BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2006)
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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
RE: VICTORIA L. DiBONAVENTURA, BPR #13770
CONTACT: CHARLES A. HIGH, DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
(615) 361-7500, EXT. 203
August 16, 2006
BUCHANAN TENNESSEE ATTORNEY CENSURED
Victoria L. DiBonaventura, respondent, a Buchanan, Tennessee attorney, was publicly
censured by the Board of Professional Responsibility on August 15, 2006. A public censure is a
rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs right to practice law.
Respondent received $1,000.00 to represent a client in a child support matter filed in
Henry County, Tennessee. The client gave respondent receipts for payment of child support,
correspondence and court papers.
Respondent never filed anything in the court and never entered an appearance. The client
had difficulty reaching respondent and his telephone calls were not returned. The client
terminated respondent as his attorney and requested his file documents be returned. When the
file was not returned the client filed the disciplinary complaint. The client also requested a
return of unearned fees.
After the disciplinary complaint was filed, respondent returned the file documents but
made no refund of fees. In mitigation, respondentâs spouse was ill during this period and she had
responsibilities for his care.
Respondent violated RPC 1.1 [competent representation], RPC 1.3 [diligence and
promptness], RPC 1.4 [client communication], RPC 1.16(d) [duties upon withdrawal], and 8.4(d)
[conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice]. Respondent is censured for these
violations.
The Rules of Professional Conduct are mandatory for all attorneys. They state a
minimum level of conduct and any violation reflects negatively on the standing and integrity of
the bar.
DiBonaventura 28760-7 rel.doc
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