BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2012)
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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
MICHAEL D. KELLUM, BPR # 014920
CONTACT: SANDY GARRETT
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
May 30, 2012
WASHINGTON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On May 25, 2012, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Michael D. Kellum, of Johnson City,
Tennessee, for thirty-three (33) months, with credit for twenty-one (21) months suspension served while on
temporary suspension, and ordered Mr. Kellum to pay restitution of $15,936 to five former clients and the
Tennessee Lawyers Fund for Client Protection.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline and Supplemental Petition
against Mr. Kellum pursuant to Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The Board of Professional
Responsibility alleged that Mr. Kellum accepted fees, but then neglected clients' matters, failed to communicate
with his clients and accepted unearned fees.
Mr. Kellum submitted a Conditional Guilty Plea which was approved by a Hearing Panel, the Board of
Professional Responsibility and the Supreme Court.
Mr. Kellumâs actions violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication); and
1.16 (terminating representation). For these violations, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Mr.
Kellumâs law license. Mr. Kellum must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9,
Sections 18 and 19 should he seek reinstatement of his Tennessee law license and he may not resume practice
until reinstated by further order of the Court.
Mr. Kellum was furthered ordered to pay the expenses and costs of the disciplinary proceedings,
pursuant to Rule 9, Section 24.3, of the Rules of the Supreme Court, and fully comply in all respects with the
requirements and obligations of suspended attorneys as set forth in Rule 9, Section 18.1 of the Rules of the
Supreme Court.
Kellum 1598-1 rel.doc
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