BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2006)
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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
THOMAS A. AUSTIN, BPR #5866
CONTACT: SANDY GARRETT
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
October 11, 2006
KINGSTON LAWYER SUSPENDED
Thomas Alva Austin, a Kingston lawyer, was summarily suspended from the
practice of law by the Tennessee Supreme Court on October 6, 2006. Mr. Austin pled guilty to a
serious crime, i.e., extortion, and was sentenced to forty two (42) months on September 7, 2006.
Section 18 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9 requires Mr. Austin to notify by
registered or certified mail all clients being represented in pending matters; all co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Courtâs Order suspending him. Section 18 of Tennessee
Supreme court Rule 9 also requires Mr. Austin to deliver to all clients any papers or property to
which they are entitled. Mr. Austin is further prohibited from maintaining a presence where the
practice of law is conducted and required to remove and refrain from use of any indicia of
lawyer, legal assistant, law clerk or similar title.
The Court further ordered that this matter be referred to the Board of Professional
Responsibility for institution of a formal proceeding in which the sole issue to be determined
shall be the extent of the final discipline to be imposed as a result of Mr. Austinâs guilty plea.
Austin 1634-2 rel.doc
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