BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2025)
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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
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: WILLIAM CLARK BARNES, JR., BPR #011399
CONTACT: MAUREEN F. HUGHES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 24, 2025
MAURY COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On July 24, 2025, William Clark Barnes, Jr., an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received
a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Barnes was representing a juvenile at a detention hearing in juvenile court. As part of the detention
hearing, the parties were looking for viable options to place the juvenile as an alternative to Juvenile Detention.
Eventually, Mr. Barnes was able to secure placement for the juvenile with a family member. Mr. Barnes
informed the Magistrate that there was an agreement between the parties for placement of the juvenile;
however, Mr. Barnes had not discussed this placement with the opposing attorney. The Magistrate drafted the
Order and gave it to Mr. Barnes to sign. Mr. Barnes signed his name and also signed the opposing attorneyâs
signature. Mr. Barnes did not have permission to sign the opposing attorneyâs signature.
By these acts, Mr. Barnes has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3 (candor towards the tribunal),
3.4 (fairness to opposing party and counsel), and 8.4 (misconduct) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these
violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Barnes 100662-6 rel.doc