BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2008)
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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
ARTHUR SCOTT PRATT, # 19855
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
September 11, 2008
JOHNSON CITY LAWYER DISBARRED
On September 8, 2008, Arthur Scott Pratt, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was disbarred by Order of the
Tennessee Supreme Court. The disbarment is retroactive to the date of a prior Order of Temporary Suspension
entered on January 23, 2006.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Arthur Scott Pratt
pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. Mr. Pratt submitted a Conditional Guilty
Plea agreeing to accept disbarment. Mr. Pratt violated the Rules of Professional Conduct by advising a client to
perjure herself before a Court. He was found in contempt for his actions. Further, Mr. Pratt demonstrated a
pattern of failing to appear in court and leaving prematurely. The Court entered an Order commanding Mr.
Pratt to be on time, to not leave without permission, and ultimately issued a Show Cause Order. His clients and
the judicial system were adversely affected by Mr. Prattâs repeated failure to appear. In another matter, Mr.
Pratt entered into a guilty plea on behalf of a client that was not in accordance with the instructions of the client.
The effect of the plea agreement increased the clientâs time in prison and made him ineligible for alternative
sentencing and other programs. Further, Mr. Pratt submitted an affidavit to the Court that appears forged. Mr.
Pratt left an obscene message on a newspaper reporterâs answering machine. He refused to return a file to a
client. Finally, Mr. Prattâs website contained misleading information and misleading legal advice.
Mr. Prattâs actions violate the following Rule(s) of Professional Conduct: 1.1, Competence; 1.2(a)(d),
Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Lawyer and Client; 1.3, Diligence; 1.4,
Communication; 1.5(a)(d), Fees; 1.6(a), Confidentiality; 1.7(b), Conflict of Interest; 1.15(a)(b), Safekeeping of
Property; 1.16(a)(d), Declining and Terminating Representation; 3.2, Expediting Litigation; 3.3, Candor
Toward the Tribunal; 3.4(b)(c), Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel; 3.5(e), Impartiality and Decorum of
the Tribunal; 4.1(a), Truthfulness and Candor in Statements to Others; 4.4(a), Respect for the Rights of Third
Persons; 7.1(a)(b), Communications Concerning a Lawyerâs Services; 8.2(a), Judicial and Legal Officials; and
8.4(b)(c)(d), Misconduct. Mr. Pratt is also ordered to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.
Mr. Pratt must comply with the requirements of Rule 9, § 19 of the Rules of the Supreme Court should
he seek reinstatement of his Tennessee law license and he may not resume practice until reinstated by further
order of this Court.
Pratt 1620-1 rel.doc
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