BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2012)
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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
SHELLEY ROTHMAN-BRANNING, BPR# 10830
CONTACT: RACHEL L. WATERHOUSE
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
September 4, 2012
MEMPHIS LAWYER SUSPENDED
On August 31, 2012, Shelley Rothman-Branning of Memphis, Tennessee, was suspended by the
Tennessee Supreme Court for eleven (11) months, twenty-nine (29) days, consisting of sixty (60) days active
suspension and the remainder on probation, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 4.2. The suspension will
become effective on September 10, 2012.
The Board of Professional Responsibility had previously filed a Petition for Discipline against Ms.
Rothman-Branning, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 9. Ms. Rothman-Branning submitted a Conditional Guilty
Plea that was approved by the Hearing Panel, the Board and the Supreme Court. Ms. Rothman-Branning
violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by agreeing to use previously disbursed and unclaimed funds
belonging to third persons from her firmâs trust account to pay operating expenses of the law firm. The
unclaimed funds related to real estate transactions. Ms. Rothman-Branning voluntarily reported her actions to
the Board. All funds were replaced in the trust account and then properly disbursed, resulting in no financial
loss to the third persons. Ms. Rothman-Branningâs actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15
(Safekeeping Property and Funds) and 8.4 (Misconduct).
Ms. Rothman-Branning was further ordered to perform forty (40) hours of pro bono work at a provider
of her choice. Ms. Rothman-Branning must pay the expenses and costs of the disciplinary proceedings,
pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 24.3, and fully comply in all respects with the requirements and
obligations of suspended attorneys as set forth in Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 18.
Rothman-Branning 2054-9 rel.doc
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