About Us

 

BIO – Paul KAUFMAN

Paul Kaufman, M.D., J.D., brings a unique perspective to the practice of law.  Paul obtained his undergraduate education at R.P.I.  (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) in Troy, New York.  He then attended medical school at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York and received his Medical Doctor degree in 1976. An intensive science background enables Paul to understand issues and experts in cases involving medicine, pharmacology, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.  Scientific knowledge is valuable to better advocate for the rights of people injured in a variety of settings

Following post-graduate training in Pediatrics Paul then practiced Emergency Medicine until 1986.  He was one of the first Board Certified Emergency Physicians in upper east Tennessee and was in charge of Emergency Medicine training for medical students, interns, and residents at the Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee from 1983 to 1986.  He cared for patients from Appalachia in Bristol and Kingsport Tennessee and Norton, Virginia in Emergency Rooms from 1979 to 1986, served as medical advisor for several rescue squads, and trained other physicians and nurses as an instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support.

In 1986 Paul switched gears and attended the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He graduated in 1989, was ranked first in his class, and received numerous academic honors.  Now in his 23rd year of practice as an attorney, he is a “public safety advocate” and has successfully represented clients injured by, among other things, medications with inadequate warnings, pollution, automobiles with defective restraint systems and various health care providers.  He has helped prevail against major drug companies (Wyeth, Merck), automobile manufacturers (Chrysler, Honda), and other large corporations. 

Paul is the father of six children. He has resided in Knoxville, Tennessee since 1986 and is a member of Corryton Church in Corryton, Tennessee where he has served on the Board of Trustees, as a child care helper in the nursery, mission trips, and a basketball referee for the youth league.

BIO – JANIE KAUFMAN

Janie has worked in law offices in the East Tennessee area since 1975.  She moved through the ranks of legal secretary, certified legal assistant, and then decided to go to law school.  She finished her undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude  in 2001 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum College.  She began law school in 2004 and graduated in May 2008 from the Nashville School of Law, successfully completing the Tennessee Bar Examination in July, 2008.

Janie's career life has been in law.  She has primarily worked for plaintiff firms and has a great deal of compassion for those who have been wronged in some form or another.

In addition to working with Paul in the medical malpractice cases, Janie's law practice also involves divorce matters, wills and probate, Social Security cases, personal injury cases such as car wrecks, and an extensive workload in the Juvenile Court as a Guardian ad Litem for the children.

Janie has three children, 2 adult sons and a 9-year old daughter— She was able to juggle law school, work, and a small child and successfully complete a long-held dream of becoming a lawyer.

Janie is an adjunct faculty member at Tusculum College where she teaches a business law class on an as needed basis. Janie is also on the Advisory Board for the Business Program at Virginia College, the new college that opened recently in Knoxville.

Family, church and work are the priorities in Janie's life. Janie is involved in her church with such things as Promiseland Leader (teacher of Kindergarten Boys Class); Choir; and several mission projects such as South Dakota, Kentucky and locally helping with the needs of the elderly. Janie is also a devoted volunteer and Classroom Mom at the local elementary school where her daughter attends.

FIRM HISTORY AND VALUES

Janie and Paul Kaufman began working together in 1990. (In case you were wondering Janie and Paul are married. In addition to their eight children they also have four grandchildren.)  Janie worked as Paul's paralegal in medical malpractice cases until she became a lawyer and took on a different role in the office.  During these past 22 years, they have come together to accomplish many goals and successfully represent the interests of many people.  Together, Janie and Paul, make a fantastic team.  Their years of working side-by-side on medical malpractice cases has provided them with skill and teamwork knowledge that is unsurpassed in these cases.  Paul's knowledge as a medical doctor and a trial lawyer, coupled with Janie's administrative knowledge, organizational skills, and compassion for people, make them a team that covers everything needed to fulfill their goals—serve their clients.

The goal of the Kaufman Law Firm is to provide the highest quality representation to individuals who have been injured by the negligent conduct of others, particularly those injured in a medical setting.  We also want to continue providing service to the community and  through pro bono representation of those unable to afford an attorney and answering questions people may have about the quality of their health care.  We have been able to explain to many people why the care they received was appropriate and knowing that often results in peace of mind.

6211 Mont Richer Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37918

Tel: (865) 687-0272
Fax: (865) 381-0575