David Eldridge

David M. Eldridge is a seasoned trial attorney with nearly four decades of experience defending clients in Knoxville, across Tennessee in both State and Federal courts, and elsewhere. As the managing partner of Eldridge & Cravens, P.C., he has built a reputation for providing strategic, tenacious, and compassionate legal counsel in both criminal defense and civil litigation.

Legacy of Excellence

David graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1986, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable W. Eugene Davis of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In 1988, he joined Ritchie, Fels & Dillard, becoming a partner in 1992. In 2003, he founded Eldridge & Blakney, P.C., which would later become Eldridge & Cravens, P.C., focusing on criminal defense and civil litigation.

Recognized Leadership

David’s excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Selection to The Best Lawyers in America since 2005, with multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors in Criminal Defense: General Practice and White Collar categories.
• Inclusion in Mid-South Super Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee since 2006.
• Board Certification as Criminal Trial Advocate by National Board of Trial Advocacy.
• AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review rating for legal ability and ethics.
• Induction as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2013, an invitation-only Fellowship of exceptional trial lawyers from the United States and Canada who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism.

Dedication to Legal Community

David is deeply committed to the legal profession and public service. He has served as President of the Knoxville Bar Association and the Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court. He is a Fellow of both the Knoxville Bar Foundation and the Tennessee Bar Foundation. In 2019, he was installed as the 38th Chair of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, an organization that supports law-related public projects across the state.

Trusted Advocate

Clients turn to David for his unwavering dedication and strategic insight. Whether facing complex criminal charges or navigating intricate regulatory, administrative, or civil disputes, David provides clear guidance and robust representation. His extensive experience and commitment to justice make him a trusted advocate for those in need of legal assistance.