Probate and Estate Planning Attorneys in Knoxville, TN

Estate Planning, Probate, and Small Business Law

At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we are a law firm that seeks to serve our clients legal needs by doing what we do best. We don’t do lawsuits or attempt to handle every area of the law. We focus our efforts on estate and transactional law to help both individuals and businesses.

About Carpenter & Lewis PLLC

Carpenter & Lewis PLLC is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based law firm renowned for its specialization in estate planning, wills, trusts, and small business legal services. Founded in 1989 by Stephen L. Carpenter, our firm stands out by focusing solely on estate and transactional law, delivering precise solutions tailored to both individuals and businesses.

Stephen L. Carpenter, Founding Attorney Stephen Carpenter is an esteemed attorney with a deep focus on Wills, Trusts, Probate, Tax Law, and Small Business transactional matters. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Asbury College, cum laude, and advanced degrees from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, including a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.). Licensed to practice in Virginia and Tennessee, Stephen brings over three decades of dedicated legal service to his community.

Distinguished Experience and Community Involvement Stephen’s legal acumen is complemented by his extensive involvement in community and religious organizations. He is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Knoxville Bar Association, and Knoxville Estate Planning Council. Not only has Stephen contributed to the community through leadership roles like Past President of the Fountain City Business and Professional Association, but he also actively serves on the boards of several civic and religious organizations. His commitment extends to delivering lectures and training seminars on topics ranging from Small Business Startup Strategies to estate planning in Tennessee.

Our Practice and Philosophy At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we do not stretch our expertise thin across all areas of law; instead, we concentrate on what we do best. From drafting wills and trusts to helping families navigate the probate process after the loss of a loved one, our firm ensures that our clients’ assets are protected and legacies are passed on effectively while minimizing taxes and reducing litigation risks.

Stephen has personally assisted thousands of clients, handling estates involving multimillion-dollar assets and successfully resolving complex tax and legal disputes. His work includes the comprehensive drafting of estate planning documents, tax planning, and representation in probate and chancery courts.

Connect With Us Our firm is known for its professionalism and dedication to client service, having established a solid reputation for prompt responses and dedicated assistance. We invite you to contact us at 865-509-9600 to learn more about how we can assist you. Whether updating your estate plans, starting a small business, or ensuring your assets are protected, Carpenter & Lewis PLLC is your trusted partner in Knoxville.

Personal Touch Aside from his professional life, Stephen enjoys hiking, snorkeling, and engaging in community and church activities. His interests help him connect on a personal level with clients, offering a well-rounded approach to legal and tax advice.

At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we are not just attorneys; we are your partners in planning for the future. Schedule your consultation today.

Focusing On:

 

Carpenter & Lewis PLLC office

Our Attorneys

Stephen L. Carpenter

Stephen L. Carpenter

Education

Asbury University – Bachelor of Arts, 1986

College of William & Mary – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1989

College of William & Mary – Master of Laws in Taxation, 1990

Memberships:

Knoxville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Virginia State Bar; Knoxville Estate Planning Council; Fountain City Business and Professional Association, Inc. (Member, Past President)

PRACTICE AREAS: Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Asset Protection Law; Limited Liability Companies, Contracts, and Small Business Law; Taxation Law; Estate and Trust Administration; and Nonprofit Organizations.

Bradley S. Lewis

Bradley S. Lewis

Education:

University of Tennessee – Bachelor of Science, 1994

University of Tennessee – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1997

Memberships

Knoxville Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS: Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning; Limited Liability Companies, Contracts, and Small Business Law; Estate and Trust Administration.

Jon McMurray Johnson

Jon McMurray Johnson 

Education:

University of Tennessee – Bachelor of Arts, 2004

Appalachian School of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2007

– Senior Notes & Comments Editor, Appalachian Journal of Law

Memberships:

Knoxville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS: Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning; Limited Liability Companies, Contracts, and Small Business Law; Estate and Trust Administration; Conservatorships; and Real Estate Law.

Amanda B. Brabham

Amanda B. Brabham

Education

University of Tennessee – Bachelor of Science, 1999

University of Tennessee – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2003

Memberships

American Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS: Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning; Limited Liability Companies, Contracts, and Small Business Law; Estate and Trust Administration; and Real Estate Law.

Our Legal Assistants

The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements, certification, specialization or self-proclaimed expertise. Any statement regarding “practice areas” is intended to inform as to the particular services our attorneys provide and should not be considered advertising for certified specialists in any type of law.  Lawyers licensed to practice law in Tennessee may be certified as being a specialist in a particular type of law only upon registration under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 21; Section 11. Any Listing of related or included practice areas herein does not constitute or imply representation of certification of specialization. Furthermore, the attorneys of Carpenter & Lewis PLLC are licensed only in the states listed for each respective attorney, and make no representation otherwise. This website is designed for general information only – and is not a solicitation for legal services.The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues.

Schedule Your Appointment

[email protected]

10413 Kingston Pike, Suite 200

Knoxville, Tennessee 37922

New Clients:  (865) 509-9600

Existing Clients:  (865) 690-4997

Facsimile:   (865) 690-4790