J. Eric Butler, Business Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General
ShareholderatLewis Thomason, P.C.
Knoxville, TN
Practicing business in Knoxville since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you J. Eric Butler?
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Quick answer
J. Eric Butler is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. J. has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C..
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About J. Eric Butler: J. Eric Butler is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. J. has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C..
Areas of practice
Legal matters J. takes on
J. concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Estate Planning
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Business cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
J. takes business 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
J. takes criminal defense 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 J. agrees to represent you.
General cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
J. 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
J. takes probate 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
J. takes tax 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet J. Eric Butler — business lawyer in Knoxville
J. Eric Butler is a shareholder based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. J. has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C..
J. Eric Butler is a Shareholder in the firm and manages the firm’s Tax Practice and Estate Planning Practice Group. Mr. Butler focuses his legal practice in the areas of federal and state taxation, business formations, complex commercial litigation, tax controversy matters, white collar criminal defense, and estate planning/probate matters.
Mr. Butler handles a large range of business and tax matters for clients across the United States involving the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. Mr. Butler has extensive experience representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, to include examinations of tax returns, collection of delinquent tax debts, criminal tax matters, international tax compliance and enforcement, employment tax matters, regulatory compliance, and trial and appellate litigation of tax issues in both state and federal courts.
Mr. Butler also represents and consults with accountants across the United States in malpractice defense, mitigation of potential malpractice claims, and disciplinary proceedings.
Mr. Butler is a frequent speaker to various organizations and businesses on issues involving tax law, tax controversy matters, business law, estate planning, and probate administration and litigation.
PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
•Named to The Best Lawyers in America in Business Organizations (2022 and 2023)
•Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a Federal Advisory Committee to the Internal Revenue Service, (2013-2015)
•Vice-Chair, Tax Forms & Publications Project Committee (2015)
•Recipient, Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States (2016)
•Recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers
•Listed as “Top Attorney” in areas of Tax and Income Tax Resolution, in CityView Magazine (2010 - 2021)
•Member, Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Fraternity
•Former law clerk to the Honorable Alan E. Highers, Tennessee Court of Appeals for the Western Section
How J. handles business matters
J. Eric Butler is a Shareholder in the firm and manages the firm’s Tax Practice and Estate Planning Practice Group. Mr. Butler focuses his legal practice in the areas of federal and state taxation, business formations, complex commercial litigation, tax controversy matters, white collar criminal defense, and estate planning/probate matters. Mr. Butler handles a large range of business and tax…
The kind of cases J. takes
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Memphis School of Law
J.D. · 2004
Middle Tennessee State University
B.S. · 2000
Jurisdictions
J.'s state bar admissions
Tennessee U.S. Distr
2004 · ACTIVE
J. studied at J.D. in University of Memphis School of Law and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in University of Memphis School of Law and B.S. in Middle Tennessee State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
J. Eric Butler's office in Knoxville
J.'s primary office is at 900 South Gay Street, Suite 300, Knoxville, TN, 37901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Lewis Thomason, P.C.
900 South Gay Street, Suite 300
Knoxville, TN 37901
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Client reviews of J. Eric Butler
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire J. Eric Butler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'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; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 J.
J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J. Eric Butler
How much does it cost to hire J. for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple business 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. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
J. 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 — J. 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 J.?
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. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new business clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
J. handles business matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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