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: SHANNON MICHELE LOVINS, BPR #19481
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
February 25, 2015
SULLIVAN COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On February 20, 2015, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order of Reciprocal Discipline
suspending the law license of Shannon Michele Lovins, of Bluff City, Tennessee, for five (5) years subject to
conditions imposed by the North Carolina State Bar. The suspension is retroactive to December 5, 2012.
Upon receiving notification by the Board of Professional Responsibility that Ms. Lovins was subject to
attorney discipline in North Carolina, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered a notice requiring Ms. Lovins to
demonstrate why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed in Tennessee. Ms. Lovinsâ license to practice law
in North Carolina was suspended upon finding that Ms. Lovins pled guilty to several criminal offenses
involving illegal drugs, disorderly conduct, and driving while under the influence of an impairing substance.
Ms. Lovins also failed to conduct the requisite reconciliations of her trust account, commingled funds by
leaving her attorney fees in the trust account, over-disbursed funds from the trust account to third parties, and
failed to follow mandatory management and record-keeping procedures. There was no evidence that Ms.
Lovinsâ failure to follow proper trust account management and record-keeping procedures was the result of
dishonesty or for self-gain.
Ms. Lovins voluntarily stipulated to the findings of a North Carolina State Bar Hearing Panel
acknowledging that she violated North Carolina General Statues, Section 84-28(b)(2) Rules 1.15-2(a), (f), (j)
and (m), 1.15-3(a), (b) and (d), 8.4(b). After considering the record of the North Carolina State Bar, the
Supreme Court of Tennessee found that it was appropriate to also enter an Order of Reciprocal Discipline
suspending Ms. Lovinsâ license to practice law in Tennessee.
Ms. Lovins must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
30.4 regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys. While suspended, Ms. Lovins
remains obligated to fulfill all applicable CLE requirements and to pay annual registration fees. She must pay
the costs and expenses of this proceeding.
Lovins 2385-1 rel.doc