Bill Vines attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, graduating in 1965, and was admitted to the courts of the State of Tennessee and the United States District Court for the Eastern District in 1966. In 1972, Bill was admitted to the United States Supreme Court.
He is a founding member of Butler, Vines, and Babb, starting the firm in 1973. Since that time, he has gone on to obtain certification as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, as well as many other accolades, including being selected as one of the Best Lawyers in Knoxville for many years, and selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America in 2007 – 2009 and 2015 – 2017.
Bill Vines is a mediator lawyer listed with the Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 in both State and Federal Courts. He has mediated many cases, including large, multi-party cases requiring renting of large facilities and/or the use of federal courtroom facilities.
In his spare time, Bill enjoys hobbies such as flying, snow skiing, fly fishing, hiking, anything that includes banana pudding, and entertainment of his grandchildren!
Litigation Percentage
- 85% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certified Legal Specialties
- Civil Trial Specialist, Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization
- Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Bar Admissions
- Tennessee, 1966
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee, 1966
- U.S. Federal Courts, 1966
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2001
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1972
Education
- University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, Tennessee J.D. – 1965
Representative Cases
Classes/Seminars
- Speaker – Mediation of a Medical Malpractice Case from the Perspective of the Plaintiff and the Defendant, Knoxville Bar Association, December 3, 2007
- Speaker – Trial Demonstration of Wrongful Death Case, Knoxville Bar Association, September 10, 2004
- Speaker, Knoxville Bar Association, May 10, 2003
- Speaker – Damages in Civil Cases, Tennessee Bar Association, April 3, 2002
- Speaker – Medical Malpractice, Knoxville Bar Association, January 10, 2002
Honors and Awards
- Recipient, Governors’ Award from the Knoxville Bar Association, 2007
- Named one of the Top Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2007 – 2009
- Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America, 2007 – 2009 and 2015 – 2017
- Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in Knoxville, 2007 – 2008
- Recipient, Legal Writing Award from the Knoxville Bar Association, 1998
- Fellow, International Society of Barristers
- Listed Mediator in both State and Federal Courts, Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31
- Member, Outstanding Lawyers of America
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Knoxville Bar Association, President, 1986
- Knoxville Bar Association, Board of Governors
- Tennessee Bar Association, Member
- American Bar Association, Member
- Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Member
- American Association for Justice, Member
- Lawyer Pilot Bar Association, Member
- American Inns of Court, Master, Bench Emeritus
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association, Member
Fraternities/Sororities
What is a Rule 31 Mediator?
Bill Vines is a mediator lawyer who is listed with the Tennessee Supreme Court under Rule 31. Rule 31 mediation is an informal process designed to help parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement during a dispute. Bill Vines, mediator lawyer can facilitate discussions between the parties during any Eligible Civil Action or other civil dispute in which it has been agreed in writing that mediation will be conducted as per Rule 31. Bill Vines as a mediator lawyer, serves as a neutral party in these proceedings, helping to guide both parties to a resolution that benefits them both.
As a listed Rule 31 mediator, Bill Vines, mediator lawyer, must uphold the standards set by the Tennessee Supreme Court. These include working to maintain confidentiality throughout the dispute resolution, except where it is legally required to disclose information. He must also remain impartial and promote a balanced process culminating in the involved parties coming to an informed and voluntary settlement that they can both agree on.
Why Do You Need a Mediator?
There are many situations where using a neutral mediator can help to resolve disputes. These might include:
- Where parties are having difficulty in reaching a resolution because they are reluctant to confront one another
- When there are psychological or emotional barriers to negotiate a resolution, in which case mediators can work to handle poor communication and misinterpretation
- In cases where parties are not willing to meet face to face to discuss a potential resolution
- When it is important to maintain a professional or working relationship following the resolution
Testimoinal
'As always, it was an absolute pleasure to have Bill mediate a case for us. Your office is always warm and hospitable. A nice way to spend a day out of the office!' - Mediation Client
