Microsoft Word - ebb_85012812_2012201779_0 (2021)
Note: This document was published in 2021. Information in older documents may not reflect current board procedures or policies.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (adkins-64564-knox-county-lawyer-censured.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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: TERRILL LEE ADKINS, #013138
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 14, 2021
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 13, 2021, Terrill Lee Adkins, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Adkins agreed to represent a defendant in a pending product liability trial when an attorney at his
office had previously been substantially involved in the same matter at a law firm which continued to represent
the plaintiff. Mr. Adkinsâ colleague then left employment of Mr. Adkinsâ firm. Thereafter, the attorney
returned to the employment of Mr. Adkinsâ firm, and the attorney reminded Mr. Adkins of his prior work on the
still-pending case. Mr. Adkins re-hired the attorney and attempted to put screening procedures in place.
Because the attorney was substantially involved in the representation of the plaintiff in the matter, the screening
procedures are not able to be used to avoid the imputed disqualification of Mr. Adkinsâ law firm under Rule
1.10(d) (imputation of conflicts of interest). Mr. Adkinsâ conduct resulted in harm to his client and prejudice to
the administration of justice.
In the same matter, Mr. Adkins was granted approval for a limited deposition of an opposing attorney on
particular substantive topics. After the deposition, Mr. Adkins issued a subpoena for the employment file of the
opposing attorney, seeking documents related to an alleged claim of sexual harassment made against the
attorney in the course of his employment. The text of the subpoena described the documents sought in crass,
sexist language. After a motion to quash was filed, Mr. Adkins withdrew the subpoena.
By these acts, Terrill Lee Adkins, has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.10(d) (imputation of
conflict of interest), 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and 4.4 (respect for rights of third
persons), 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.
Adkins 64564-2 rel.doc