BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2015)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference.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 (westmoreland-37255c-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: CHRISTOPHER PAUL WESTMORELAND, BPR #24789
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
October 19, 2015
BEDFORD COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On October 15, 2015, Christopher Paul Westmoreland, an attorney licensed to practice law in
Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme
Court.
Mr. Westmoreland was appointed to represent a client on two criminal matters which resulted in
convictions. In the first matter, Mr. Westmoreland timely filed an appeal but neglected to timely file the
appellate brief. Mr. Westmoreland filed a motion to accept the late-filed brief which was granted, but the Court
cautioned Mr. Westmoreland about complying with the Rules of Appellate Procedure and Orders of the Court.
In the clientâs second matter, Mr. Westmoreland neglected to timely file the notice of appeal. Several months
later, Mr. Westmoreland filed a motion to accept the late-filed notice of appeal which was granted. No activity
took place on the appeal for at least four months until the clerk notified Mr. Westmoreland that the record had
not been received. Thereafter, the record was filed, briefs were filed, and the appeal was submitted on briefs.
Mr. Westmoreland also failed to timely respond to requests for information from his client.
By these acts, Mr. Westmoreland violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4
(communication), 3.2 (expediting litigation), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing counsel), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the
administration of justice).
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Westmoreland 37255c-4 rel.doc