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
GARY D. COPAS, BPR #3608
CONTACT: SANDY GARRETT
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
May 8, 2006
NASHVILLE LAWYER CENSURED
On May 5, 2006, Gary D. Copas, of Nashville, Tennessee, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility based on two complaints. Copas was
given notice of the Censure and did not request a hearing. The first complaint concerned Copasâ
representation of a client in an EEOC case. Copas failed to answer discovery propounded to his
client. Copas also failed to adequately communicate with the client. Copas did prepare draft
discovery responses for the client but when sending these discovery responses to the client, he
suggested he and the client meet to discuss the responses. The client states Copas failed to
appear for this meeting and four (4) subsequent appointments.
In the second complaint, the clients paid Copas $2,500 to handle a federal case.
Copas neglected the clientsâ case and failed to keep the clients informed. Since retaining Copas
in August, 2003, Copas has not filed the clientsâ case.
Copasâ neglect and failure to communicate with his clients violates Rules 1.3; 1.4;
1.5 and 8.4 of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. The Censure declares Copasâ
actions to be improper ethical conduct but does not limit his right to practice law.
** A Public Censure is a form of discipline that declares the conduct of the lawyer
improper but does not limit the lawyerâs right to practice law.
Copas 28451 – 28822-5 rel.doc
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