BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2006)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
of the
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
KATHY A. LESLIE, BPR #13587
CONTACT: LAURA L. CHASTAIN
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 20, 2006
NASHVILLE LAWYER SUSPENDED
On February 28, 2006, the Supreme Court of Tennessee of Tennessee entered an
Order suspending the law license of Nashville lawyer, Kathy A. Leslie for a period of thirty six
(36) months retroactive to April 6, 2004, the date upon which the Tennessee Supreme Court has
first suspended her license. Ms. Leslie misappropriated client trust funds in violation of DR 9-
102(A)(B) in two separate matters.
Disciplinary Counsel filed Petitions for Discipline pursuant to Rule 9, Rules of
the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The Hearing Panel of the Board of Professional Responsibility
recommended that Respondent be suspended for a period of eighteen (18) months retroactive to
April 6, 2004, the date upon which the Tennessee Supreme Court first suspended her license to
practice law and that Leslie take six (6) additional hours of ethics continuing legal education
above and beyond the required amount in 2006 and 2007. Neither Leslie nor the Board appealed
the Hearing Panel findings.
Pursuant to Section 8.4 of Rule 9 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court,
the Tennessee Supreme Court reviewed the recommended discipline provided in the Hearing
Panelâs judgment. The Court found that the discipline proposed by the Hearing Panel appeared
to be inadequate. Therefore, the Tennessee Supreme Court notified the Board of Professional
Responsibility and Leslie that it proposed to increase the punishment to a thirty six (36) month
suspension retroactive to April 6, 2004, the date upon which the Tennessee Supreme Court first
suspended her license to practice law. Additionally, the Court found that Respondent must take
six (6) additional hours of ethics CLE above and beyond the required amount in 2006 and 2007.
The Court further ordered that Leslie could appeal the Courtâs proposal by filing
her brief in opposition to the imposition of the stated discipline within twenty (20) days of the
date of the Order and that she could request oral argument. The Court ordered that reply briefs
should be filed within twenty (20) days of filing of the brief of Leslie. Leslie did not file a brief
in opposition and the Supreme Courtâs Order became final.
Section 18 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9 requires Leslie, among other
things, to notify by registered or certified mail all clients being represented in pending matters;
all co-counsel and opposing counsel of the Supreme Courtâs Order suspending her license.
Section 18 also requires Leslie to deliver to all clients papers or property to which they are
entitled.
Pursuant to Section 24.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Leslie shall pay the
costs of the proceedings.
This disciplinary matter was held pursuant to Supreme Court Rules 8 and 9. In
Tennessee, suspended lawyers may, after the passage of their suspension, apply for reinstatement
of their law licenses. However, to succeed these lawyers must carry their burden of proof by
clear and convincing evidence that their reinstatement will not be detrimental to the integrity and
standing of the bar or the administration of justice or subversive to the public interest.
Leslie 1442-5 rel.doc
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