BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2017)
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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
RE: KRISTEN ELIZABETH MENKE, BPR #24600
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
June 21, 2017
DAVIDSON COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On June 21, 2017, Kristen Elizabeth Menke of Davidson County, Tennessee, was publicly censured by
Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The Court further ordered Ms. Menke to pay costs and expenses to the
Board of Professional Responsibility.
On February 19, 2016, a Petition for Discipline was filed against Kristen Elizabeth Menke. The Petition
for Discipline included one (1) complaint of disciplinary misconduct alleging that Ms. Menke made several
inappropriate comments in a closing argument. Ms. Menke was an Assistant District Attorney for Davidson
County. During her argument in a criminal case, Ms. Menke made direct and indirect references to the
defendantâs decision not to testify. Further, Ms. Menke improperly injected personal opinion about the justness
of the cause in her closing argument.
A hearing panel determined that Ms. Menke violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4(e)(1), (2) and
(3) (Fairness to the Opposing Party and Counsel); and 8.4(a) and (d) (Misconduct). For these violations, the
Supreme Court of Tennessee publicly censured Ms. Menke.
A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Menke 2553-5 rel.doc