BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2017)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference. The original PDF remains the official record for legal purposes.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (kennedy-2618-2-rel.pdf)
Alternative Accessible HTML
Accessible Alternative: This HTML version is an automatically processed accessible alternative. While it provides a searchable format, the text extraction may contain formatting or character errors. The original PDF remains the authoritative official record.
Need a different format? Use the Request Assistance Form.
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: JAMES LESTER KENNEDY, BPR #5453
CONTACT: ALAN D. JOHNSON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 20, 2017
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On July 20, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an order suspending James Lester Kennedy
from the practice of law for a period of one (1) year, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section
12.2. Mr. Kennedy must pay the Boardâs costs and expenses within ninety days of the entry of the Order.
Mr. Kennedy served as the executor of an estate that was opened in 1987. In 2009, approximately
twenty-two (22) years after the estate was opened, the beneficiaries discovered that the estate had not been
closed; that Mr. Kennedy had ignored repeated orders by the Court to appear and settle; and in 2000, the Court
had retired the case due to inactivity. After repeated failures to comply with court orders to provide an
accounting, the Court found Mr. Kennedy in contempt and removed him as executor.
The hearing panel found that Mr. Kennedyâs conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct
1.1, (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party and counsel) and 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Kennedy must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 and
30, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and may not return to the active
practice of law until an order of reinstatement has been entered by the Supreme Court.
Kennedy 2618rel.doc