Licensed for 10 years Free consultation Virtual consultation available

Seth Oakes

DUI and DWI Attorney at Knoxville, TN

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Resume

Very knowledgeable! Easy to work with this lawyer!

I hired Seth to help me with a contract dispute with a former employer. He helped me out of years of servitude and saved me $30,000! Not only did he deliver on the work product, but he was also very professional. Up front, he was very clear on both my rights and my responsibilities. He communicated with me regularly on my case, and while I was certainly not his only client, I felt important and like he genuinely cared about me and my case. His fees were very fair for the services I received. I would definitely use Seth again!

More than just a lawyer

About Seth

Learn Seth’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

20%
Wills and living wills

20%
Estate planning

10%

Preparing your Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney (Medical), and in the creation of trusts for the benefit of your loved ones.
Personal injury

10%
Power of attorney

10%
Probate

10%

Estate administration can sometimes involve complex litigation among parties claiming an interest in the estate. Our attorneys can assist you in dealing with these legal issues.
Trusts

10%
Criminal defense

5%

Seth Oakes has defended several individuals who have faced misdemeanor and/or felony charges. Seth Oakes’ Criminal Law practice area includes defense of both state and federal criminal charges including: DUI, public intoxication, child support, etc.
... Read more
Family

5%

PERSONALIZED ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE SERVICES.

Thank you for visiting my Avvo page. This is my About Me:

Education:

Lincoln Memorial University (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 2009)
Duncan School of Law (J.D., 2013)

Admitted:

2013, Tennessee

Memberships:

Knoxville Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
American Bar Association

Honors and Achievements:

Perspectives on Capital Punishment in America, Contributing Author
Eighth Judicial District of Tennessee, Assistant District Attorney Extern
Eighth Judicial District of Tennessee, Civil Circuit Judge Clerkship
Students in Free Enterprise, Student Leader and Presenter
Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Guest Lecturer
Tri-State Youth Choir, Section Leader

Awards

Client's Choice

2019 2017

Licensed for 10 years

State TN

Status Active

Acquired 2013

Updated 03/16/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Seth

Oakes Law Firm, PLC

10413 Kingston Pike

Suite 201

Knoxville, TN, 37922

Message Get Directions

Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

20 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2017

Very knowledgeable! Easy to work with this lawyer!

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Posted by Zach | July 12, 2017

More than just a lawyer

Seth has been my lawyer since he graduated from law school and has handled several different endeavors for me and my family. No matter whether the case has been big or small he's been quick and professional handling all issues. Seth is always just a phone call away and no matter how busy he is he gets back to me quickly. He lets you know you're not just another case, you're family. I'd recommend Seth Oakes to anyone, if you choose him to represent you I guarantee you'll have no regrets.

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Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2023

A lawyer with the perfect balance of care and experience!

We hired Seth to help us settle a real estate deal gone bad. By the end of our initial consultation, we knew we had chosen someone with the right knowledge, expertise, and personality that we needed to support us. He successfully guided us through the process, and we had a signed settlement agreement within a matter of weeks. We would highly recommend Seth and intend to consult with him again on our estate planning.

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Posted by Nancy | June 1, 2022

A really honorable lawyer

Seth Oakes was recommended to me as a very smart, kind and compassionate lawyer who excelled in writing wills. There aren't enough words to compliment his skill as a lawyer. After having problems with my old will and making him understand what I wanted to do, he immediately corrected documents that were upsetting to me and gave me the right to have the will written to my specifications. This was not a rush job, but a thoughtful and excellent presentation of my wishes. It was a wonderful experience, and I would use Seth for any other legal needs.

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Posted by Michelle | November 1, 2019

Knowledgeable and compassionate, the best attorney you could hope for!

Seth has the voice of an angel. His knowledge of the law is impressive and I felt instantly at ease with him. A real renaissance man, he helped me with everything from guidance on my divorce to some estate planning that needed to be done for my comatose mother. The real kicker was when I was able to turn to him after getting busted for a DUI while having some roadies with the girls. Those roadies could have really done me in if it hadn’t been for his sound advice. Hire this man!

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Response from Seth Oakes November 5, 2019

Thank you for the opportunity to help you through these troubled times. It was always my pleasure to assist in any difficult situation in which you found yourself. If I can ever be of service to you again, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2019

Highly Recommend Seth!

Seth was very professional and helped me tremendously. He answers any questions you would have and is wonderful to work with!

Posted by anonymous | May 8, 2019

Seth Oakes Means Business!

I retained Mr. Oakes on a civil matter in which I was unsure if I should pursue. After meeting with Mr. Oakes, and a phone call to the attorney that sent the letter, I knew right then that he was a great choice! He was very professional and responded quickly to any questions that I had, no matter how small they were. If I could give Seth Oakes 6 stars, I would! He is amazing at what he does!!

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Posted by Brittney | April 18, 2019

Planning for the inevitable

Seth was great, fast. Everything was as expected and all questions were answered completely before we moved forward on anything. Would recommend

Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2019

Probate advice

Seth gave my family and I probate advice on what to do in a situation involving a will and very little assets. The situation was more complicated than I thought, but Seth helped us work through the issues. I really appreciated Seth being there for us.

Posted by Peggy | April 10, 2019

Recently needed the help of legal council.

I would highly recommend Seth Oakes to represent you. When I needed legal assistance awhile back, a good friend recommended Seth and I knew she would not steer me wrong, and I was correct. He was very professional and helped me solve the matter in a timely manner. I am very thankful to my friend that recommended him and for Seth for providing excellent legal service.

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Posted by Debi | April 5, 2019

Character and Charisma

I've consulted with Mr. Oakes on several personal and professional matters. He has always worked efficiently and effectively. I have referred his services to many clients and would continue to do so. Charisma and character are great attributes he possesses. I have found that Mr. Oakes has been honest and works diligently with the best interest of his clients in mind.

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Posted by Kenny | March 29, 2019

Great Lawyer

Seth was great. He was fast, affordable, always responded to my calls, and got the result my wife and I were looking for. Do not hesitate to hire Mr. Oakes for your legal needs.

Response from Seth Oakes April 3, 2019

It was a pleasure working with you both. Thank you again for the opportunity.

Posted by Jacllyn | March 8, 2018

Seth is a rockstar.

Seth voluntarily helped my attorney and me out when my attorney was unable to make it to my court date. Seth was very professional, and despite knowing nothing about my case before the day of my hearing, he was extremely helpful and knowledgeable on everything I needed to do. When Seth discovered that I needed something that neither of us had, he improvised and took care of this matter within minutes. Seth was able to make sure that I got everything taken care of and that I knew exactly everything I needed. Seth is caring, reassuring, and a genuinely great attorney. I would hire Seth for any legal matter I may face in the future.

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Response from Seth Oakes March 14, 2018

Thank you for your confidence in myself and my firm to help you resolve your case. If you have any issues or concerns in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2018

Great Lawyer

Seth did an amazing job! He worked really hard on my case and is available at anytime if you need to talk. I was super nervous about my case, but with the help of my attorney everything turned out fine. Seth is very reliable and wants the best for his clients. I would recommend him to any one and would definitely use his assistant again.

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Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2017

Works hard

Seth took his time reviewed each and every detail of the case before he ever stated he would take it. He continued to work on the case and keep me up to date on everything that was going on. I would recommend him a thousand times over.

Posted by Teresa | September 26, 2017

Estate and Insurance issues

We hired Mr. Oakes to handle legal issues that occurred due to estate, insurance claims and other legal matters that needed to be settled during the terminal sickness of a close family member. He handled our situation in a professional and timely manner. His rates were reasonable. He is very knowledgeable and makes sure all specifics are covered in great detail. I would highly recommend him for all your legal issues and plan to use his services myself in the future.

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Posted by Kevin | September 25, 2017

deed preparation and closing

Hired Mr Oakes to do a title search for a piece of property I was thinking about purchasing. Mr Oakes also did the contract on the land purchase. Very pleased with his work and professionalism. He is now my lawyer.

Posted by Pamela Bays | September 16, 2017

Estate planning

Wonderful service, did exactly what we needed and for an affordable price.

Posted by Harry | September 15, 2017

Excellent lawyer

Seth helped me and my family out with my dad's estate, when we had no idea what to do. He guided us through the process, making it easier and more understandable - always answering any question we had. We really appreciated how responsive he was and quick to return phone calls and emails. I have already recommended Seth to friends who have ended up in our situation and will continue to do so.

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Posted by Chris | July 28, 2017

The person you want in your corner!

Mr Oakes was very knowledgeable on the laws and how they applied to my situation. He was confident in his answers and made me feel that he knew exactly what he is doing. Mr Oakes communicated well, returning my calls promptly, and gave great guidance on next steps. I would highly recommend Seth Oakes.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.2 (Excellent)

Work Experience

Member
Oakes Law Firm, PLC
2021 - Present

Private Practitioner
Tarpy, Cox, Fleishman & Leveille, PLLC
2013 - 2021

Assistant District Attorney Extern
Eighth Judicial District of Tennessee
2012 - 2013

Civil Circuit Judge Clerkship
Eighth Judicial District of Tennessee
2012 - 2012

Law Clerk
Hagood, Tarpy & Cox, PLLC
2010 - 2013

View all work experience

Education

Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2013

Lincoln Memorial University
BS - Bachelor of Science
2009

Legal Cases

Ralph Junior Lowe v. Roy Province, et al.
Won

Bobby K. Watson v. Matthew T. Watson ET AL.
Won

Associations

American Inns of Court
Member
2018 - Present

Knoxville Bar Association, Knoxville Barristers
Member
2017 - Present

Servolution Health Services
Board Member
2016 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar
Bar Member
2016 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association, Elder Law Section
Member
2014 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association, Estate Planning and Probate Section
Member
2014 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Bar Member
2014 - Present

Knoxville Bar Association
Member
2013 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association
Member
2013 - Present

Claiborne County Bar Association
Member
2013 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Client's Choice
Avvo
2017

Lincoln Award for Community Service
Duncan School of Law
2013

Publications

Perspectives On Capital Punishment In America
Actual Innocence as a Ground for Equitable Tolling of Statute of Limitations under the Statutory Scheme of the AEDPA: Is Capital Punishment Really Reserved For The Worst Of The Worst Under Federal Habeas Corpus Statutes?
2013

Speaking Engagements

The Probate Process from Start to Finish
Estate Administration
2018

Tennessee Living Trust Seminar
Estate Planning in Tennessee
2017

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)

Given (17)

Endorse Seth

Jordan Newport

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a great attorney and can handle any of your legal needs. That said, Seth is one of the best estate planning attorneys I've had the pleasure of working with. I highly recommend Seth."

Kelly Tanner

Probate Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I had occasion to be opposing counsel in a probate matter involving several parties. Seth gave outstanding attention to his clients and got them an outstanding result."

John Haines

Business Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a fantastic attorney. He's diligent, intelligent, and trustworthy. Anyone who hires him will be well represented."

Bryce Hardin

Unknown Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a talented and brilliant attorney. He is highly regarded in the legal community and I would recommend him to anyone."

Mark Pienkowski

Family Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Seth is caring, responsive, and diligent. He is one you can always count on to bring his A game. I truly respect Seth's tireless dedication to his clients."

Melanie Hogg

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Seth is effective and represents his clients with skill and compassion."

Margaret Held

Probate Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Seth is diligent, approachable, honest and highly competent. His sense of humor is very important in assisting people going through stressful times. He can be both a good advisor to his client and a pain in the neck (when called for) with opposing counsel, i.e. me."

Paul Lenski

General practice Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Seth is a consummate professional that I enjoyed working with. Seth knows the law and what steps need to be taken to get the best possible outcome for his client. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for representation."

Patrick Slaughter

Estate planning Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would recommend Mr. Oakes to anyone seeking professional, competent representation regarding any estate planning matter. I went to law school with Mr. Oaks. I have also observed Mr. Oaks represent clients in probate matters, and family law matters. He is always prepared and ready to represent his clients interests. He is also very personable and cares about his clients case. As I said before, I would recommend Mr. Oaks without reservation."

William Smartt

Unknown Attorney | Jul 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a knowledgeable attorney in multiple areas of practice who works hard for his clients."

Benjamin Barnett

Estate planning Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Seth is without question one of the brightest attorneys I have encountered in the last few years. He is quite diligent and has a very broad knowledge base. I fully endorse him in all his areas of practice."

Luke Durham

Estate planning Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Oakes is an incredible estate planning attorney. I refer all estate planning matters -- both simple and deeply complex -- to this attorney who always handles my client's need with extreme care. I endorse this lawyer emphatically."

Jedidiah McKeehan

Estate planning Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Co-worker

"Whenever I have a client who needs estate planning assistance, I immediately send them to Mr. Oakes. He is fantastic at what he does and I know my clients will be taken care of in the best way possible."

View more endorsements

Jordan Newport

Civil rights

Kelly Tanner

Criminal defense