityView Magazine | 2019 |
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 | 2018 |
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 | 2017 |
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 | 2016 |
Top 100 Lawyers | The National Advocates | 2015 |
2015 Top Attorney-Family Law (Divorce and Child Custody) | CityView Magazine | 2015 |
Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney | The National Advocates | 2014 |
2014 Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2014 |
2014 Distiniguished Attorney Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
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 | 2013 |
2012 Distiniguished Attorney Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Trial Attorney | English Law Firm | 2001 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Guess, English & Robinson, Trial Attorneys | 1999 - 2001 |
Divorce Court | Circuit Court For Davidson County | 1996 - 1999 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Tennessee Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2014 - Present |
American Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2014 - Present |
Knoxville Bar Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
Tennessee Bar Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
American Trial Lawyers Association | member | 2013 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Cityview Magazine | Knoxville's Top Divorce and Custody Lawyer | 2020 |
2018 Favorite Law Firm - A Knoxville Star | "Who rocks in Knox" by the Knoxville News Sentinel 2018 | 2018 |
Knoxville News Sentinel | Best of Knoxville | 2018 |
Martindale-Hubbell publication | Distinguished attorney award | 2014 |
Martindale-Hubbell publication | 10th year distinguished Attorney award 2004-2014 | 2014 |
July 2013 Top Lawyers Edition | CityView Magazine | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Atlanta Divorce Mediators, Inc | Certification for Supreme Court Rule 31 family Law Mediator | 2006 |
Nashville School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1999 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Web based forums | Divorce Law and Child Custody Litigation | 2013 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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. |
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June 1, 2022
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February 25, 2022
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February 25, 2022
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February 3, 2021
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January 26, 2021
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January 12, 2021
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January 6, 2021
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January 5, 2021
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September 21, 2020
Posted by Jennifer
September 12, 2020
Gary Dupler, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Sam English has an excellent reputation for good reasons. He represents his clients well and is a credit to the profession.
Jere Ownby, Family Attorney on Dec 4, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Jim Owen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 10, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam English is an excellent divorce lawyer. I highly endorse Sam.
Laura Metcalf, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I would highly recommend Sam as an attorney and mediator. Knowledgeable and aggressive.
Kevin Shepherd, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Marcos Garza, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
James Owen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Vanessa Samano, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 12, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Camellia Saunders, Unknown Attorney on Jun 27, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Gary Dupler, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Sam English has an excellent reputation for good reasons. He represents his clients well and is a credit to the profession.
Andrew Beamer, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a great attorney and I would recommend him to my own family members.
David Valone, Family Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Luke Shipley, Mediation Attorney on Jan 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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
Margaret Held, Family Attorney on Jan 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a strong advocate and a great mediator. He's always a tough but honest adversary
Jere Ownby, Family Attorney on Dec 4, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
John Barnes, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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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