Atty. Paul A. Matthews
Paul A. Matthews is an attorney in Memphis, Tennessee with more than four decades of experience representing businesses, organizations, and individuals in state and federal courts.
Profile Summary
About Paul A. Matthews at a glance
Paul A. Matthews is a business and bankruptcy attorney based in Memphis, Tennessee, practicing at Harris Shelton PLLC. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Admitted to practice in Tennessee (1977) and Mississippi (2011). Educated at Vanderbilt University (J.D., 1977) and Duke University (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Memphis, TN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Paul A. Matthews is an attorney in Memphis, Tennessee with more than four decades of experience representing businesses, organizations, and individuals in state and federal courts
- At Harris Shelton PLLC, his practice includes Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Corporate Law, business and commercial litigation, and matters involving trade associations
- His work regularly involves assisting companies with corporate governance, resolving commercial disputes, and addressing financial restructuring and creditor rights issues
- Paul earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University, where he led the History Majors Union and served as an officer in student government
- He received his law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School and served as chief justice of the school’s Moot Court Board
- Before joining Harris Shelton PLLC in 2022, Paul practiced for 29 years with Armstrong Allen, PLLC in Memphis and was previously a senior partner at Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews
- In addition to his legal practice, Paul has long been involved in civic and community organizations in Memphis and throughout Tennessee
- He previously served four five-year terms on the Tennessee Historical Commission and has been active with the Duke University Alumni Club of Memphis, including serving as president
- He is also a graduate of Leadership Memphis (Class of 1987) and has served the community through roles such as YMCA youth group leader and vestry member and youth basketball coach at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis
- Paul currently serves on the Shelby County Conservation Board and is president of the Rural Heritage Trust of Southwest Tennessee
- He is also secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mid-South Public Communications Foundation, the owner and operator of WKNO-TV and WKNO-FM, and serves on the board of advisors of St. Mary’s Episcopal School
Practice Areas Explained
Paul A. Matthews's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Paul A. Matthews handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Paul A. Matthews is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Tennessee →
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Paul A. Matthews is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Tennessee →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Tennessee
Practicing law in Tennessee. Legal matters in Tennessee are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Memphis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Tennessee state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Tennessee brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Tennessee courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Tennessee attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Memphis or all attorneys in Tennessee.
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