BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2016)
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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: MATTHEW QUENTIN BASTIAN, BPR #12562
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
February 3, 2016
MAURY COUNTY LAWYER DISBARRED
On February 3, 2016, Matthew Bastian, formerly of Columbia, Tennessee, was disbarred by Order of the
Tennessee Supreme Court. The Order disbarring Mr. Bastion is effective as of the date of filing. Mr. Bastion is
required to pay restitution to a former client and the Boardâs costs in the disciplinary action.
A Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. Bastian alleging a lack of competence, diligence and
communication; failure to refund unearned fees or respond to the Board; and abandoning his client and law
practice. In December, 2012, Mr. Bastian received a $4,500.00 retainer to prosecute an employment
discrimination complaint. After entering his appearance as attorney of record, Mr. Bastian failed to appear at
three (3) separate case management conferences or respond to an order from the Court. Mr. Bastian abandoned
his client and his law practice without proper notice to his client, did not provide the professional services for
which he was retained and failed to refund unearned fees. Mr. Bastian failed to respond to the Petition for
Discipline or appear at trial.
Mr. Bastianâs conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.1 (competence); 1.3 (diligence);
1.4 (communication); 1.16 (declining or terminating representation); 3.2 (expediting litigation); and 8.1 (bar
admissions and disciplinary matters); and 8.4, (misconduct).
Mr. Bastian must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 and
Section 30, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys and the procedures for
reinstatement. He may not resume the practice of law until reinstated by an order of the Supreme Court.
Bastian 2399-6 rel.doc