William J. Cranford III

William J. Cranford III is a litigation attorney at Butler Snow LLP, where his practice centers on representing correctional officers, agencies, and officials in matters related to correctional institutions. He is experienced in civil rights, governmental litigation, and commercial disputes, with a strong foundation in complex litigation strategy and trial practice.

Will earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2016. During law school, he received the Joe A. Moore Scholarship for Excellence in Oral Advocacy, won first place in the NYU School of Law National Writing Competition, and earned CALI Awards in Trial Advocacy and White Collar Crime. He also holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Memphis.

Before joining Butler Snow, Will served as an Assistant District Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee, with the 30th Judicial District. Over six years, he led criminal prosecutions from investigation through sentencing. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the Honorable Ross Dyer and Honorable Camille McMullen in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, further deepening his legal experience in appellate matters.

At Butler Snow, Will represents public-sector clients in a range of civil litigation, with a focus on correctional litigation and civil rights defense. He manages all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, oral argument, and trial proceedings. His ability to navigate high-stakes legal challenges makes him a strong advocate for government agencies and officials.

William J. Cranford III is admitted to practice in Alabama and Tennessee, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, including sections focused on litigation, civil rights, and public sector law.

Through diligent advocacy and courtroom expertise, Will provides defense counsel that is both strategic and steadfast, particularly for clients navigating the complexities of correctional and governmental litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Butler Snow LLP
• Member, Alabama State Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Alabama
• Tennessee

Education

• University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Memphis
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges