W. Thomas Dillard

W. Thomas Dillard, Appellate Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Over 61 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

RetiredatRitchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.

Knoxville, TN

Practicing appellate in Knoxville since 1965.

61+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

W. Thomas Dillard is a retired based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate and Criminal Defense. W. has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Knoxville, TN
Experience
over 61 years
Known for
Appellate · Criminal Defense
  • Handles Appellate and Criminal Defense matters from Knoxville, TN.
  • Over 61 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About W. Thomas Dillard: W. Thomas Dillard is a retired based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate and Criminal Defense. W. has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters W. takes on

W. concentrates on appellate and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

W. takes appellate 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 W. agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

W. 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 W. agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet W. Thomas Dillard — appellate lawyer in Knoxville

W. Thomas Dillard is a retired based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate and Criminal Defense. W. has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice, University of Tennessee College of Law. Listed in: The Best Lawyers in America. Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1967-1976, U.S. Magistrate, 1976-1978, Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1978-1983 and Court-Appointed U.S. Attorney, 1981, Eastern District of Tennessee. U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Florida, 1983-1986.

Working with W. on a appellate matter

Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice, University of Tennessee College of Law. Listed in: The Best Lawyers in America. Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1967-1976, U.S. Magistrate, 1976-1978, Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1978-1983 and Court-Appointed U.S. Attorney, 1981, Eastern District of Tennessee. U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Florida, 1983-1986.

Clients W. works with

W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate and criminal defense matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Tennessee

    J.D. · 1964

Jurisdictions

W.'s state bar admissions

  • Tennessee U.S. Supre

    1965 · ACTIVE

W. studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee.

Law school and academic background

W. completed J.D. in University of Tennessee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice W. runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

W. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

W.'s professional memberships and bar associations

  • Knoxville

    Board of Governors, 1993-1995), Tennessee and American (Member, Tennessee Bar Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility) Bar Associations National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers · membership

  • American College of Trial Lawyers

    bar_fellowship

  • Knoxville and Tennessee Bar Foundations (Master of the Bench, Emeritus, Hamilton Burnett Inn of Court)

    bar_fellowship

Locations

W. Thomas Dillard's office in Knoxville

W.'s primary office is at Main Place, 606 West Main Street, Suite 300, Knoxville, TN, 37902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C.

Main Place, 606 West Main Street, Suite 300

Knoxville, TN 37902

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Client feedback

Client reviews of W. Thomas Dillard — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of W.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Knoxville.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once W. Thomas Dillard claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire W. Thomas Dillard — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 W.

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. W. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about W. Thomas Dillard

  • How much does it cost to hire W. for a appellate case?

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

  • Does W. offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do appellate cases in Tennessee typically take?

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

  • Can W. take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?

    W. 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 — W. 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 W.?

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

  • Is W. accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

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

More counsel

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