Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018 
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.
