$ 450-450 per hour
also known as Robert Samuel English
English Family Law is a Knoxville-based family law practice led by Sam English, a divorce and custody trial attorney with nearly three decades of experience representing clients throughout Middle and East Tennessee. Sam focuses almost exclusively on domestic relations litigation, including high-conflict custody disputes, parental relocation, parenting plan modifications, contempt proceedings, and financially complex divorces.
Known in courtrooms across Tennessee as “the Bulldog,” Sam has earned a reputation for thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and an unwillingness to back down when his clients’ children, financial security, or futures are at risk. His clients include parents, business owners, medical professionals, executives, and public figures who need discretion, strategic planning, and a lawyer prepared to take a case to trial when settlement is not possible.
Sam’s work has been recognized by CityView Magazine, The National Advocates, Martindale-Hubbell, AVVO, Lawyers of Distinction, America’s Most Honored Professionals, Best of Knoxville, and “Who Rocks Knox.” His approach is shaped not only by professional experience, but also by personal perspective. Having experienced divorce and custody litigation himself, Sam understands the emotional, financial, and practical challenges families face.
At English Family Law, every case is prepared with care, strategy, and resolve. While cooperative resolution is encouraged whenever possible, the practice is fully prepared to litigate aggressively and effectively when children, assets, or long-term stability are at stake.
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Practice Areas
28 years | 3,560 cases
28 years | 4,100 cases
$ 450-450 per hour
Always
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Chat withState: Tennessee
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
9225 Westland Drive, Suite 102, Knoxville, TN, 37922
76 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 13 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Jonathan | April 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Sam got the deal done.
I literally had 3 attorneys before Sam that tell me that I didn’t have a strong enough case to get 50-50 time with my son. Sam saw the case differently, and very methodically and compassionately walked me through everything I needed to do to win. There were a few really stressful times throughout the...
Posted by MP | November 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Best in Knoxville & Surrounding Areas
This isn’t my first rodeo, so I am well acquainted with the Family legal system. So believe me when I say that Sam English is top in his field. My case was extremely complex due to abduction, parental alienation, and multi-jurisdiction issues. No matter the issue or the crisis, Mr. English adeptly a...
Posted by Heather | January 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
A lifesaver!
After many years of incompetent attorneys and thousands of dollars, I found Sam! This man gets the job done! He's been there for me for the past several years, representing me on a child custody case and now a child support case. My case has always been everything but easy and he never gives up! Most...
Thank you for taking your time to share kind words. You are a very good mother and kind hearted woman. I wish you and your family a brighter future. You deserve it.
Posted by Lisa R. C. | May 19, 2014
SImply THE Best Knox County Family Law Group!!!
For anyone who is searching for answers on finding the best Family Law Firm in Knox County then the answer is this simple: English Law Firm. Please don't make the same mistake I did and think you can either get a divorce with children on you own, or without a firm that PRIMARILY specializes in KNOX ...
Posted by Arizona Cowboy | May 16, 2014
Top Notch Lawyer/Firm in Knoxville,Tn.
I have personally hired Mr. English and his firm, accompanied but wonderful helpful staff multiple times. From divorce, custody, parenting plans, mediation, modification of documents or cases from past issues, etc........ Mr. English and his appropriately helpful and knowledgeable staff are ALWAYS be...
"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."
"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."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
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
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
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
Big victory for my client
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.
2006
Certification for Supreme Court Rule 31 family Law Mediator
1999
JD - Juris Doctor
2013
Divorce Law and Child Custody Litigation
2020
2018
2018
2014
2014
2013
English
Spanish
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