Microsoft Word - ebb_155404171_1861307905_47 (2019)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference.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 (leonard-59973-4-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: RUSSELL LEE LEONARD, #014191
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
October 10, 2019
FRANKLIN COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On October 10, 2019, Russell Lee Leonard, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Leonard represented three clients in a dispute against a man they alleged was acting as a real estate
agent without a license. In December 2014, the civil matter was settled and Mr. Leonardâs clients signed a
settlement agreement and release. In January 2015, Mr. Leonard filed a written complaint with the Tennessee
Real Estate Commission against the civil defendant, but he did so in the names of his three clients, including
their affidavits and not including his own name or signature. Mr. Leonard sent a cover letter stating that his
clients had asked him to file this complaint. In reality, Mr. Leonardâs clients were not aware he had filed the
complaint and did not authorize him to do so.
The civil defendant was assessed a fine by the Real Estate Commission for his conduct. Thereafter, he
filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Leonard and the three clients individually, alleging that the filing of the real
estate disciplinary complaint was in violation of the settlement agreement and release the clients had executed
in December 2014. The trial court found in favor of the plaintiff, and entered a judgment against Mr. Leonard
and his clients, jointly and severally, in the amount of $20,000, for the fine the plaintiff had to pay to the Real
Estate Commission and for his attorney fees. The judgment was affirmed on appeal and remanded for
additional attorney fees on appeal.
Mr. Leonardâs conduct in filing a disciplinary complaint with the Real Estate Commission against a
former adverse party in the name of his clients with their affidavits only and not his own when the clients did
not authorize him to do so, is in violation of Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation) and
8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and resulted in significant harm to his clients. Mr. Leonard is
hereby publicly censured for this conduct.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Leonard 59973-4 rel.doc