BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2009)
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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
PATRICIA HESS, BPR# 10987
CONTACT: KEVIN D. BALKWILL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 29, 2009
ANDERSON COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 24, 2009, Patricia Hess, who practices law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the
Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Respondent presided as juvenile court judge in a child custody matter. Respondent was later
defeated in a judicial election during the pendency of the custody matter. Respondent then undertook
representation of one of the parties in the matter in violation of RPC 1.12(a), which prohibits a lawyer from
representing anyone in connection with a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as
a judge, unless all parties to the proceeding consent in writing after consultation. Respondent was later ordered
by the Court to report her actions to the Board of Professional Responsibility and obtain an informal opinion
regarding a possible conflict of interest in Respondentâs representation of her client. Respondent failed to abide
by the Courtâs written order in violation of RPC 8.4(g), and Respondent was removed as counsel of record in
the case. Respondent has fully reimbursed her client for all fees received from her client.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Hess 30752-2-DB
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