Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless, Bankruptcy Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation
Nashville, TN
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Nashville.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless?
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Quick answer
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
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Business
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Litigation
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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.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas W. "Tom" Lawless
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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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