BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2009)
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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
DEBRA FANNIN GRAHAM, BPR# 015493
CONTACT: SANDY GARRETT
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 15, 2009
OAK RIDGE LAWYER SUSPENDED
On July 8, 2009, Debra Fannin Graham, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was suspended for six (6) months,
placed on probation for one (1) year to be served concurrent with the six (6) month suspension, and ordered to
pay restitution to four (4) clients totaling $5,017.15, by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline and three (3) Supplemental
Petitions for Discipline against Debra Fannin Graham pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of
Tennessee. The Board of Professional Responsibility alleged that Ms. Graham failed to act with reasonable
diligence in representing clients; failed to communicate with clients; made misrepresentations to a client and
about clientsâ cases and retained excessive fees.
After a full hearing, a Hearing Panel recommended Ms. Graham be suspended for six (6) months; placed
on probation for one (1) year; complete nine (9) hours of continuing legal education in ethics, and pay four (4)
clients $5,017.15 in restitution. Ms. Graham appealed the Hearing Panelâs recommendation to the Chancery
Court of Anderson County. The Chancery Court dismissed Ms. Grahamâs appeal and Ms. Graham appealed to
the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court dismissed Ms. Grahamâs appeal.
Ms. Graham must comply with Section 18 of Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court, regarding the
obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys
Graham 1547-2 rel.doc
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