BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2008)
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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
VICTORIA L. DiBONAVENTURA, BPR #13770
CONTACT: DARYL J. BRAND
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
(615) 361-7500
November 8, 2008
BUCHANAN, TENNESSEE ATTORNEY CENSURED
Victoria L. DiBonaventura of Buchanan, Tennessee was publicly censured by the Board of Professional
Responsibility on September 12, 2008. The censure was issued by the Board pursuant to Rule 9, Section 8, of
the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court. DiBonaventura did not request a hearing on the matter.
DiBonaventura represented a Complainant in a termination of parental rights case. At a hearing,
DiBonaventura requested and was granted a continuance in order to take a deposition. DiBonaventura then
advised her client, because the client could not afford the deposition, that she would withdraw and ask the court
to appoint a new lawyer. More than a year passed without DiBonaventura either taking the deposition or filing
a motion to withdraw from representing Complainant and to request appointment of a new lawyer.
DiBonaventuraâs conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence and promptness), and
1.16(d) (upon termination of representation, taking steps reasonably practicable to protect the clientâs interests).
DiBonaventura is censured for these violations. This censure does not prevent the DiBonaventura from
continuing to practice law.
The Rules of Professional Conduct are mandatory for all attorneys. They state a minimum level of
conduct and any violation reflects negatively on the integrity of the bar.
DiBonaventura 29666-7 rel.doc
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