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Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless, Bankruptcy Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee

focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation

Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Nashville.

2
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Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Lawless & Associates PC.

Based in
Nashville, TENNESSEE
Experience
attorney
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Nashville, TENNESSEE.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026).

About Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless: Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Lawless & Associates PC.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in Nashville

Thomas concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in Nashville, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Thomas takes business matters in Nashville, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Thomas takes litigation matters in Nashville, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless, bankruptcy attorney serving Nashville

Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Lawless & Associates PC. Thomas works from Nashville, Tennessee and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.

Thomas W. Lawless earned his JD in 1980 from the Nashville School of Law and was admitted to practice in Tennessee in 1981. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Tennessee as well as the Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is a board certified Creditors’ Rights Law Specialist by the American Board of Certification and the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization as well as a Rule 31 Mediator by the Tennessee Commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution. His practice includes representation of financial institutions and mortgage lenders in matters involving classified assets, workouts, extensive bankruptcy representation of creditors, collections, foreclosures, civil litigation and commercial and residential closings and documentation. He is a member of the Nashville, Tennessee, American and International Bar Associations as well as a member of the Federal Circuit Bar Association. He is the present Chairman of the Professionalism and Ethics Committee and is a member of the Bankruptcy Committee, Legislative Committee and the Judicial Selection Committee of the Nashville Bar Association and serves on the American Bar Association’s Small Firm Practice and Solo Attorney Committee and well as the Bankruptcy Committee. He is a Fellow of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations. He is an active member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees. He is involved in civic activities, participating as Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party, serving as a Poll Officer for Davidson Country Election Commission, a past candidate for the 5th Congressional District Republican nomination for the U.S. Congress and is active in the local Rotary Clubs. He is active in the Dial-A-Lawyer Program of the Nashville Bar Association. He was a founding member of the Nashville Chapter of the Federalist Society and served as its first President. He is a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association. He has been listed in the Nashville Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar 2004 through 2014.” He is listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. He is listed in Martindale-Hubble as AV rated as well as being selected in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers (in America) 2006 through 2014. He has been listed in the Mid-South Super Lawyers 2006 through 2014. He has been recognized and included in Best Lawyers in America. He has also been recognized in Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 through 2015. He is a frequent lecturer and has published numerous articles on creditor issues in the financial industry. He is presently serving as the Judge of the City of Oak Hill, Tennessee, the former Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Oak Hill, TN, serves as the Chairman of the Tennessee Governor's Commission for Judicial Appointments, Secretary of the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct and Secretary of the Tennessee Election Finance Registry. He is a member of the Board of the Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration.

How Thomas handles bankruptcy matters

Thomas W. Lawless earned his JD in 1980 from the Nashville School of Law and was admitted to practice in Tennessee in 1981. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Tennessee as well as the Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is a board certified Creditors’ Rights Law Specialist by the American…

The kind of cases Thomas takes

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

  • Nashville School of Law

    J.D. · 1981

  • Middle Tennessee State University

    BS · 1976

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • United States, Tenne

    ACTIVE

  • Tennessee, Tennessee

    ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Nashville School of Law and BS in Middle Tennessee State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Nashville School of Law and BS in Middle Tennessee State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Thomas's legal honors and published work

Thomas has received 13 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Chapter 12

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Closings

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Foreclosures

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Transactions

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Nashville Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar 2004 through 2012.”

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Nashville Bar Association 2012 President's Award

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Chapter 12 (2026).

Locations

Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless's office in Nashville

Thomas's primary office is at 701 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203-3944. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lawless & Associates PC

701 Broadway

Nashville, Tennessee 37203-3944

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Nashville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a bankruptcy case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Tennessee typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Nashville?

    Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

    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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Thomas accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

    Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee

Thomas handles bankruptcy matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

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If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.