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: MICHAEL GIBBS SHEPPARD, BPR #019868
CONTACT: ALAN D. JOHNSON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 14, 2018
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective August 13, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Michael Gibbs Sheppard from
the practice of law for a period of sixty (60) days, followed by two (2) years of probation under the supervision
of a practice monitor. Mr. Sheppard is required to take fifteen (15) hours of continuing legal education on law
office management and trust accounting procedures.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a petition for discipline against Mr. Sheppard based upon
two (2) complaints of ethical misconduct. A hearing panel found that Mr. Sheppard failed to properly maintain
and monitor client trust accounts, which resulted in the commingling of client funds, use of client funds to pay
for operating expenses, and a diminished balance of client funds in the trust account. The hearing panel found
that Mr. Sheppard knowingly mislead at least one client about the status of the clientâs trust funds; however,
they found Mr. Sheppardâs acts were not intentional and did not seriously injure any clients.
The Board appealed the decision of the hearing panel to a trial court and to the Tennessee Supreme
Court. The Tennessee Supreme Court held that the hearing panel decision was supported by substantial and
material evidence, was not arbitrary and capricious or an abuse of discretion.
Mr. Sheppardâs conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional conduct 1.15 (safekeeping property
and funds) and 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Sheppard must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
30, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and may not return to the active
practice of law until an order of reinstatement has been entered by the Supreme Court.
Sheppard 2392-6 rel.doc