BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2013)
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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: VANESSA LYNN LEMONS, BPR #23307
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
January 28, 2013
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On January 25, 2013, Vanessa Lynn Lemons, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was suspended from the practice
of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for four (4) years and indefinitely thereafter until she provides
proof of completion of conditions including restitution to former clients, evaluation by Tennessee Lawyers
Assistance Program (TLAP) and compliance with the terms and conditions of any monitoring agreement
determined by TLAP to be appropriate. Finally, Ms. Lemons must pay the Boardâs costs and expenses and the
court costs within ninety days of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
Ms. Lemons undertook the representation of five (5) separate clients and thereafter failed to
communicate with her clients, neglected their legal matters and failed to properly terminate her representation.
In those cases where Ms. Lemons accepted a fee and failed to perform services, she also refused or failed to
refund the retainer to her client. Finally, Ms. Lemons misrepresented to one client that she had paid the clientâs
court costs. When confronted with these allegations, Ms. Lemons failed to respond to the disciplinary
complaints or to the Boardâs requests for information.
Ms. Lemonsâ actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5
(fees), 1.16 (declining and terminating representation), 8.1 (bar admission and disciplinary matters) and 8.4
(misconduct).
Ms. Lemons must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 and
19, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Lemons 2137-2 rel.doc
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