BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2015)
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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: WILLIAM CLARK BARNES, JR., BPR #11399
CONTACT: ELIZABETH C. GARBER
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
October 30, 2015
SHELBY COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On October 28, 2015, William Clark Barnes, Jr., an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee,
received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
During the representation of a client in a civil lawsuit, Mr. Barnesâs law license was suspended for
failing to comply with continuing legal education requirements. After the suspension of his license, Mr.
Barnes did not provide notice of the suspension to his client as required by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9,
Section 28. When the Court denied Mr. Barnesâs request that the trial be continued, Mr. Barnes made no
further efforts to protect the clientâs interests. Additionally, Mr. Barnes did not promptly surrender the
clientâs file to the clientâs subsequent attorney.
By these acts, William Clark Barnes, Jr. has violated Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28,
and Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), and 1.16(d) (terminating
representation), and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
In relation to a prior disciplinary matter on March 31, 2015, Mr. Barnes was suspended for three years
with six months to be served as active suspension and the remainder to be served on probation. Mr. Barnes
has not sought reinstatement from the active suspension.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Barnes 40124-9 rel.doc