BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2016)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference. The original PDF remains the official record for legal purposes.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (snapp-2437-1-rel.pdf)
Alternative Accessible HTML
Accessible Alternative: This HTML version is an automatically processed accessible alternative. While it provides a searchable format, the text extraction may contain formatting or character errors. The original PDF remains the authoritative official record.
Need a different format? Use the Request Assistance Form.
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: THOMAS ALAN SNAPP, BPR #13962
CONTACT: ALAN D. JOHNSON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 22, 2016
SULLIVAN COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On July 21, 2016, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended the law license of Thomas Alan Snapp of
Sullivan County, Tennessee, for five (5) years and ordered Mr. Snapp to pay the Boardâs costs and expenses.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Thomas Alan Snapp on
April 7, 2015, based upon two (2) complaints of misconduct alleging misappropriation, unauthorized practice of
law and misconduct. After he was administratively suspended from the practice of law, Mr. Snapp undertook
representation in a personal injury/wrongful death lawsuit. He associated with another lawyer to assist in the
case; however, he did not tell his client or the other lawyer of his suspension. After the case had settled, Mr.
Snapp misappropriated $50,000.00 from his client and led co-counsel to believe that his client had been paid in
full. Several months later, his co-counsel discovered that Mr. Snapp was suspended and had not paid their
client the full amount owed. After he was confronted, Mr. Snapp re-paid the funds and disgorged the fees he
took for the representation.
A Hearing Panel held that Mr. Snappâs ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15
(safekeeping property and funds), 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law) and 8.4 (c) (misconduct).
Mr. Snapp must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 (2014)
and Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 30.4 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of
suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement. The Supreme Courtâs Order is effective immediately.
Snapp 2437-1 rel.doc