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Vanessa Samano

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Avvo Rating9.7
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed for 13 years
Vanessa Samano
Vanessa Samano
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About Vanessa

Dedication. Compassion. Efficiency. Call Today.

 

Ms. Samano is a graduate of The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (B.A. 2003) and The Valparaiso University School of Law (J.D., 2007) where she concentrated in the school’s Mock Trial team and the Death Penalty Clinic.  Ms. Samano was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2008 and has also been admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.  She is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association  and the Tennessee Bar Association.  In the community, Ms. Samano previously served as the Chair for the Latino Task Force and a board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee. 

 

 

Ms. Samano is married to Charles D. Waller of Powell, Tennessee and has two children.  Ms. Samano makes her home in Fountain City, Tennessee.

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Practice areas

Child custodyChild supportJuvenile lawDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 25%

    Couples may decide to file for a legal separation for a variety of reasons. They may need time to determine the custodial and financial arrangements for the family before actually filing for a divorce or there may be religious objections to divorce.

  2. Juvenile law: 25%

    From the time your child was young, you knew that they weren’t perfect. Making mistakes is normal and a part of growing up. Little good can come from your child spending time in a juvenile detention. Let Attorney Samano help. Call today.

  3. Child support: 25%

    Child custody determinations are an automatic fallout of a divorce proceeding and very common legally. However, that by no means makes them a simple process to go through. You'll want Attorney Samano on your side. Give her a call.

  4. Child custody: 25%

    Attorney Samano is a strong advocate of mediation and arbitration when it comes to resolving issues in child custody. These non-adversarial methods are advantage in time and cost for clients when compared to going to court.

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

1802179 1407733959

Contact

550 W. Main Street, Suite 310
Post Office Box 5051
Knoxville, TN, 37928-5051

Website
www.samanofamilylaw.com 

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      TNActive200805/15/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers73
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Top Attorney-Family Law/Divorce/Child SupportCityView Magazine2019
      2018 Mid-South Rising StarsSuper Lawyers2018
      Top 10% in the USA (Family & Divorce)Lawyers of Distinction2017
      Best Child Support Lawyers in KnoxvilleExpertise2017
      2017 Mid-South Rising StarsSuper Lawyers2017
      Top Attorney-Family Law/Divorce/Child SupportCityView Magazine2017
      10 Best Law FirmAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2017
      Top Attorney-Family Law/Divorce/Child SupportCityView Magazine2016
      Top Female AttorneyAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2016
      Best Opening StatementValparaiso School of Law-Mock Trial Team2006
      Minority Academic Scholar RecipientUniversity of Nebraska, Lincoln2002
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      OwnerVanessa Samano, Attorney at Law2014 - Present
      Associate AttorneyThe English Law Firm2009 - 2014
      AssociateLinda G. Welch & Associates2008 - 2009
      ClerkCurtis & Arata2007 - 2007
      ClerkCalifornia Rural Legal Assistance2006 - 2006
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      American Bar AssociationMember2016 - Present
      Tennessee Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
      Knoxville Bar AssociationMember2008 - Present
      Latino Task Force of East TNMember2008 - Present
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Valparaiso University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2007
      University of Nebraska, LincolnBA - Bachelor of Arts2003
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Law Practice TodaySolo Small Firm Practice Idea Exchange2017
      University of Tennessee Legal ClinicFamily Law/Custody- Know Your Rights2016
      Smokey Mountain Paralegal AssociationIssues in Family Law2014

      Reviews

      (65)
      5 Star
      		98%
      4 Star
      		2%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Vanessa Samano

      Thank you, Vanessa!

      Posted by

      It is hard to express in words how grateful I am of Ms. Samano and her services. From the moment she took me on as a client to the moment the case ended, she continued to instill confidence in me and lift me up during one of my most trying times. She is a fighter, knowledgeable in her craft, and she worked hard to get me not only what was wanted but what was needed. I am over satisfied with the outcome.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Awesome!

      Posted by

      Used for a custody issue, and she was awesome! Pretty much got what I asked for.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Great Attorney!

      Posted by

      Vanessa is wonderful! She gets into the details, provides council, and will lay out best case / worst case situations - then you make your decision. I have been with Vanessa for years and am glad she represented me. I recommend Vanessa to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Phenomenal attorney!

      Posted by

      Vanessa was always extremely professional, worked well with all parties involved and handled our case brilliantly. She didn’t bill unnecessarily and always replied promptly. I wish I had hired her sooner and would absolutely recommend her and Ms. Donna for your family law needs.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      The one you want beside you

      Posted by

      I can’t tell you how lost I was during my divorce. It lasted over 2 years, but when I hired Vanessa, she swooped in and answered all my questions and made sure that we get things settled once and for all. She helped me with a restraining order, my divorce, custody, child support and relocation. I am more than happy and relieved with what Vanessa accomplished for me and my children, on top of making sure I was standing my ground. I can’t recommend anyone else.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Outstanding legal team

      Posted by

      Vanessa Samano and her legal team are the absolute best there is in Knoxville TN. She went above and beyond for our child support/ custody case. Everyone in her office is very kind and make you feel like you are the only client. Not only does she stay two steps ahead of everything on your case she is also very respected by the judges and she truly cares. Would recommend everytime!!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      She’s a Real Life Wonder Woman

      Posted by

      Vanessa was so easy to work with. She listened and offered advice even when I felt like I had stupid questions. She was understanding and devoted. She was always timely with her responses and never made me feel I was making a wrong choice. She always left the ball in my court to make a final decision after explaining pros and cons. She and her staff are just incredible. They all made what could have been a very difficult and emotional time as smooth and pain free as possible. I’m so thankful I had them by side through everything!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Thankful

      Posted by

      Vanessa Samano provided professional, expert advice, added with compassion, understanding and heart. During the most difficult time she listened, evaluated and put a plan into action quickly. She is unmatched in being available for communication and emergencies. Her thoroughness and expertise brought our best outcome. We are beyond thankful and consider her a hero and friend.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Helped make a horrible situation pleasant

      Posted by

      I came to her shattered with no clue of how to proceed. She helped me understand what was happening in my life. And walked me through the steps of moving forward. Hiring Vanessa was a blessing, she explained every detail and was incredible.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      I highly recommend Mrs. Samano!

      Posted by

      She is quick, thorough, efficient, and brilliant! I had a very difficult ex who’s parents tried to help him take my kids when they found out I was getting remarried (after him not being around or involved for over 5 years). They filed false motions, false DCS reports of abuse, etc...Mrs. Samano helped me tremendously. I was very scared when everything started. She reassured me and I just kept my proof and sent it to her. She was swift and only filed what needed to be filed. She did not get petty with my exes attorneys (he went thru several and they were very eager to file false claims and try to deflect). Vanessa Samano helped me keep full custody, alimony, and child support. Most importantly, she helped me keep my kids safe and in a good, loving, family home.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (16)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Edwin Anderson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 24, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Vanessa and I don't handle the same type of cases but occasionally we refer clients to the other. She's sharp and always gives her clients great advice. She also knows her way around the courthouse and how to handle a mediation to get the best deal for her client. I recommend her to you.

      Lyndon White, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 22, 2017
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. Vanessa is a skilled and energetic attorney who truly goes the second mile for her clients . I have worked opposite her and as co-counsel, and highly recommend her to any client needing assistance in family law matters.

      Caitlin Elledge, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 6, 2017
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      Vanessa is great to work with, very knowledgeable, and a terrific advocate for her clients.

      Lauren Biloski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 11, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. Vanessa is a fantastic attorney who advocates relentlessly for every client. We have been on opposite sides numerous times and her professionalism, compassion, and knowledge is impressive. She is always straight forward and honest.

      Andrew Wilson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 4, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Ms. Samano on multiple cases during the course of my employment with Child Support Services. She was always prepared and a great advocate for her clients. I would recommend her to a family member without hesitation.

      Cort Sikes, Child support Attorney on Jan 28, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. Vanessa and I were opposing counsel in a post divorce child support modification/contempt case. We communicated well prior to the trial date, exchanged our client's documentary evidence in advance, evaluated our positions, and were able to counsel our clients to a reasonable agreement prior to the hearing. Many attorneys do not take the time to work a case like that and it made a difference for both of our clients.

      Margaret Held, Child custody Attorney on Sep 4, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      What I appreciate about Ms. Samano is her attention to detail, her willingness to problem solve, rather than simply beating up on other people, her willingness to beat up on people who deserve it, the fact that she truly cares about her clients and about upholding the standards of our profession. She is one of my favorite lawyers to work with, and work against.

      Sean Lewis, Juvenile law Attorney on Feb 10, 2015
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. She was very professional in court. A pleasure to work with.

      Kevin Shepherd, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 19, 2015
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      Vanessa is respected for her integrity, professionalism and advocacy for her clients. Anyone needing help on a family law matter will be well-served by Vanessa Samano.

      Marcos Garza, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 12, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Vanessa Samano is a fantastic lawyer. She is relentless when it comes to fighting for her clients' interests. Vanessa is also an extraordinarily good person who truly cares about her clients' concerns and listens to what is important to them. Without hesitation, I would recommend Vanessa to any family member or loved one who was in search of a divorce or child custody lawyer who is truly dedicated to the best interests of her clients.

      Rachel Lambert, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 12, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Samano is an excellent choice for your divorce or child custody case. She is honest, compassionate, and hardworking.

      Daniel Parish

      I endorse this lawyer. Vanessa is an extremely well-respected lawyer in the East Tennessee Community.

      Laura Metcalf, Child custody Attorney on Dec 30, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with her many times, and she is very knowledgeable and compassionate with her clients.

      Mital Patel, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 17, 2014
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. I have known Vanessa for some time and have always enjoyed working with her. She is not only able to make her clients feel comfortable and at ease with her representation, but she also is able to work well with opposing counsel(s) in her cases in order to reach the best resolution for all of the parties involved.

      Joseph White, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 23, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Vanessa is a top-notch attorney. She has several years of complex and detailed divorce work experience and I would completely trust her with my divorce/separation issue. She is aggressive, hard-working, and looks out for her clients. She is also fluent in Spanish, which sets her apart from other attorneys in the area.

      Alex Brinson, Family Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Vanessa is a hard working, diligent, and aggressive advocate for her clients' needs and interests. I would readily recommend her to anyone needing her services.

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