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 CALDWELL HANCOCK, BPR #5312
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 14, 2015
DAVIDSON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On August 13, 2015, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended the law license of William Caldwell
Hancock for one (1) year and ordered Mr. Hancock to pay restitution in the total amount of $22,126.00. Mr.
Hancock is also ordered to pay costs of the disciplinary proceeding to the Board of Professional Responsibility
and to the Court.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Hancock containing
allegations of ethical misconduct arising from Mr. Hancockâs pursuit of a frivolous lawsuit. A hearing panel
determined that Mr. Hancock made allegations in the suit that were not based upon a reasonable inquiry into the
law or facts of the matter. The hearing panel further concluded that the purpose of the lawsuit filed by Mr.
Hancock was to embarrass and burden a third person. The opposing party expended approximately $20,000 to
defend the suit, which included pursuit of sanctions against Mr. Hancock and his client. Mr. Hancock appealed
the decision of the hearing panel to the Davidson County Chancery Court. The Chancery Court affirmed the
hearing panelâs decision.
Mr. Hancock has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1, Meritorious Claims and Contentions;
4.4(a), Respect for the Rights of Third Persons; and 8.4(a) and (d), Misconduct.
Mr. Hancock must comply with Tenn. Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 (2006) and 30.4 (2014),
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
Hancock 2216-5 rel.doc