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: WILLIAM CLARK BARNES, BPR #11399
CONTACT: WILLIAM C. MOODY
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 1, 2015
FORMER MAURY COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On March 31, 2015, William Clark Barnes, of Memphis, Tennessee, was suspended from the practice of
law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three (3) years, with six (6) months active suspension and
two (2) years and six (6) months to be served on probation. The order was effective upon entry. Mr. Barnes
must pay the Boardâs costs and expenses and the court costs within ninety days of the entry of the Order of
Enforcement.
Mr. Barnes failed to timely file a brief in a criminal appeal, failed to diligently prepare a personal injury
lawsuit necessitating its voluntary dismissal, failed to consult with his clients prior to voluntarily dismissing that
case, was not diligent in his representation of a party to a divorce, failed to advise his client in an employment
discrimination matter that her case was dismissed on summary judgment, failed to timely file a brief in another
criminal appeal, and failed to adequately communicate with a client in a custody matter. Mr. Barnes entered
into a Conditional Guilty Plea admitting to the misconduct.
Mr. Barnesâ actions violated RPC 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.16 (declining and terminating
representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation) and 8.4(a) (misconduct).
Mr. Barnes must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Barnes 2379-6 rel.doc