BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2015)
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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
RE: FLETCHER WHALEY LONG, BPR #18775
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
September 15, 2015
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ATTORNEY DISBARRED
On September 14, 2015, the Tennessee Supreme Court disbarred Fletcher Whaley Long from the
practice of law. Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 23 (2014), the disbarment was entered
with the consent of Mr. Long as evidenced by his affidavit. On September 9, 2014, the Board of Professional
Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Long based upon three (3) complaints of unethical
conduct. A Supplemental Petition for Discipline was filed on June 2, 2015, adding two (2) additional
complaints of misconduct. On May 15, 2015, Mr. Long was suspended from the practice of law after being
convicted of extortion in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-112, and a Petition for Final
Discipline was filed on May 22, 2015.
The Petition and Supplemental Petition alleged Mr. Long charged unreasonable fees; provided
incompetent representation; filed meritless claims; failed to perform professional services; failed to provide
diligent representation; failed to refund unearned fees; failed to protect client property; made false statements of
fact and failed to disclose material facts to a tribunal; threatened criminal prosecution to obtain an advantage in
a civil proceeding; failed to properly supervise his co-counsel and knowingly ratified her misconduct; failed to
report the professional misconduct of his co-counsel and partner; and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty,
deceit and misrepresentations. In addition, five (5) disciplinary complaints were pending before the Board
containing allegations similar to those set forth in the Petitions for Discipline.
Mr. Longâs conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, Competence; 1.3, Diligence; 1.4,
Communication; 1.5, Fees; 1.15, Safekeeping of Property and Funds; 3.1, Meritorious Claims and Contentions;
3.2, Expediting Litigation; 3.3, Candor Toward the Tribunal; 4.4, Respect for the Rights of Third Persons; 5.1,
Responsibilities of Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers; 5.3, Responsibilities Regarding Non-Lawyer
Assistants; 1.16, Terminating Representation); 8.3, Reporting Professional Misconduct; 8.1, Bar Admission and
Disciplinary Matters; and 8.4(a), Misconduct.
Mr. Long must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 18 (2006)
and Sections 28 and 30 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys.
Long 2367-6; 2452-6 rel.doc