BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2020)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: JAMES D.R. ROBERTS, BPR #17537
CONTACT: KEVIN D. BALKWILL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
January 22, 2020
NASHVILLE LAWYER CENSURED
On January 22, 2020, James D.R. Roberts, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Roberts enlarged the scope of his legal services with a client and altered the terms of his fee
agreement without adequately communicating with his client. Mr. Roberts later claimed an interest in certain
funds paid into court for the benefit of his client which led to a dispute and a termination of Mr. Robertsâ
representation of the client. After a hearing, the court issued a final order denying the payment of any funds to
Mr. Roberts. The court found that Mr. Roberts failed to communicate the terms of his amended fee
arrangement with his former client and failed to set forth the new terms of his fee in a writing signed by the
former client with the opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel.
By these acts, James D.R. Roberts has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 (fees) and 1.8(a)
(conflict of interest) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Roberts 54429-5 rel.doc