BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2009)
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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
RAMSDALE OâDENEAL, BPR# 13367
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 8, 2009
JACKSON LAWYER SUSPENDED
On April 7, 2009, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Ramsdale OâDeNeal from the practice of
law for one (1) year effective April 17, 2009. Mr. OâDeNeal is also ordered to pay the Boardâs costs in this
matter. Mr. OâDeNeal is currently practicing in Jackson, Tennessee.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. OâDeNeal
pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. After a hearing on the matter, a
Hearing Panel determined that Mr. OâDeNeal was negligent in handling a criminal case by failing to file an
Order indicating that he was being substituted as the defendantâs counsel, failing to follow-up on motions
filed by defendantâs previous counsel, and failing to appear for two pre-trial status conferences. As a result
of Mr. OâDeNealâs failure to appear at the two pre-trial status conferences, the Court found that it was
necessary to continue the trial. Further, Mr. OâDeNeal failed to produce his client file despite entry of an
Order compelling him to do so.
Mr. OâDeNealâs actions violate the following Rules of Professional Conduct: RPC 1.1,
Competence; 1.3, Diligence; 1.4, Communication; 1.15, Safekeeping Property; 1.16, Declining and
Terminating Representation; 3.4, Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel; and 8.4 Misconduct.
Mr. OâDeNeal must comply with the requirements of Rule 9, § 18 regarding the obligations and
responsibilities of suspended attorneys. Further, he must comply with § 19 of the Rule 9 should he seek
reinstatement of his Tennessee law license and he may not resume practice until reinstated by further order
of this Court.
OâDeNeal 1753-5 rel.doc
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