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: JOHN R. HERSHBERGER, BPR #21519
CONTACT: WILLIAM C. MOODY
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
February 7, 2017
SHELBY COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On February 7, 2017, John R. Hershberger of Memphis, Tennessee, was Publicly Censured by order of
the Tennessee Supreme Court.
While representing a party in a case pending before the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Mr. Hershberger
went to the home of a judge on the Court of Appeals in order to ask her a question pertaining to the case. The
judge was not at home and Mr. Hershberger left without speaking with her.
A Hearing Panel found that by attempting to engage in an ex parte communication with the judge, Mr.
Hershberger violated Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(a) (Misconduct) and should be Publicly Censured for
this violation. Mr. Hershberger appealed the decision to the Chancery Court for Shelby County, which affirmed
the Hearing Panelâs decision.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Hershberger 2381-9 rel.doc