BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2020)
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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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: STEPHEN WALKER PATE, BPR #6758
CONTACT: KEVIN D. BALKWILL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 8, 2020
RUTHERFORD COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 8, 2020, Stephen Walker Pate, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Pate engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a client who retained him for
representation in a pending divorce action. Mr. Pateâs conduct presented the risk of impairment of Mr. Pateâs
independent professional judgment and to communications protected by attorney-client privilege.
By these acts, Stephen Walker Pate has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 (conflict of interest)
and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Pate 61168-4 rel.doc