Earl Jerome Melson, General Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatGentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C.
Knoxville, TN
Practicing general in Knoxville since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Earl Jerome Melson?
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Quick answer
Earl Jerome Melson is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Earl has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- General · Government · Litigation
- Handles General, Government, and Litigation matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Earl Jerome Melson: Earl Jerome Melson is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Earl has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Earl takes on
Earl concentrates on general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Earl handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Government
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Litigation
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General cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Earl takes general matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Earl takes government matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Earl takes litigation matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Earl Jerome Melson — general lawyer in Knoxville
Earl Jerome Melson is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Earl has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Earl Jerome Melson is a lawyer practicing civil trial specialist, civil trial advocate, civil pre-trial practice advocate and 3 other areas of law. Earl received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. Earl practices at Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C. in Knoxville, TN.
Earl's approach to general cases
Earl Jerome Melson is a lawyer practicing civil trial specialist, civil trial advocate, civil pre-trial practice advocate and 3 other areas of law. Earl received a B.A. degree from University of Tennessee in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. Earl practices at Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C. in Knoxville, TN.
Who Earl represents
Earl reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and litigation matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1988
University of Tennessee
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Earl's state bar admissions
Montana
2009 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1988 · ACTIVE
Earl studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. in University of Tennessee.
Law school and academic background
Earl completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.A. in University of Tennessee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Earl runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Earl has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Earl's professional memberships and bar associations
Litigation Section, TBA Members
membership
Locations
Earl Jerome Melson's office in Knoxville
Earl's primary office is at 900 S. Gay St., Ste. 2300, Knoxville, TN, 37902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gentry, Tipton & McLemore, P.C.
900 S. Gay St., Ste. 2300
Knoxville, TN 37902
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Earl Jerome Melson — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Earl. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Knoxville.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Earl Jerome Melson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Earl Jerome Melson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Earl usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Earl charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Earl's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Earl will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Earl
Earl discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Earl confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Earl's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Earl Jerome Melson
How much does it cost to hire Earl for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Earl walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Earl offer a free consultation?
Earl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Earl's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Earl's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Earl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Earl take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Earl is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Earl will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Earl?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Earl will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Earl accepting new general clients right now?
Earl's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Earl handles general matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in Tennessee
If Earl's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





