BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2018)
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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: JAMES CARL COPE, BPR #3340
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
May 4, 2018
RUTHERFORD COUNTY ATTORNEY SUSPENDED
On May 4, 2018, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended James Carl Cope from the practice of law for
twenty-five (25) months, effective immediately.
Mr. Cope has been suspended since October 25, 2016, based upon his plea of guilty to the serious crime
of insider trading in violation of Title 15, United States Code, Section 78j(b) and Title 17, Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 240.10b-5. The Supreme Court ordered the Board of Professional Responsibility to
institute a formal proceeding to determine the extent of final discipline to be imposed as a result of Mr. Copeâs
guilty plea. Following a full evidentiary hearing, a hearing panel determined that the final discipline should be
twenty-five (25) months suspension, retroactive to October 25, 2016. The Tennessee Supreme Court exercised
its discretion to review the discipline.
Following a review of the record and oral argument, the Court concluded that a retroactive suspension
would not be adequate in light of other similar cases. Therefore, the Court concluded that it is appropriate to
increase the total length of suspension by making the twenty-five (25) month suspension period prospective
from the date of its opinion, May 4, 2018.
Mr. Cope must comply with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28, regarding the obligations and
responsibilities suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
Cope 2647-4 rel2.doc