Microsoft Word - ebb_62947765_289197616_48 (2020)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference. The original PDF remains the official record for legal purposes.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (caldwell-59552c-9-rel.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
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: KATHLEEN LAIRD CALDWELL, BPR #9916
CONTACT: KEVIN D. BALKWILL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 1, 2020
MEMPHIS LAWYER CENSURED
On April 1, 2020, Kathleen Laird Caldwell, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Caldwell verbally agreed to represent a client in a post-conviction criminal case and on appeal for a
flat fee of $7,500.00. Ms. Caldwellâs office received $3,500.00 toward the fee and deposited the refundable fee
directly into an operating account without a written fee agreement signed by the client. Ms. Caldwell met with
the client in the Shelby County Jail but had not reviewed materials related to the clientâs criminal case, had not
filed any post-trial motions, had not entered an appearance with the criminal court, and had not begun the
appeal process. Less than one month after the representation began, Ms. Caldwellâs representation was
terminated and the client requested a refund of the unearned portion of the fee. Ms. Caldwell only offered to
refund $950.00 to the client and provided an invoice for services billed at the rate of $300.00 per hour which
Ms. Caldwell acknowledged had never previously been discussed with the client.
By these acts, Kathleen Laird Caldwell has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of
representation), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), and 1.15 (safekeeping property), and is hereby Publicly
Censured for these violations. As a condition of the Public Censure, Ms. Caldwell shall reimburse $2,750.00 in
fees directly to her former client within 120 days less any funds previously refunded by Ms. Caldwell.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Caldwell 59552c-9 rel.doc