BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2012)
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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
VANESSA GALE KEELER, BPR #020481
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 2, 2012
MEMPHIS LAWYER SUSPENDED
On August 1, 2012, Vanessa Gale Keeler, of Memphis, Tennessee, was suspended from the practice of
law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three (3) years. She was further ordered to pay restitution to
nine (9) clients, to participate in an evaluation by the Tennessee Lawyerâs Assistance Program or an equivalent
program in another state, and to pay costs to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline on August 22, 2011 containing
six complaints of misconduct. A Supplemental Petition for Discipline was filed on April 17, 2012 containing
four complaints of misconduct. Ms. Keeler entered into a Conditional Guilty Plea. Clients were unable to
contact her either at her office or by telephone. Ms. Keeler failed to provide her clients with copies of pleadings
she prepared on their behalf. Her actions evidenced a pattern of failing to communicate in each of these cases.
Further, Ms. Keeler failed to exercise appropriate diligence. She failed to handle a personal injury case, several
domestic relations cases, and an insurance claim in a timely manner.
Her actions violate the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.3, Diligence; 1.4, Communication;
1.5(a), Fees; 1.16(d), Declining and Terminating Representation; 3.2, Expediting Litigation; and 8.4(a) and (c),
Misconduct.
Ms. Keeler must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 and 19,
should she seek reinstatement of her Tennessee law license, and she may not resume practice until reinstated by
further order of the Court.
Keeler 2066-9 rel.doc
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