BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2016)
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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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: WILLIAM C. GOSNELL, BPR #4369
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 6, 2016
SHELBY COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective July 11, 2016, William C. Gosnell, of Memphis, Tennessee, is suspended from the practice of
law for a period of two (2) years by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered July 1, 2016. Mr. Gosnell
must pay restitution in the amount of $600.00 and the costs of the disciplinary matter to the Board and to the
Court.
On February 13, 2013, the Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against
Mr. Gosnell, and a Supplemental Petition for Discipline on September 24, 2013, based upon two (2) complaints
of misconduct. In the first matter, Mr. Gosnell advised his client in a personal injury action she could accept
full settlement from the opposing partyâs insurance company without releasing the opposing party. Thereafter,
without informing opposing counsel, Mr. Gosnell altered the settlement document to remove the opposing
partyâs name from the release and delayed returning the release to opposing counsel well after disbursing the
settlement funds. Suit was filed against Mr. Gosnell and his client to enforce the settlement. In the second
matter, Mr. Gosnell filed a Petition for Bankruptcy without his clientâs signature or consent, in violation of the
Bankruptcy Courtâs rules. Although Mr. Gosnell took appropriate action to dismiss the petition, the filing of the
petition was reported to credit agencies and prevented the client from completing the purchase of a house. Mr.
Gosnell was sanctioned by the Bankruptcy Court and ordered to disgorge his attorney fee.
Mr. Gosnellâs conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence); 1.4(a) and
(b) (communication); 3.3(a) (candor toward the tribunal); 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel); and
8.4(a), (c) and (d) (misconduct).
Mr. Gosnell must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18
(2006) and 30 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and may not return
to the active practice of law until an order of reinstatement has been entered by the Supreme Court.
Gosnell 2188-9 rel.doc