Microsoft Word - ebb_154919312_2528638924_35 (2020)
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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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: WILLIAM BRANCH LAWSON, BPR #010796
CONTACT: JOSEPH K. BYRD
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
October 27, 2020
UNICOI COUNTY LAWYER PERMANENTLY DISBARRED
Effective October 27, 2020, the Supreme Court of Tennessee permanently disbarred William Branch
Lawson from the practice of law and ordered restitution in the amount of $67,850.00, and costs of the
disciplinary proceeding be paid.
The Board filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Lawson consisting of five (5) separate disciplinary
complaints. The Hearing Panel found Mr. Lawson failed to appear in court or provide any legal services for
which he was paid fees by clients, failed to refund unearned fees to his clients, misappropriated the fees paid to
him, misappropriated funds held in his trust account for a third party to settle other obligations and cases, failed
to act with diligence in the representation of his clients, abandoned his practice, failed to respond to the Boardâs
lawful request for information and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and
misrepresentations in violation of Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.5 (fees), 1.15
(safekeeping property and funds), 1.16 (declining or terminating representation) 8.1 (bar admissions and
disciplinary matters), and 8.4(a) and (c) (misconduct).
Mr. Lawson must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of permanently disbarred attorneys.
Lawson 3051-1 rel.doc