BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2008)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
THELMA J. COPELAND, # 22466
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
September 23, 2008
MEMPHIS LAWYER CENSURED
On September 16, 2008, Thelma J. Copeland, of Memphis, Tennessee, received a Public Censure from
the Tennessee Supreme Court. In addition to the Public Censure, Ms. Copeland is placed on probation for one
(1) year during which time she shall engage a practice monitor. Ms. Copeland is ordered to enroll in a law
practice management class within sixty (60) days of the entry of this Order.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Thelma J. Copeland
pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. A Hearing Panel heard the matter and
recommended a Public Censure with the above-referenced conditions which was approved by the Supreme
Court. Ms. Copeland violated the Rules of Professional Conduct due to her failure to properly maintain a trust
account leading to an overdraft. Ms. Copeland failed to demonstrate an understanding of basic trust accounting
principles. Her actions violate the following Rule(s) of Professional Conduct: 1.15 Safekeeping Client
Property and 8.4(d), Misconduct. Ms. Copeland is further ordered to pay the costs of the disciplinary
proceedings.
For these violations, the Supreme Court of Tennessee publicly censures Thelma J. Copeland. A public
censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to practice law.
Copeland 1691-9 rel.doc
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