Sam Doak, Employment Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Family Law, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Special CounselatLewis Thomason, P.C.
Knoxville, TN
Practicing employment in Knoxville since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Sam Doak?
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Quick answer
Sam Doak is a special counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Family Law, and General. Sam has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Employment · Family Law · General
- Handles Employment, Family Law, and General matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Sam Doak: Sam Doak is a special counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Family Law, and General. Sam has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Sam Doak
Sam concentrates on employment, family law, general, insurance, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sam handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Family Law
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General
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Insurance
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Product Liability
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Workers Comp
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Employment cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam takes employment 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 Sam agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam takes family law 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 Sam agrees to represent you.
General cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam 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 Sam agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam takes insurance 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 Sam agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Sam takes product liability 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 Sam agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Sam Doak — Over 38 years of Tennessee employment experience
Sam Doak is a special counsel based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Employment, Family Law, and General. Sam has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Thomason, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
is a shareholder in Lewis Thomason’s Knoxville office. Sam has been a trial attorney for over 35 years and focuses his practice primarily on civil trial litigation, arbitration and mediation in practice areas ranging from complex construction matters, product liability, marine product liability, commercial business disputes, employment litigation, transportation litigation, and general insurance defense.
Sam served in several leadership positions in the Knoxville Bar Association over the years including President of the Knoxville Bar Association in 2010, President of the Barristers in 2001 and as a member of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Board of Governors for several years. Sam served as President of the Hamilton Burnette American Inn of Court from 2016 to 2017. Sam has served as a Co-Chair on several Knoxville Bar Association Habitat for Humanity Builds over the years..
When not practicing law, Sam enjoys time on the tennis court, boating, and sports afield.
PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
•Named to The Best Lawyers in America , Employment Law-Management, Litigation-Construction and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
•Past President, Knoxville Bar Association
•Past Member, KBA Board of Governors
•Past President, Knoxville Bar Association Barristers
•fellow, Knoxville Bar Foundation
•Past President, Hamilton Burnette American Inns of Court
•Co-Chair, Knoxville Bar Association Habitat for Humanity Construction Committee
•Member Emeritus of Nucleus Knoxville
How Sam handles employment matters
Sam C. Doak is a shareholder in Lewis Thomason’s Knoxville office. Sam has been a trial attorney for over 35 years and focuses his practice primarily on civil trial litigation, arbitration and mediation in practice areas ranging from complex construction matters, product liability, marine product liability, commercial business disputes, employment litigation, transportation litigation, and…
The kind of cases Sam takes
Sam reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, family law, and general matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Sam Doak's legal education and bar admissions
University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1988
University of Tennessee
B.S. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Sam's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1988 · ACTIVE
Sam studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. in University of Tennessee.
Law school and academic background
Sam completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. in University of Tennessee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sam runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Sam Doak
Sam has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Sam's professional memberships and bar associations
AFFILIATIONS •Knoxville Bar Association •Hamilton Burnette American Inns of Court •Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC) •Tennessee Bar Association
membership
Locations
Sam Doak's office in Knoxville
Sam'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
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Sam Doak — 4.5/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Sam. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Knoxville.
4.5
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sam Doak claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Sam Doak — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sam usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sam charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sam'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; Sam will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Sam
Sam discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Sam confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sam's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sam Doak
How much does it cost to hire Sam for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sam walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sam offer a free consultation?
Sam charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sam's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Sam's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple employment 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. Sam gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sam take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Sam 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 — Sam 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 Sam?
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. Sam will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sam accepting new employment clients right now?
Sam's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Sam handles employment matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Tennessee
If Sam's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
