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 GALE KEELER, BPR #20481
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
December 12, 2013
SHELBY COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On December 10, 2013, Vanessa Gale Keeler, formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, was suspended from
the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for three (3) years and six (6) months retroactive
to her current three (3) year suspension entered August 1, 2012. Pursuant to the Order of Enforcement, Ms.
Keeler shall pay restitution to her former client and the cost and expense of the disciplinary proceedings.
Payment of restitution is a condition precedent to Ms. Keelerâs reinstatement to the practice of law.
A Petition for Discipline containing two (2) complaints of misconduct was filed by the Board of
Professional Responsibility on January 30, 2013. In each complaint, the Hearing Panel determined Ms.
Keeler failed to communicate adequately with her client and failed to perform the legal work for which she had
been paid. Despite demands from each client, Ms. Keeler failed to refund the unearned fee in a timely manner.
Ms. Keeler admitted violating Rules 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.15 (safekeeping
of property), 1.16(a) and (d) (declining or terminating representation), and 8.4(a) (misconduct) of the Tennessee
Rules of Professional Conduct.
Ms. Keeler must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 and 19,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Keeler 2182-9 rel.doc
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