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BOARD NOTES
published by the

Board of Professional Responsibility
of the
Supreme Court of Tennessee

Spring 2018

Inside:
2

Spotlight: Update from the
Board of Law Examiners on
Foreign-Educated Bar Applicant
Requirements

7

Tennessee Supreme Court Appoints
New Board Members

8

Recognition of Former Board
Members

9

Formal Ethics Opinion 2017-F163: Prosecutors’ Ethical
Obligations to Disclose
Information Favorable to the
Defense

13

Formal Ethics Opinion 2018-F165: Legal Services Websites

19

2018 Hearing Committee
Member Appointments

20

Disciplinary Actions
October 2017 - March 2018

Greeting from Sandy Garrett
Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Board of Professional Responsibility

The Board of Professional Responsibility’s mission
statement provides the Board will “…assist the
Court in protecting the public from harm from
unethical lawyers by administering the disciplinary
process; to assist the public by providing
information about the judicial system and the
disciplinary system for lawyers; and, to assist
lawyers by interpreting and applying the Court's
disciplinary rules.” To accomplish this goal, staff
at the Board disseminate Board Notes to provide
guidance regarding rule changes, recently released
ethics opinions, and disciplinary decisions. I hope
the information is helpful to you.

Update from the Board of Law Examiners
on Foreign-Educated
Bar Applicant Requirements
Admission rules such as Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 are designed to protect the public.
Minimum requirements for eligibility work in conjunction with bar examination to ensure that
lawyers in this state possess minimum standards of knowledge and are competent to provide
legal services. Within Rule 7 are special provisions related to eligibility of graduates of foreign
law schools because the educational background of such applicants differs from the path taken
by those educated in the United States.
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, section 7.01(a)1, provides that graduates of foreign law
schools may qualify for admission to the practice of law in Tennessee by examination provided
that applicants satisfy the Board that the education received in the foreign country was
“substantially equivalent” to the undergraduate education and legal education required by Rule 7.
To be eligible to take the bar examination, an applicant must have received a Bachelor’s Degree
or higher2 and completed a course of instruction in and graduated with a Juris Doctorate (“J.D.”)
degree3 from an ABA-accredited or Tennessee-approved law school prior to taking the
examination.
The Tennessee Supreme Court Rule on Licensing of Attorneys has included provisions regarding
eligibility of foreign-educated lawyers to seek admission in Tennessee for decades4. Throughout
this time, the education requirements for foreign-educated applicants have required education
that is substantially equivalent to the education required of applicants educated in the U.S.,
namely a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a Juris Doctorate
Degree from an ABA-accredited or Tennessee-approved law school. Around 2005, Tennessee
became known as a “gateway” state because the licensing rule did not require U.S. legal studies,
residency in Tennessee, a basis of learning in English common law, or licensing in the home
country or another jurisdiction. Pass rates for foreign-educated applicants from 2007 – 2010
never reached 30%. With 67 foreign-educated applicants sitting in 2008, 114 in 2009 and 123 in
2010, the impact of foreign-educated applicants on exam results was similar to the impact of
results from a Tennessee law school.
The Supreme Court amended Rule 7, Section 7.01, in August 2010 and again in July 20115,
adding a requirement for foreign-educated applicants to obtain additional education in residence
at an ABA-accredited law school, in addition to meeting the education requirements of Sections
2.01 and 2.02, to be eligible to take the Tennessee bar examination. Tennessee remained the only
viable option for many foreign-educated applicants to apply for admission by bar examination
because applicants did not have to be educated in English common law nor did they have to be
licensed in a foreign jurisdiction. In 2015, the pass rate for foreign-educated applicants was 60%;
in 2017, it was 40%. Fewer were qualifying to take the exam, but those who did qualify were
more likely to pass the exam.

2

Update from the Board of Law Examiners on
Foreign-Educated Bar Applicant Requirements
(continued from previous page)
Even with the adoption of required U.S. legal studies, the Supreme Court continued to require
education that was substantially equivalent to that required of a U.S. educated application. The
Board continued to evaluate the education of applicants who graduated from foreign law
programs that range from one to five years and from countries that do not require a four-year
bachelor’s program prior to legal education. Until 2015, the evaluation of the foreign education
for equivalency was completed by Board members. As new Board members were appointed to
the Board, questions were raised regarding the methodology behind the evaluation. Some Board
members felt that the process was subjective and could be inconsistent; some also felt that they
lacked training in “educational equivalency” that would permit Board members—who are
Tennessee lawyers and not education experts --- to evaluate education from all parts of the
world.
Educational requirements and university systems vary widely from country to country. Required
courses are different and some courses do not qualify as a U.S. university-level or law-schoolequivalent course. Further, a credit hour in one country may be vastly different from a credit
hour in the United States. In order to determine equivalency to a U.S. undergraduate degree or
higher and a U.S. J.D. degree, the Board had to be able to determine how the coursework and the
number of credit hours earned in specific country translated to a U.S Bachelor’s Degree or higher
and a J.D. degree.
After study, the Board opted to move to a more objective evaluation of non-U.S. education by
requiring applicants to submit a comprehensive course-by-course analysis from an outside
evaluation service selected by the Board6. The evaluation services were members of the National
Association of Credential Evaluation Services, well-versed in education systems world-wide.
The Board reviewed the evaluation reports in terms of the educational requirements required by
the Supreme Court in Rule 7, Sections 2.01, 2.02 and 7.01 in order to determine, based on the
reported degree equivalency and hours, if an applicant had substantially equivalent education.
In 2016 and 2017, the Supreme Court issued opinions in two matters regarding the “substantially
equivalent” education requirement. The first, Young Wook Kim v. Tennessee Board of Law
Examiners, No. M2016-00621-SC-BAR-BLE (Sup. Ct. July 8, 2016), concerned an applicant
who had been unsuccessful on a previous examination. When he applied for re-examination, Mr.
Kim was required to submit an educational equivalency evaluation report. The Board determined
after reviewing the report that Mr. Kim did not meet the educational requirements of Rule 7. He
was not allowed to sit for the examination. Mr. Kim filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with
the Supreme Court, which the Court granted. The Supreme Court found that Mr. Kim had
education equivalent to a Bachelor of Laws and that Mr. Kim did not have education equivalent
to two degrees, namely a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and a J.D. degree. The Court upheld the
decision of the Board.
The second matter before the Court was Maximiliano Gabriel Gluzman v. Tennessee Board of
Law Examiner, No. M2016-02462-SC-BAR-BLE (Sup. Ct., August 4, 2017). Mr. Gluzman had
education that was found to be equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Law.
The Board found that his education was not substantially equivalent to a J.D. degree. The
Supreme Court granted Mr. Gluzman’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari. Ultimately, the Court
3

Update from the Board of Law Examiners on
Foreign-Educated Bar Applicant Requirements
(continued from previous page)
entered an order exercising its discretion to allow Mr. Gluzman to sit for the Tennessee bar
examination without applying the requirements of Section 7.01 or making a finding regarding the
Board’s decision.
While the Gluzman matter was pending, the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University
(herein, the “Law Schools”) petitioned the Board to reconsider its interpretation of section 7.01.
Amended and restated Rule 7 included a change to section 2.01 to allow for combined six year
degree programs7 that include an undergraduate and J.D. degree as part of the same program.
This was accomplished by changing the language of section 2.01 to require an applicant to have
received the undergraduate degree prior to taking the bar examination8 so that the undergraduate
degree or higher could be awarded with the J.D. With the change in Rule 7, the Board reached an
agreement with the Law Schools, amending Board Policy P-7.01 to make clear that the Board
considers total foreign education in order to determine whether foreign education is equivalent to
a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and a J.D. Degree. Separate foreign degrees are not required but
the total education must be equivalent to the two degrees required in Rule 7, sections 2.01 and
2.02. The Supreme Court approved the change to Board Policy P-7.01.
Following the change to the Board Policy P-7.01, the Law Schools petitioned the Court to amend
Rule 7, section 7.01, arguing that the term, “substantially equivalent,” created uncertainty for
Applicants. The Law Schools noted that other jurisdictions have taken various approaches to
determining eligibility of foreign-educated applicants. Some jurisdictions focus on the type of
legal education received, while others look to whether the applicant is admitted to the practice of
law in the foreign country in which they were educated, and still others require U.S legal
education such as an LL.M. Degree.
Each U.S. jurisdiction contributes information for the annual publication of the Comprehensive
Guide to Bar Admissions, published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (“NCBE”)
and the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar9.
According to the information reported by all U.S. jurisdictions for the 2017 Comprehensive
Guide, in Chart 4: Eligibility to Take the Bar Examination: Foreign Law School Graduates,
foreign law school graduates are eligible for admission in 35 jurisdictions10; 19 require
determination of educational equivalency; 19 require additional U.S. legal education, 15 require
applicants to be licensed and practicing in the foreign jurisdiction, and 10 require admission in
another U.S. jurisdiction. Only 5 jurisdictions allow a foreign law school graduate to take the bar
exam after obtaining a U.S. LL.M. degree without meeting some other requirement(s). All
jurisdictions that allow foreign-educated applicants admission require that foreign education to
be a first degree in law, equivalent to a J.D.; however, all but Tennessee consider only legal
education. Seven jurisdictions allow only applicants who studies were based in English
Common Law. Other jurisdictions allow a hybrid of English Common Law with no additional
educational requirements, and non-English Common Law educations with additional education
and/or practice requirements.
In their petition, the Law Schools illustrated possible paths to admission for foreign-educated law
graduates that did not rely on a “substantially equivalent” education: a foreign law degree plus an
LL.M. or similar additional U.S. education to cure any deficiencies in the applicant’s original
4

Update from the Board of Law Examiners on
Foreign-Educated Bar Applicant Requirements
(continued from previous page)
legal education, a practice-focused approach wherein the applicant is licensed and engaged in the
active practice of law in the country in which the applicant was educated, and a hybrid approach
that looks at education and practice in determining eligibility. Another approach addressed was
for the Court to clarify the meaning of “substantially equivalent” as being a legal education that
is sufficient to meet the requirements for admission in the country in which the applicant was
educated; if the foreign legal education meets this standard, then an applicant would meet the
requirements of Rule 7, sections 2.01 and 2.02.
The Board of Law Examiners noted that the Court, in adopting Section 7.01, clearly favored a
policy allowing foreign-educated applicants to be eligible to sit for the bar examination;
however, U.S. education standards had to be met. The Board has no objection to permitting
graduates of foreign law schools to sit for the examination. However, the Board requested
guidance from the Court regarding the Court’s intent and purpose in adopting educational
requirements in the context of foreign-educated applicants in order to properly carry out that
intent and purpose. The Board recommended that any change to Rule 7, Section 7.01 be a fair,
unbiased rule that could be easily administered and produce qualified attorneys for Tennessee.
The Board was concerned with fairness and equity in adopting any changes and considered
whether it was appropriate to allow a different standard for foreign graduates that is more lenient
than the education requirements for graduates of ABA-accredited or Tennessee-approved
schools. As noted above, foreign educational systems vary widely and may not include a general
undergraduate-type of education. Additionally, the Board expressed concerned that modifying
the current rule to include using English common law education as a path to eligibility may
reflect a cultural bias and may not provide an objective or workable standard for admission.
Ultimately, the Court amended Rule 7, Section 7.0111 to allow two paths to admission for
foreign-educated applicants. The first path, in Section 7.01(a) allows a graduate of a law school
in a foreign jurisdiction to be eligible to sit for the examination if the applicant satisfies the
Board that the applicant’s foreign education is substantially equivalent to the requirements of
Rule Sections 2.01 and 2.02. Applicants must provide a comprehensive evaluation from a
Credential Evaluation Service that is a member of the National Association of Credential
Evaluation Services. If the Board is satisfied that the applicant’s education is substantially
equivalent, no further U.S. education is required.
For graduates of a law school in a foreign jurisdiction who do not meet the requirement of
substantially equivalent education, there is another path. In addition to the foreign law degree,
the applicant must be licensed in a foreign jurisdiction and have been engaged in the active
practice of law for five of the last eight years, and have been awarded an LL.M. Degree from an
ABA-accredited or Tennessee-approved law school. There are requirements for the LL.M.,
including that the applicant attend the courses in person in the United States or its territories.
The revisions to Rule 7 Section 7.01 continue to allow Tennessee to be unique in its approach to
“substantially equivalent” education, while also permitting a second path of admission in
Tennessee for foreign-educated applicants that does not rely on education alone, is fair and
unbiased, and can be easily administered.
5

Update from the Board of Law Examiners on
Foreign-Educated Bar Applicant Requirements
(continued from previous page)
_____________________
1

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 was amended and restated, effective January 1, 2016; Section 7.01 was amended
further on January 26, 2018. This article explains the petition that resulted in the amendment to Rule 7, section 7.01
earlier this year.
2
Rule 7, section 2.01. Prior to January 1, 2016, Rule 7, section 2.01 required that an applicant earn a Bachelor’s
Degree prior to beginning law school; it has been amended to require a Bachelor’s Degree of higher.
3
Rule 7, section 2.02.
4
From review of the Minutes of the BLE, it is clear that the Board has struggled since at least the 1970s with
determining substantial equivalency of education. The section was amended in March 1984, August 1993, May
2009, July 2011, January 2016 and January 2018.
5
In August 2010, Section 7.01 was amended to require foreign-educated applicants to earn 27 semester hours of
legal education in residence at an ABA-accredited or Tennessee-approved law school; in July 2011, the number of
hours was reduced to 24 to match most LL.M. programs.
6
The Board initially chose two agencies (World Education Service (“WES”) and Education Credential Services
(“ECE”)) and then, after two exam cycles, selected two other agencies that provided more comprehensive and
nuanced reports (International Evaluation Service of the Center for Applied Research, Evaluation and Education,
Inc. (“IESCAREE”) and International Education Research Foundation (“IERF”)). Anyone who was approved to sit
for the exam with any of the comprehensive reports was allowed to sit for subsequent exams without re-evaluation.
7
Combined undergraduate/J.D. programs allow students to take coursework that counts towards both degrees
through a combined program. In addition to undergraduate studies, combined master’s degree and J.D. programs are
also popular.
8
Prior to the 2016 amendments, applicants had to receive a Bachelor’s Degree prior to beginning law school.
9
The 2018 Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions is available on the NCBE website at
www.ncbex.org/publications/bar-admissions-guide. In addition to the information on the charts, the comments
following provide additional information regarding the admission requirements.
10
Jurisdictions include the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
11
By Order dated January 26, 2018.

6

Supreme Court Appoints New Board Members
The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed Juanita Patton, Floyd Flippin, and Jody Pickens as the
newest members of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The
Board considers and votes on disciplinary actions against attorneys and issues ethics opinions interpreting
the Rules of Professional Conduct. Board members do not receive compensation for their service. The
Board consists of nine lawyers from each disciplinary district and three public (non-lawyer) members from
each of the grand divisions of the state.
Juanita Patton has been in the banking industry for 35 years, working with such banks as Harpeth
National Bank, Citizens Bank, Third National Bank, SunTrust, and currently First Tennessee Bank. Ms.
Patton has also served on various boards and committees such as Franklin Williamson County Boys & Girls
Club, Waves Inc., Franklin Tomorrow, Mercy Children’s Clinic, Franklin Charge, Williamson County
Chamber of Commerce, City of Franklin Public Building Authority, Middle Tennessee Electric Corp, and
Franklin Housing Authority. She is a past member of the Franklin Breakfast Rotary club; a graduate of
Leadership Franklin, Franklin Citizens Police Academy, and Greater Nashville Regional Council Executive
Committee.
A native of Milan, Tennessee, Floyd Flippin is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and
University of Tennessee College of Law. His law practice involves civil litigation of all types, estates, real
estate and mediation. Mr. Flippin is affiliated with the Tennessee Bar Association, Tennessee Bar
Foundation, Gibson County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators. He
is also a Board of Trustees Member of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and has served multiple terms on the
Humboldt Chamber of Commerce Board and is a former president. Additionally, he is a former Board of
Trustees Member at Union University and current Foundation Board Member at Jackson State Community
College.
Jody S. Pickens has been an Assistant District Attorney since 1996 and was a Special Assistant in
the U.S. Attorney General's Office for the Western District of Tennessee from 2010 until 2012. He has also
served on the Advisory Board for the University of Memphis at Lambuth since 2014 and was the president
of the Jackson-Madison County Bar Association in 2010 and 2011. General Pickens received his law degree
from the University of Memphis in 1996 after receiving a bachelor's degree from Lambuth in 1993.

Juanita Patton

Floyd Flippin
7

Jody S. Pickens

Recognition of Former Board Members
Michael King, Joe Riley and Kenneth Blackburn

The Board of Professional Responsibility wishes to publicly recognize and
thank former Board members Michael King, Joe Riley and Kenneth Blackburn
for their hard work and involvement during their tenures as members of the
Board. Mr. King served on the Board as a member from January 1, 2012
through December 31, 2014; as Vice-Chair from 2013 through 2014; and as
Chair of the Board from 2015 through 2017. Judge Riley served as a Board
member from 2012 through 2015; and as Vice-Chair of the Board from January
1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. Mr. Blackburn served as a lay member of
the Board from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.

8

BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE

FORMAL ETHICS OPINION 2017-F-163

The Board of Professional Responsibility has been requested to issue a Formal Ethics Opinion
regarding the Prosecutors’ Ethical Obligations to Disclose Information Favorable to the
Defense.

OPINION
Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 3.8(d) is a separate ethical obligation of
prosecutors and was not meant to be coextensive with a prosecutor’s legal disclosure obligations.
This ethical duty is separate from disclosure obligations imposed under the Constitution, statutes,
procedural rules, court rules, or court orders. A prosecutor’s ethical duty to disclose information
favorable to the defense is broader than and extends beyond Brady. Once a prosecutor knows of
evidence and information that tends to negate the guilt of the accused, or mitigates the offense, or
otherwise falls within RPC 3.8(d)’s disclosure requirement, the prosecutor ordinarily must
disclose it as soon as reasonably practicable.

INTRODUCTION
Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 3.8(d) imposes special ethical duties on
prosecutors representing the government in criminal litigation, including certain duties of
disclosure of favorable information to the defendant. This opinion gives guidance in addressing
the scope of those duties.
ISSUES
I.

Does a prosecutor’s duty under RPC 3.8(d) to disclose to the defense “all
evidence or information known to the prosecutor that tends to negate the guilt of
the accused or mitigate the offense” and in connection with sentencing, “all
unprivileged mitigating information known to the prosecutor” extend beyond the
“material” standard as construed by federal or state constitutional decisions?

II.

What constitutes “timely disclosure” under RPC 3.8(d)?

9

DISCUSSION
I.
RPC 3.8 (d) states that “the prosecutor in a criminal case: shall make timely disclosure to
the defense of all evidence or information known to the prosecutor that tends to negate the guilt
of the accused or mitigates the offense, and in connection with sentencing, disclose to the
defense and to the tribunal all unprivileged mitigating information known to the prosecutor,
except when the prosecutor is relieved of this responsibility by a protective order of the
tribunal”.1
Federal constitutional case law requires prosecutors to disclose certain exculpatory
information to the defense. Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) requires disclosure of
“material evidence” favorable to the accused. Other federal rules and statutes require a federal or
state prosecutor to disclose certain prior statements of any witness the prosecutor intends to use
at trial prior to when that witness testifies. See 18 U.S.C section 3500 (the “Jencks Act”).
Some states have held that the prosecutor’s responsibilities under Brady and its progeny
only apply to “material” information. The argument for this position is that Rule 3.8 is simply an
ethical codification of Brady2. None of the cases that support this position offer evidence to
support that interpretation.3
A majority of states hold that the ethical duty of a prosecutor is broader and extends
beyond Brady4.
In reaching this conclusion, the Supreme Court of North Dakota held that there is a
distinction between compliance with an ethical rule and ensuring that an accused is not wrongly
convicted. That court viewed the different purposes and objectives served by the two
proceedings.5 “The primary concern in disciplinary proceedings is to ensure attorneys act in
conformity with the ethical standards embodied in the Rules of Professional Conduct, regardless
of the surrounding circumstances.” 6 “A prosecutor’s ethical duty to disclose all exculpatory
evidence to the defense does not vary depending upon the strength of the other evidence in the
case.” Id.

1

Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.8 (d) Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor.
State ex rel. Okal.Bar Ass’n v. Ward, 353P. 3d 509, 521 (Okla 2015); In re Riek, 350 Wis. 2d 684, 695-697
(2013); Disciplinary Counsel v. Kellogg-Martin, 124 Ohio St. 3d 415, 419 (Ohio 2010).
3
N.Y. St. Bar. Assn. Comm. Prof. Eth., Formal Op. 2016-3 at page 2 (2016)
4
In re Larsen, No. 20140535, 2016 WL 3369545 (Utah June 16, 2016); N.Y. St. Bar. Assn. Comm. Prof. Eth.,
Formal Op. 2016-3 (2016); In re Kline, 113 A. 3d 202 (D.C, 2015); Shultz v. Comm’n for the Lawyer Discipline of
the State Bar of Texas, No. 55649, 2015 WL 9855916, at 1 (Tex.Bd. of Disciplinary App. Dec. 17, 2015); VA Legal
Eth. Op. 1862 (Virginia Legal Ethics Opinions) 2012 WL 9511066 ; In re Disciplinary Action Against Feland, 820
N.W. 2d 672, 678 (N.D. 2012); In re Jordon, 913 So. 2d 775 (La. 2005).
5
In re Kline, 113 A. 3d 202 (D.C, 2015).
6
In re Disciplinary Action Against Feland, 820 N.W. 2d 672, 678 (N.D. 2012).
2

10

American Bar Association Formal Opinion 09-454 extensively addresses the relationship
between Model Rule 3.8(d), which is identical to Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 3.8(d),
and a prosecutor’s disclosure obligations under the United States Constitution. The ABA
Opinion concludes that that the drafters of Model Rule 3.8(d) “made no attempt to codify the
evolving constitutional case law.”7 ABA Formal Opinion 09-454 specifically states that the rule
“does not implicitly include the materiality limitation recognized in the constitutional case law,”
but rather “requires prosecutors to disclose favorable evidence so that the defense can decide on
its utility.”8
Courts, including the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, have held that the Brady standard
for materiality is less demanding than the ethical obligations imposed on a prosecutor.9 In the
Tennessee case of Brooks,10 the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals quoted the U.S. Supreme Court,
“Although the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, as interpreted by Brady, only
mandates the disclosure of material evidence, the obligation to disclose evidence favorable to the
defense may arise more broadly under a prosecutor’s ethical or statutory obligation.”11 ABA
Opinion 09-454 sets out that the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice acknowledge that
prosecutors’ ethical duty of disclosure extends beyond the constitutional obligation.12
Comment [1] to Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 3.8 states that: “A prosecutor
has the responsibility of a minister of justice whose duty is to seek justice rather than merely to
advocate for the State’s victory at any given cost.”
Based on the text and history of Rule 3.8 of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct
there is no evidence that the rule contains an implicit materiality limitation or was otherwise
intended to codify constitutional law. We join the ABA Committee and other jurisdictions that
conclude that RPC 3.8 is a separate ethical obligation of prosecutors and was not meant to be
coextensive with a prosecutor’s legal disclosure obligations. This ethical duty is separate from
disclosure obligations imposed under the Constitution, statutes, procedural rules, court rules, or
court orders. A prosecutor’s ethical duty to disclose information favorable to the defense is
broader than and extends beyond Brady.
II.
Timely disclosure is mandated under RPC 3.8(d). The question of what constitutes
“timely” was also addressed by ABA Opinion 09-454 which found that in order for disclosure of
information to be “timely”, it must be made early enough that the information can be used
effectively. “Because the defense can use favorable evidence and information most fully and
effectively the sooner it is received, such evidence or information, once known to the prosecutor,

7

ABA Formal Opinion 09-454, at page 3.
ABA Formal Opinion 09-454, at page 2.
9
Brooks v. Tenn., 626 F. 3d 878, 892 (6th Cir. 2010).
10
Id. At 892.
11
Cone v. Bell, 556 U.S. 449, 129 S. Ct. 1769. 1783 n. 15, 173 L. Ed. 2d 701 (2009).
12
ABA STANDARDS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE, PROSECUTION FUNCTION, Standard 3-3.11(a) (ABA 3d.
ed. 1993).
8

11

must be disclosed under Rule 3.8(d) as soon as reasonably practical.”13 The only exception to
the timely requirement is “except when the prosecutor is relieved of this responsibility by a
protective order of the tribunal.” 14 Comment [3] to RPC 3.8 recognizes that if disclosure of
information to the defense could result in substantial harm to an individual or the public interest
the prosecutor may seek an appropriate protective order from the tribunal.
“Among the most significant purposes for which disclosure must be made under Rule
3.8(d) is to enable defense counsel to advise the defendant regarding whether to plead guilty.
Because the defendant’s decision may be strongly influenced by defense counsel’s evaluation of
the strength of the prosecution’s case, timely disclosure requires the prosecutor to disclose
evidence and information covered by Rule 3.8(d) prior to a guilty plea proceeding, which may
occur concurrently with the defendant’s arraignment.”15 Once a prosecutor knows of evidence
and information that tends to negate the guilt of the accused, or that otherwise falls within Rule
3.8(d)’s disclosure requirement, the prosecutor ordinarily must disclose it as soon as reasonably
practicable.16
CONCLUSION
Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 3.8(d) is a separate ethical obligation of
prosecutors and was not meant to be coextensive with a prosecutor’s legal disclosure obligations.
This ethical duty is separate from disclosure obligations imposed under the Constitution, statutes,
procedural rules, court rules, or court orders. A prosecutor’s ethical duty to disclose information
favorable to the defense is broader than and extends beyond Brady. Once a prosecutor knows of
evidence and information that tends to negate the guilt of the accused, or mitigates the offense, or
falls within RPC 3.8(d)’s disclosure requirement, the prosecutor ordinarily must disclose it as
soon as reasonably practicable.
This _____day of_________, 2018.
ETHICS COMMITTEE
______________________
John Kitch
______________________
Dana Dye
______________________
Joe Looney
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD

13

ABA Formal Opinion 09-454, at page 6.
Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, 3.8(d).
15
ABA Formal Opinion 09-454, at page 6.
16
N.Y. St. Bar. Assn. Comm. Prof. Eth., Formal Op. 2016-3, at page 9 (2016)
14

12

BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
FORMAL ETHICS OPINION 2018-F-165

The Board of Professional Responsibility has been requested to issue a Formal Ethics Opinion
regarding the ethical implications of a website owned and operated by a company on which
businesses and individuals may post a description of legal services for which they are seeking
representation and lawyers/law firms may subsequently submit quotes for the cost of the legal
services.

OPINION
The proposed legal marketplace website, owned and operated by a company on which
businesses and individuals may post a description of legal services for which they are seeking
representation and lawyers/law firms may subsequently submit quotes for the cost of the legal
services, appears to comply with the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct if it is operated in
accordance with the conditions and guidelines set forth in this opinion.

INTRODUCTION
The inquiring company owns and operates a website that will allow a potential client to
post a general description of the legal services it is seeking so that a lawyer/firm may respond
with a quoted fee for such services. The potential client will entertain various quotes while also
considering the marketing materials that the lawyer/firm makes available to the potential client
through the website. The potential client is free to select a lawyer/firm of its choice and the
Company will not be involved in any way with the selection process aside from providing the
client and lawyer the means from which to post, quote, and, to a certain extent, communicate.
Additionally, the Company will not make any recommendations nor endorse or vouch for
a lawyer’s credentials, abilities, competence, character, or other professional qualities and will
not otherwise screen or filter the quoting process. The Company’s website will make clear to the
public that the website is not providing a recommendation or referral by the Company.
Both the potential clients and the lawyers/firms will be required to pay the Company a
fixed annual membership to participate on the website. The lawyers/firms will also be required
to purchase “bids” or “quotes” for a fixed fee in order to participate on the website. Similarly,
the potential clients will be required to pay for a set/ fee to post legal projects to the website to
elicit quotes from lawyers/firms.

13

For example: To participate on the Company’s website, a lawyer pays the Company an
annual membership fee of $1,000. The lawyer also pays $3,000 for 20 “quotes” that the lawyer
can use at his/her discretion on the website. The potential client also pays an annual membership
fee of $1,000 for the ability to post twelve projects. Or the potential client may purchase a
membership with unlimited projects for one year.
Pricing for lawyers and potential clients will vary depending on the type of legal matters
and/or clients seeking representation. For example, there may be two different pricing schemes;
one for businesses seeking representation in mostly corporate matters and one for individuals
seeking representation in mostly consumer and/or personal matters. The Company, however,
will not receive any portion of any fees paid by clients or lawyers/firms or in any way direct,
filter or point to any particular lawyer or law firm. It is up to the lawyer/law firm to submit their
quote for the project.
ISSUES

I.

Is the proposed website an Intermediary Organization?

II.

Does the proposed legal marketplace website comply with the Tennessee Rules of
Professional Conduct with regard to advertising?
DISCUSSION
I.
Is the proposed website an Intermediary Organization?

Rule 7.6 of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct defines an intermediary
organization as “a lawyer advertising cooperative, lawyer referral service, prepaid legal
insurance provider, or a similar organization the business or activities of which include the
performance of fee-generating legal services or the payment for or provision of legal services to
the organizations customers, members, or beneficiaries in matters for which the organization
does not bear ultimate responsibility.
The inquiring company makes no referrals, explicit or implicit on the website. Once a
project is submitted, the site has no control or influence as to which attorneys or firms view the
project or quote the project. There is no filtering, sorting, directing or in any way are attorneys
delivered or directed to the end user. No attorney or firm names appear on the site until they
submit a quote to the end user, and that information only goes to that particular end user. Based
upon the foregoing, the operation of the proposed website does not fall within the parameters of
an Intermediary Organization as defined by the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.
II.
Does the proposed legal marketplace website comply with the Tennessee Rules of
Professional Conduct with regard to advertising?

14

The concept of a legal marketplace has been a topic of discussion in other states,
prompting some bar associations to render ethics opinions. “Whether a service that links
consumers and lawyers is permissible advertising or a type of impermissible referral arrangement
that violates the ethics rules depends on the characteristics and operation of the service in
question and the particular jurisdiction’s view of what constitutes a lawyer referral service.”1
In Tennessee, lawyer referral services are considered Intermediary Organizations that
must be registered with the Board of Professional Responsibility, unless they are charitable or
other non-profit organizations.
Ethics authorities in several jurisdictions have reviewed similar websites to the one
proposed to the Board of Professional Responsibility by the inquiring company.2 The primary
issue in the majority of jurisdictions is whether the website constitutes an impermissible lawyer
referral service.
Some ethics opinions have identified factors which weigh in favor of finding that a service is
permissible advertising and not an impermissible type of lawyer referral service. Those factors
include the following:
1.

Lawyer-client relationships are formed without the intervention the company.3

2.

Users decide which lawyer to contact.4

3.

The Service plays no role in the decision-making process of prospective clients.5

4.

Participating lawyers pay a fixed amount for a fixed period of time.6

5.

The company provides the lawyer’s information to a viewer automatically, based
on information provided by the viewer and the participating lawyer, without
exercising subjective discretion.7

_________________
1

ABA/BNA Lawyers. Manual on Professional Conduct, Advertising and Solicitation: Advertising costs and
Referrals (last updated 2014) p. 81:701.
2
Utah St. Bar Op. 15-05; Ariz. Eth. Op. 06-06; and D.C. Bar Eth. Op. 302.
3
Nassau County (N.Y.) Ethics Op. 01-4, 17 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 123 (2001); 2004 NC Eth. Op 1; R.I. Eth.
Op. 2005-1, 21 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 152 (2005).
4
2004 NC Eth. Op 1; R. I. Eth. Op. 2005-1, 21 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 152 (2005).
5
R.I. Eth. Op. 2005-1, 21 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 152 (2005); SC Adv. Op. 01-03, 17 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct
661 (2001).
6
Ohio Adv. Op. 2005-001, 21 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 152 (2005).
7
Colo. Formal Eth. Op. 122, 26 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 722 (2008, amended 2010); Ohio Av. Op. 2001-02, 17
Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 287 (2001); R.I. Eth. Op.2005-01, 21 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 152 (2005); Tex. Eth.
Op. 573 (2006).

15

6.

The company does not recommend or promote the use of any particular lawyer’s
services and either does not charge lawyers any fee or discloses on its website that
it charges a fee.8

7.

The company does not limit the number of lawyers who may be listed in a
particular geographic or practice area so that it would effectively be
recommending particular lawyers to potential clients.9

8.

The company does not recommend or promote the use of any particular lawyer’s
services and either does not charge lawyers any fee or discloses on its website that
it charges a fee.10

9.

The company does not limit the number of lawyers who may be listed in a
particular geographic or practice area so that it would effectively be
recommending particular lawyers to potential clients.11

The legal marketplace website owned by the inquiring company squarely fits within the
factors favoring a finding that the service is permissible advertising.
The Ohio Supreme Court Board of Professional Conduct previously reviewed the
propriety of fee-based advertising websites and set forth three factors to distinguish a fee-based
lawyer advertising website from an impermissible lawyer referral service. An impermissible
lawyer referral service website does the following: “1) the website requires the lawyer to pay
an amount based on the number of people who contact or hire the lawyer or a percentage of the
legal fees obtained; 2) the website provides services beyond the ministerial function of placing
lawyer’s information into public view; and 3) the website appear to be recommending the
lawyer or offering his or her services as part of the website’s overall services.”12
The proposed website is currently operating in the State of Ohio under a letter of
guidance issued by the Advisory Opinion Subcommittee of the Supreme Court of Ohio. That
letter guidance approved the use of the website under the following general conditions:
1.

The proposed Website cannot operate in any manner that requires the lawyer to
pay a fee based on the number of people who contact or hire the lawyer;

_________________
8

Colo. Eth Op. 122, 26 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 722 (2008, amended 2010); Nassau County (N.Y.) Ethics Op. 014, 17 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 123 (2001).
9
Colo. Eth. Op. 122, 26 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 722 (2008, amended 2010).
10
Colo. Eth. Op. 122, 26 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 722 (2008, amended 2010); Nassau County (N.Y.) Ethics Op.
01-4, 17 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 123 (2001).
11
Color. Eth. Op. 122, 26 Laws. Man. Prof. Conduct 722 (2008, amended 2010).
12
Ohio Adv. Op. 2001-02.

16

2.

The fee paid by the attorney not be in exchange for the Website recommending,
referring or electronically directing potential clients to a specific lawyer in
violation of RPC 7.2 (c) (giving anything of value to a person for recommending
or publicizing the lawyer’s services);

3.

The fee paid by the lawyer to the Website can never be based upon the amount of
fees generated by the lawyer in violation of RPC 5.4 (sharing fees with
nonlawyers);

4.

The Website should include a prominent disclaimer that potential clients are
viewing an advertisement in the form of the attorney bid or quote and not
receiving a recommendation or referral by the Website;

5.

The Website cannot provide any services to potential clients beyond the purely
ministerial function of enabling the electronic exchange of information between
two mutually interested persons;

6.

The Website cannot play any role in the potential client’s decision-making
process to hire the lawyer.

The letter of guidance set forth additional considerations as guidelines based on ethics
opinions from jurisdictions that follow the Model Rules of Professional Conduct:
•

The proposed Website should indicate to consumers that the member lawyers have paid
a fee to participate. See Arizona Op. 2005-08.

•

The proposed Website may not indicate it has vetted or approved the participating
attorneys, or endorse or vouch for a lawyer’s credentials, abilities, competence, character,
or other professional qualities. Model Rule 7.2, Comment [5].

•

The information about the law firm or lawyer and the lawyer’s bid or quote should be
marked as advertising material. RPC 7.3 See Ohio Adv. Op. 2001-2.

•

The proposed Website cannot hold itself out as providing access to the “right” or most
“knowledgeable” lawyers, or designate the lawyers as “specialists”, “certified”,
“verified.” RPC 7.4. see Tex. Ethics Op. 573 (July, 2006).

•

The Website should not provide a satisfaction guarantee, as it may contravene RPC 1.5
Comment [9] (fee dispute resolution).

•

The proposed Website should not limit the lawyers available to clients by practice or
geographical area. See Arizona Opinion 2006-06.

17

CONCLUSION
The Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct permit lawyers to advertise in ways that
comply with the rules. “To assist the public in obtaining legal services, lawyers should be
allowed to make known their services not only through reputation but also through organized
information campaigns in the form of advertising. This need is particularly acute in the case of
persons of moderate means who have not made extensive use of legal services. The interest in
expanding public information about legal services is significant. Nevertheless, advertising by
lawyers shall not contain false or misleading communications about the lawyer or the lawyer’s
services.”13
The use of the internet advertising and the use of websites has become commonplace
among lawyers. The proposed legal marketplace website is a way that lawyers and clients can
utilize the ever-changing internet to assist in forming their relationships.
The proposed legal marketplace website owned and operated by a company on which
businesses and individuals may post a description of legal services for which they are seeking
representation and lawyers/law firms may subsequently submit quotes for the cost of the legal
services appears to comply with the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct if it is operated in
accordance with the conditions and guidelines set forth in this opinion.

This _____day of_________, 2018.

ETHICS COMMITTEE:
________________________
Odell Horton, Jr., chair
________________________
Floyd S. Flippin
_______________________
Jody S. Pickens

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD

_________________
13

Rule 7.2 Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, comment [2].

18

Supreme Court Appoints
Hearing Committee Members
On March 22, 2018, the Supreme Court entered an Order appointing the following individuals
as Hearing Committee Members for the Board of Professional Responsibility:
District I:

James B. Dunn, James W. Harrison, Richard E. Ladd, Jr., Polly A. Peterson,
Mark A. Skelton
District II:
W. Dale Amburn, R. Scott Carpenter, Stephen A. Marcum,
Marshall H. Peterson, Victoria B. Tillman, Hanson R. Tipton
District III: John M. Carson, III, John F. Kimball, H. Chris Trew
District IV: n/a
District V:
Leroy Johnston Ellis, IV, Chris Fowler, Steven D. Parman,
Raymond G. Prince, Christopher C. Sabis, Jennifer Lynne Sheppard,
Lesa H. Skoney, David J. Tarpley
District VI: James Patrick Catalano, Robert H. Hassell, Tracy White Moore,
T. Jake Wolaver
District VII: William J. Milam
District VIII: Amber Griffin Shaw, Vanedda Prince Webb
District IX: Margaret M. Chesney, Laura Deakins, Sean Antone Hunt

Similarly, the Court entered an Order on March 16, 2018, re-appointing the following
individuals:
District I:
District II:
District III:
District IV:
District V:

M. Neil Smith
David A. Draper, Christopher A. Hall, Brian K. Krumm, Eric J. Morrison
Cameron S. Hill, Sr., Rosemarie L. Hill
Doug Aaron, S. Todd Bobo, A. Ensley Hagan, Jr., Kyle B. Heckman
Robert C. Bigelow, Michael M. Castellarin, Craig V. Gabbert, Jr.,
Stanley A. Kweller, Richard McGee, Andrea P. Perry, Gerald C. Wigger
District VI: Douglas T. Bates, III, Ryan P. Durham
District VII: Matthew A. Floyd, Leanne A. Thorne, Edwin C. Townsend, Jr.
District VIII: n/a
District IX: Stuart J. Canale, Asia N. Diggs, Andre B. Mathis, Kamilah E. Turner,
André C. Wharton

19

Disciplinary Actions
• (October, 2017 – March, 2018)
DISBARMENTS
ROBIN K. BARRY, BPR #21843
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On February 16, 2018, Robin K. Barry, formerly of Nashville, Tennessee, and now of Richmond, Texas, was
disbarred from the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court effective February 26, 2018.
Ms. Barry must pay the Board’s costs and expenses and the court costs.
Ms. Barry received $100,000 of client funds pending the resolution of her client’s lawsuit. A hearing panel
found that she knowingly converted over $14,000 of those funds while they were being held in her trust
account. In addition, she commingled her personal funds in the trust account in order to replace the funds
she converted. While the case was pending, Ms. Barry moved to Texas and began practicing law there but
failed to tell her client that she had moved. She avoided her client’s efforts to communicate with her, and
misled her in an effort to conceal the fact that the balance of the funds that should have remained after the
conclusion of the lawsuit was missing from her trust account. Ms. Barry’s ethical misconduct violated
Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4, Communication; 1.15(a) and (d), Safekeeping Property and
Funds; and 8.4(a) and (c), Misconduct.
A hearing panel recommended an eighteen-month suspension, with sixty days active suspension and the
remainder on probation. The Board appealed to Chancery Court which reversed and modified the Hearing
Panel decision and imposed disbarment. Ms. Barry appealed to the Supreme Court which affirmed the
decision of the Chancery Court. The Supreme Court found that the disbarment should be prospective and
not be imposed retroactively to the date of Ms. Barry’s temporary suspension.
Ms. Barry must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 (2006) and
30 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys.
DON W. COOPER, BPR #1286
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Effective February 23, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee disbarred Don W. Cooper from the practice of
law, retroactive to August 18, 2017, for misappropriating funds while serving as personal representative of
an estate. Mr. Cooper is required to pay restitution to the estate in the amount of $57,000.00. The Tennessee
Supreme Court suspended Mr. Cooper on August 18, 2017, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9,
Section 22.3, based upon his entry of Alford/Best Interest pleas to ten counts of theft. The Board of
Professional Responsibility instituted a formal proceeding to determine the extent of final discipline to be
imposed.

20

DISBARMENTS (continued)
Mr. Cooper’s conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and (d) (Safekeeping Property and
Funds) and 8.4(a), (b) and (c) (Misconduct).
Mr. Cooper was previously disbarred by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on February 23, 2017. That
disbarment remains in effect.
Mr. Cooper must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys and may not return to the active practice
of law until an order of reinstatement has been entered by the Supreme Court.
CARRIE LEIGH GASAWAY, BPR #18746
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Effective October 9, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order disbarring Carrie Leigh
Gasaway from the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.1, and requiring
payment of restitution and costs of the disciplinary proceeding. Ms. Gasaway was previously disbarred by
Order entered October 15, 2015, and said Order remains in effect.
A Petition for Discipline (2016-2653-6-AW) was filed November 9, 2016, containing three (3) complaints
alleging misappropriation of funds from trust, lack of diligent representation and charging of an unreasonable
fee. A Petition for Final Discipline (2016-2629-6-AW-22.3) was filed December 1, 2016, based upon Ms.
Gasaway’s criminal conviction for felony theft in excess of $10,000.00.
Both disciplinary actions were consolidated and tried before a Hearing Panel who determined Ms.
Gasaway’s conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence); 1.4 (communication); 1.5 (fees);
1.15 (safekeeping property and funds); 1.16 (terminating representation) and 8.4(a), (b), (c) and (d)
(misconduct) and ordered restitution totaling $57,899.45 be paid to four (4) former clients.
Ms. Gasaway must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
LONIEL GREENE, JR., BPR #30906
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On November 15, 2017, Loniel Greene, Jr. was disbarred from the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee
Supreme Court. Mr. Greene must pay the Board’s costs and expenses and the court costs within ninety days
of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
Mr. Greene’s cousin was in jail charged with domestic assault. During recorded telephone conversations
with his cousin, Mr. Greene agreed to testify falsely at his cousin’s bond source hearing that Mr. Greene was
the source of the money used for his cousin’s bond when it was in fact that of his cousin. Mr. Greene
admittedly testified falsely at that hearing regarding the source of the money used for his cousin’s bond.
During those recorded telephone conversations, Mr. Greene also discussed with his cousin plans for Mr.

21

DISBARMENTS (continued)
Greene to attempt to coerce the prosecuting witness from testifying against the cousin. During those
conversations, Mr. Greene also admitted having made efforts to coerce the witness from testifying.
Mr. Greene’s ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3(a)(1), Candor toward the
Tribunal; 3.4(a), (f) and (g), Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel; and 8.4(a), (b), (c) and (d),
Misconduct.
Mr. Greene must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys.
SEAN K. HORNBECK, BPR #23197
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On February 16, 2018, Sean K. Hornbeck, of Nashville, Tennessee, was disbarred from the practice of law
by Judgment of the Tennessee Supreme Court effective February 26, 2018. Mr. Hornbeck must pay the
Board’s costs and expenses and the court costs. In addition, he must make restitution to three clients.
Mr. Hornbeck convinced an investor to entrust him with between $5,000,000 and $5,500,000 on the basis
that Mr. Hornbeck would hold the money in his trust account, it would never be at risk and the investor
would reap substantial dividends. Instead, Mr. Hornbeck released most of the money to unknown third
parties and/or misappropriated it to his own use. In an effort to conceal his actions, Mr. Hornbeck submitted
falsified bank records and false testimony in Chancery Court. Mr. Hornbeck also failed to diligently
represent two clients and failed to adequately communicate with them. While Mr. Hornbeck was
temporarily suspended, he engaged in the unauthorized practice of law while in the employ of an attorney.
He engaged in a scheme to misappropriate funds from a client of that attorney. Mr. Hornbeck’s ethical
misconduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, Diligence; 1.4, Communication; 1.8(h),
Conflict of Interest; 1.15(a), Safekeeping Property and Funds; 1.16(d), Declining and Terminating
Representation; 3.2, Expediting Litigation; 5.5, Unauthorized Practice of Law; and 8.4(a), (b), (c), (d) and
(g), Misconduct.
A hearing panel recommended Mr. Horneck be disbarred. He appealed to Chancery Court which affirmed
the Hearing Panel decision. Mr. Hornbeck appealed to the Supreme Court which affirmed the decision of the
Chancery Court. The Supreme Court found that the disbarment should be prospective and not be imposed
retroactively to the date of Mr. Hornbeck’s temporary suspension.
Mr. Hornbeck must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 (2006)
and 30 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys.
FLETCHER WHALEY LONG, BPR #18775
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Effective November 15, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee disbarred Fletcher Whaley Long from the
practice of law and ordered payment of restitution to four (4) former clients for engaging in conduct
involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation. Mr. Long was previously disbarred by Order of
Enforcement entered September 14, 2015.

22

DISBARMENTS (continued)
In the first complaint, Mr. Long received a retainer fee and did not complete the work before his
suspension from the practice of law, then misrepresented that another attorney would assume the client’s
representation. In the second complaint, Mr. Long accepted a fee to represent the client but did not provide
the professional services he was hired to complete. In the third complaint, Mr. Long received a refundable
fee from his client but failed to file a cause of action within the statute of limitations, failed to maintain client
funds in trust and failed to disclose his indictment for embezzlement when the client hired Mr. Long. In the
fourth complaint, Mr. Long accepted a fee without disclosing his indictment for embezzlement and,
thereafter, failed to provide the professional services for which he had been retained.
Mr. Long’s conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(a) (scope of representation); 1.3
(competency); 1.4(a) and (b) (communication); 1.5(a), (b), (e) and (f) (fees); 1.15(a)-(e) (safekeeping
property and funds); 1.16(a) and (d) (declining or terminating representation); 8.1(b) (bar admissions and
disciplinary matters) and 8.4(a), (c) and (d) (misconduct).
Mr. Long must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys and may not return to the active practice
of law until an order of reinstatement has been entered by the Supreme Court.
MICHAEL JOHN MCNULTY, BPR #25974
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On February 15, 2018, Michael John McNulty, of Nashville, Tennessee, was disbarred from the practice of
law effective immediately by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court. In addition, Mr. McNulty must make
restitution to two clients as a condition of reinstatement. Mr. McNulty must pay the Board’s costs and
expenses and the court costs within ninety days of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
Mr. McNulty signed two clients’ names to settlement checks without their permission, misappropriated the
settlement funds and made misrepresentations to the clients that the checks had not been received. In several
matters, Mr. McNulty did not represent clients diligently, did not communicate with them and did not
respond to the Board’s requests for information.
Mr. McNulty’s ethical misconduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, Competence; 1.2,
Scope of Representation; 1.3, Diligence; 1.4, Communication; 1.5, Fees; 1.15, Safekeeping Property and
Funds; 1.16, Declining and Terminating Representation; 3.2, Expediting Litigation; 8.1, Bar Admission and
Disciplinary Matters; and 8.4(a), (b), (c) and (g), Misconduct.
On March 9, 2017, Mr. McNulty was temporarily suspended by the Tennessee Supreme Court for posing a
threat of substantial harm to the public. As Mr. McNulty is now disbarred, the temporary suspension is
dissolved.
Mr. McNulty must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.

23

DISBARMENTS (continued)
JOHN PHILIP PARSONS, BPR #11636
PUTNAM COUNTY
Effective October 13, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order disbarring John Philip
Parsons from the practice of law, retroactive to January 21, 2016, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule
9, Section 12.1. Mr. Parsons is required to pay the cost of the disciplinary proceeding and restitution.
Four (4) Petitions for Discipline containing nine (9) disciplinary complaints were filed against Mr. Parsons.
A Conditional Guilty Plea, executed by Mr. Parsons, was approved by the Hearing Panel on August 30,
2017. Mr. Parsons misappropriated client funds from his trust account, created and filed fraudulent
documents with the Appellate Court Clerk, misled his clients regarding the status of their case on appeal,
failed to file a notice of appeal and failed to file pleadings and timely respond to discovery. Mr. Parsons’
conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence); 1.2 (scope of representation); 1.5 (fees);
1.15 (safekeeping of property and funds); 1.16 (declining or terminating representation); 3.2 (expediting
litigation); 3.3 (candor toward tribunal); 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law); 8.1 (bar admissions and
disciplinary matters) and 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Parsons must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
ALAN G. WARD, BPR #18949
BENTON COUNTY
On November 3, 2017, Alan G. Ward was disbarred from the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee
Supreme Court. Mr. Ward must also make restitution to a client. Mr. Ward must pay the Board’s costs and
expenses and the court costs within ninety days of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
Mr. Ward failed to handle an urgent child custody petition expeditiously. He caused signatures on a pleading
to be falsely dated. He failed to communicate with the child’s guardian ad litem. When terminated by his
clients, he failed to promptly return their file. He did not refund the unearned portion of his fee. In a
separate matter, Mr. Ward was appointed to represent two indigent defendants in the Court of Criminal
Appeals in two different cases. He failed to file a brief on behalf of his clients. He failed to respond to
orders from the Court of Criminal Appeals. He abandoned his representation of the clients.
Mr. Ward’s ethical misconduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, Competence; 1.3, Diligence;
1.4(a), Communication; 1.5(a), Fees; 1.16(d)(3), (4) and (6), Declining and Terminating Representation; 3.2,
Expediting Litigation; 3.3(a)(1), Candor toward the Tribunal; 3.4(c), Fairness to Opposing Party and
Counsel; 8.1(b), Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters; and 8.4(a) and (c), Misconduct.
Mr. Ward must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.

24

SUSPENSIONS
JASON WADE BARNETTE, BPR #26960
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On October 12, 2017, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Jason Wade Barnette from the practice of
law for three (3) years, with one (1) year served as active suspension and the remainder on probation. Mr.
Barnette must pay restitution to five former clients as a condition of reinstatement to the practice of law. Mr.
Barnette must pay the Board of Professional Responsibility’s costs and expenses and court costs within
ninety days.
On November 10, 2016, a Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. Barnette, and a Supplemental Petition
for Discipline was filed on February 9, 2017. These Petitions for Discipline included seven (7) complaints.
Mr. Barnette entered a Conditional Guilty Plea on September 6, 2017.
The complaints alleged that after paying Mr. Barnette for representation, he missed court dates resulting in
default judgments and was non-responsive to requests for information. In two cases, Mr. Barnette was able
to have default judgments set aside. In one case, Mr. Barnette failed to timely remit proceeds of a settlement.
In another case, Mr. Barnette agreed to dismiss a case he filed on behalf of a client without consulting her.
Mr. Barnette’s misconduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.2 (scope of
representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property), 1.16
(terminating representation) and 8.4 (a), (c) and (d) (misconduct).
Mr. Barnette must comply with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 regarding the obligations and
responsibilities suspended attorneys.
LISA ZARZOUR BOWMAN, BPR #17972
HAMILTON COUNTY
On January 22, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an order suspending Lisa Zarzour Bowman
from the practice of law for one (1) year with thirty (30) days being an active suspension and the remainder
served on probation with the appointment of a practice monitor pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule
9, Sections 12.2 and 12.9. In addition, Ms. Bowman must pay the Board’s costs in the disciplinary
proceeding.
On August 24, 2016, a Petition for Discipline containing one (1) complaint was filed against Ms.
Bowman alleging lack of diligence, lack of communication, and incompetent representation. After a trial
upon the merits, the Hearing Panel found Ms. Bowman (a) failed to timely prepare and file documents with
the trial court for a period of nearly fifteen (15) months, failed to reasonably communicate with her client
regarding changes made in the Final Decree of Divorce previously approved by the client and filed a Final
Decree of Divorce not approved by the client which omitted a material term negotiated by the client with her
husband. Ms. Bowman’s unethical conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence); 1.4
(communication); 3.2 (expediting litigation) and 8.4 (misconduct).
Ms. Bowman must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28
and 30.4, 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.

25

SUSPENSION (continued)
DANIEL GRAHAM BOYD, BPR #22448
HAWKINS COUNTY
On January 10, 2018, Daniel Graham Boyd was suspended from the practice of law by Order of the
Tennessee Supreme Court for three (3) years, with one hundred-twenty (120) days active suspension and the
remainder on probation. Mr. Boyd must engage a practice monitor, obtain an evaluation by the Tennessee
Lawyers Assistance Program and enter into a monitoring agreement, if appropriate, attend additional
continuing legal education, and commit no further acts of misconduct resulting in a recommendation of
discipline. Mr. Boyd must pay the Board’s costs and expenses.
The Board filed a Petition for Discipline and a Supplemental Petition for Discipline containing two
complaints of misconduct. In one matter, Mr. Boyd represented a widow concerning her husband’s estate.
Over approximately five (5) years, Mr. Boyd made false statements to the daughters of his client leading
them to believe that he was taking actions in furtherance of his representation of their mother that he was not.
In another matter, Mr. Boyd represented the employee in a workers compensation claim. Other than filing a
request for assistance, he took no action over a period of approximately five (5) years to further her claim
and he made false statements to his client over that period leading her to believe that he was taking actions
that he was not. A Hearing Panel determined that Mr. Boyd should be suspended for three years, with 120
days served as an active suspension and the remainder on probation.
Mr. Boyd’s ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (Diligence); 4.1(a) (Truthfulness
in Statements to Others) and 8.4(a) and (c) (Misconduct).
Mr. Boyd must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
WILLIAM C. GOSNELL, BPR #4369
SHELBY COUNTY
Effective October 6, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an order suspending William C. Gosnell
from the practice of law for four (4) years, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, and
requiring Mr. Gosnell pay the cost of the disciplinary proceeding.
On February 1, 2017, a Petition for Discipline, consisting of three (3) complaints, was filed against Mr.
Gosnell alleging he engaged in the unauthorized practice of law; failed to inform his clients, opposing
counsel and the court of his two (2) year suspension; and misled his clients, opposing counsel and the court
regarding his reason for withdrawing as attorney of record. On August 21, 2017, Mr. Gosnell submitted a
Conditional Guilty Plea acknowledging his unethical conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3
(candor toward tribunal) and 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law).
Mr. Gosnell is currently serving a separate two (2) year suspension pursuant to an Order of Enforcement
(M2016-01323-SC-BAR-BP) entered by the Tennessee Supreme Court on July 1, 2016.

26

SUSPENSION (continued)
Mr. Gosnell must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
DONALD BRENT GRAY, BPR #27263
CAMPBELL COUNTY
On December 28, 2017, Donald Brent Gray was suspended from the practice of law by Order of the
Tennessee Supreme Court for two (2) years, retroactive to March 10, 2017, with one (1) year active
suspension and one (1) year on probation. As conditions of his probation, Mr. Gray must engage a practice
monitor, obtain an evaluation by the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program and enter into a monitoring
agreement if appropriate, make restitution to two clients, and commit no further acts of misconduct resulting
in a recommendation of discipline. Mr. Gray must pay the Board’s costs and expenses and the court costs
within ninety days of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
In one matter, Mr. Gray failed to appear for a court date. In a second matter, he failed to deposit an unearned
fee to a trust account and failed to refund the unearned portion of his fee after his representation terminated.
In a third matter, he failed to appear for a court date and failed to deposit an unearned fee to a trust account.
In all matters, he failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information.
Mr. Gray’s ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, Diligence; 1.15(c), Safekeeping
Property and Funds; 1.16(d), Declining and Terminating Representation; 8.1(b), Bar Admissions and
Disciplinary Matters; and 8.4(a), Misconduct.
Mr. Gray must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
WILLIAM N. HULSEY, III, BPR #12672
TEXAS
On December 27, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order of Reciprocal Discipline
suspending the law license of William N. Hulsey, III, Travis County, Texas for thirty (30) months with the
suspension being fully probated, beginning September 1, 2017, and ending February 28, 2020, as specified
by the Agreed Judgment of Probated Suspension entered August 30, 2017, by the State Bar of Texas.
Upon receiving notification by the Board of Professional Responsibility that Mr. Hulsey was subject to
attorney discipline in Texas, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered a notice requiring Mr. Hulsey to show
cause why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed in Tennessee. Mr. Hulsey failed to file a response to
the Tennessee Supreme Court’s notice and the Court found it appropriate to enter an Order of Reciprocal
Discipline against Mr. Hulsey.
Mr. Hulsey must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys placed on probation. Mr. Hulsey is
eligible to practice law in Tennessee during the probationary period.

27

SUSPENSION (continued)
JAMES DANIEL MARSHALL, BPR #25541
DAVIDSON COUNTY
Effective March 22, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9,
Section 12.4, entered an order suspending James Daniel Marshall from the practice of law for a period of
two (2) years, with thirty (30) days to be served as an active suspension, and the remainder served on
probation subject to certain conditions including the appointment of a practice monitor and continued
contact with Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program. Mr. Marshall is required to reimburse the Board for
all costs in the disciplinary proceeding.
During the representation of three (3) clients, Mr. Marshall failed to produce discovery responses, attend
case management conferences and motion hearings, timely serve a summons or issue alias summons, and
timely communicate with his clients. In mitigation, Mr. Marshall experienced a significant personal loss
followed by depression which largely went untreated until the disciplinary complaints surfaced.
Mr. Marshall’s conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.1 (competence); 1.3 (diligence);
1.4 (communication); 3.2 (expediting litigation) and 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Marshall must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
30.4, 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.
BARRY KEITH MAXWELL, BPR #9572
MONROE COUNTY
On January 22, 2018, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Barry Keith Maxwell from the practice of
law for seventy-five (75) days. Upon completion of his suspension, Mr. Maxwell will be placed on
probation for one (1) year, subject to the condition that he submit to an evaluation by the Tennessee Lawyers
Assistance Program (TLAP) and comply with any monitoring requirements TLAP deems necessary. Mr.
Maxwell must pay the Board of Professional Responsibility’s costs and expenses and court costs within
ninety days.
On August 17, 2015, a Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. Maxwell containing one complaint of
misconduct. A hearing was held on December 1, 2016, and a Petition for Review was filed with the
Chancery Court for Monroe County and heard before the Chancellor on August 16, 2017.
The complaint alleged that Mr. Maxwell used a portion of a client’s cash settlement for a personal expense
believing that he could earn that money back quickly to repay his client. Mr. Maxwell advised his client of
this after using the funds; however, repayment was delayed as Mr. Maxwell was subsequently suspended for
non-payment of his annual registration dues.
Mr. Maxwell’s misconduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15 (safekeeping property) and 8.4(a)
(misconduct).

28

SUSPENSION (continued)
Mr. Maxwell must comply with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 regarding the obligations and
responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
GEORGE AVERY MOTT, BPR #25039
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On December 27, 2017, George Avery Mott was suspended from the practice of law by the Tennessee
Supreme Court. Mr. Mott is suspended from the practice of law for one (1) year with thirty (30) days active
suspension and the remaining time to be served on probation. As conditions of his probation, Mr. Mott shall
engage a practice monitor, make restitution to five clients, and refrain from incurring any new complaints of
misconduct that result in the Board’s recommendation of discipline. Mr. Mott must pay the Board’s costs in
this matter within 90 days.
The Board filed a Petition for Discipline due to two (2) complaints arising out of Mr. Mott’s conduct in
Bankruptcy Court. In the first complaint, Mr. Mott incorrectly informed his client that his annuity would not
become property of the trustee if he filed a Chapter 7 petition. The second complaint stemmed from an
Agreed Order entered with the trustee based upon the Trustee’s Motion to audit five (5) of Mr. Mott’s files
and limit his practice in Bankruptcy Court. The trustee alleged that Mr. Mott failed to pay filing fees or file
Motions for filing fees to be paid in installments, failed to file a pre-trial brief and exhibit list in one case,
failed to submit an order to reopen a case once a Motion to reopen was unopposed, and failed to show good
communication with his clients. Mr. Mott entered into a Conditional Guilty Plea admitting his violation of
Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (a) and (f) (fees),
3.2 (expediting litigation), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel) and 8.4 (a) (misconduct).
Mr. Mott 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.
HOWARD ROBERT CLYDE ORFIELD: BPR #10567
SULLIVAN COUNTY
On October 9, 2017, Howard Robert Clyde Orfield of Sullivan County, Tennessee, was suspended from the
practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Mr. Orfield is suspended for a period of three (3)
years, consisting of ninety (90) days active suspension and the remainder on probation. Mr. Orfield must
pay the Board of Professional Responsibility’s costs and expenses and court costs within ninety days.
After accepting payments from two clients to represent them in Bankruptcy proceedings, Mr. Orfield ceased
communicating with them and failed to perform the services for which he was paid. Mr. Orfield refunded
the fee to one client. Mr. Orfield entered a conditional guilty plea that requires him to have a practice
monitor during his probation and make restitution to the other client as a condition of reinstatement to the
practice of law.
Mr. Orfield’s ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4
(communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.16 (terminating representation), and 8.4 (a) and (d) (misconduct).

29

SUSPENSION (continued)
Mr. Orfield 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.
ASHLEY DENISE PRESTON, BPR #25642
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On October 20, 2017, Ashley Denise Preston was suspended from the practice of law by the Tennessee
Supreme Court. Ms. Preston is suspended from the practice of law for four (4) years retroactive to the date
of her transfer from Disability Inactive Status to Active Status, February 23, 2016, with two (2) years to be
served as an active suspension and the remaining time to be served on probation. As conditions of her
probation, Ms. Preston must engage a practice monitor, make restitution to one client, and satisfy the
judgment in Daffin v. Preston as appropriate. Ms. Preston must pay the Board costs in this matter within 90
days.
The Board filed a Petition for Discipline and two Supplemental Petitions for Discipline arising from four (4)
complaints of ethical misconduct. In one matter, Ms. Preston failed to respond to an Order of the Court of
Appeals on behalf of a client. In another matter, Ms. Preston failed to appear in court due to a conflict and
the client’s case was dismissed. Ms. Preston attempted to alert the court to her conflict, but her
communication did not reach the judge and opposing counsel successfully moved for dismissal of the case.
In a third case, Ms. Preston accepted a fee to represent a client in a child support matter; however, Ms.
Preston failed to do any work on the case. In the last matter, Ms. Preston became sole trustee of her family’s
trust and began making payments to herself and other beneficiaries that were disputed by one of the
beneficiaries. A lawsuit was filed against Ms. Preston for these payments, and a default judgment was taken.
Ms. Preston entered into a Conditional Guilty Plea admitting that she violated Rules of Professional Conduct
1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property), 1.16
(terminating representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation), and 8.4 (a) and (d) (misconduct).
Ms. Preston 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.
DAVID HAINES ROTROFF, BPR #583
HAMILTON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered March 28, 2018, the law license of David Haines
Rotroff was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Rotroff cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law
after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that
the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.

30

SUSPENSION (continued)
MARVIN REID STANFORD, BPR #25128
MISSISSIPPI
On December 20, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order of Reciprocal Discipline
suspending the law license of Marvin Reid Stanford of Olive Branch, Mississippi, for three (3) years with six
(6) months on active suspension, and the remaining two and a half (2.5) years served on probation. The
suspension is retroactive to September 1, 2017. Mr. Stanford is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and
Tennessee.
Upon receiving notification by the Board of Professional Responsibility that Mr. Stanford was subject to
attorney discipline in Mississippi, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered a notice requiring Mr. Stanford to
demonstrate why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed in Tennessee. The Supreme Court of
Mississippi found that Mr. Stanford violated Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and (b)
(safekeeping property and funds); 5.3(a) (responsibilities to non-lawyer assistants); and, 8.4(a) and (d)
(misconduct).
Mr. Stanford must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
CAPP PETERSON TAYLOR, BPR #25820
JEFFERSON COUNTY
On December 19, 2017, Capp Peterson Taylor of Dandridge, Tennessee was suspended effective
immediately for six months by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Further, Mr. Taylor must pay the Board of
Professional Responsibility’s costs and expenses and the court costs within ninety days.
A hearing panel determined that Mr. Taylor was in an improper partnership with a non-lawyer, shared legal
fees with a non-lawyer, failed to deposit retainers to a trust account and engaged in deceptive advertising.
The Hearing Panel found Mr. Taylor’s actions violated the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.15(a)
and (c), Safekeeping Property and Funds; 5.4(a) and (b), Professional Independence of a Lawyer; 7.1,
Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services; 7.2(d), Advertising; and 8.4(a), Misconduct.
Mr. Taylor was suspended by the Tennessee Supreme Court on August 17, 2017, for failing to comply with
continuing legal education requirements. That suspension remains in effect.
Mr. Taylor must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.

31

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS
CARLA L. AREVALO, BPR #31003
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On January 11, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Carla L. Arevalo from the
practice of law for failing to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of misconduct. Section 12.3 of
Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice
law in cases of an attorney’s failure to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of misconduct.
Ms. Arevalo is immediately precluded from accepting any new clients or cases and must cease representing
all existing clients by February 10, 2018. After February 10, 2018, Ms. Arevalo shall not use any indicia of
lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Ms. Arevalo shall notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending her law license and deliver to all clients any
papers or property to which they are entitled.
Ms. Arevalo must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 and 12.3,
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of temporarily suspended attorneys and the procedure for
reinstatement.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Ms. Arevalo may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
LARRY D. CANTRELL, BPR #9921
McMINN COUNTY
On November 17, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Larry D. Cantrell from the practice of
law until further orders of the Court pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 22.3. Mr.
Cantrell was suspended based upon his criminal conviction for Theft of Property in violation of T.C.A. §3914-103 in the matter of State of Tennessee v. Larry Dean Cantrell, in the Circuit Court for McMinn County.
The Supreme Court’s Order is effective immediately.
Pursuant to the Order of the Supreme Court, the matter has been referred to the Board to institute formal
proceedings to determine the extent of the final discipline to be imposed upon Mr. Cantrell as a result of his
conviction of a serious crime.
On February 7, 2017, Mr. Cantrell was temporarily suspended from the practice of law pursuant to
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.3. He has not been reinstated from that suspension. Mr.
Cantrell must comply with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28 regarding the obligations and
responsibilities of suspended attorneys.

32

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS (continued)
RICHARD DALE DARBY, BPR #28787
HAMBLEN COUNTY
On October 27, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Richard Dale Darby from the
practice of law for posing a threat of substantial harm to the public. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9
provides for the immediate temporary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice law in cases where the
attorney’s conduct poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Mr. Darby is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing
clients by November 26, 2017. Thereafter, Mr. Darby shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal assistant, or
law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Darby must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Darby is required to deliver to all
clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Darby may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
JACKIE LYNN GARTON, BPR #16106
DICKSON COUNTY
Effective November 20, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Jackie Lynn Garton
from the practice of law for misappropriating funds and posing a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate temporary suspension of an attorney’s
license to practice law in cases where an attorney has misappropriated funds, and thereby posing a threat of
substantial harm to the public.
Mr. Garton is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases and must cease representing existing
clients before December 20, 2017. Thereafter, Mr. Garton shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal assistant,
or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Garton must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Garton is required to deliver to all
clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Garton may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
M. ANDREW HOLLAND, BPR #10484
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On March 9, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended M. Andrew Holland from the
practice of law upon finding that Mr. Holland failed to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of
misconduct. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an

33

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS (continued)
attorney’s license to practice law in cases of an attorney’s failure to respond to the Board regarding a
complaint of misconduct.
Mr. Holland is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing
existing clients by April 8, 2018. After April 8, 2018, Mr. Holland shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal
assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Holland must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Holland is required to
deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Holland may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
BRENNAN PATRICK LENIHAN, BPR #22165
KNOX COUNTY
On January 30, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Brennan Patrick Lenihan from
the practice of law upon finding that Mr. Lenihan failed to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of
misconduct. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an
attorney’s license to practice law in cases of an attorney’s failure to respond to the Board regarding a
complaint of misconduct.
Mr. Lenihan is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing
existing clients by March 1, 2018. After March 1, 2018, Mr. Lenihan shall not use any indicia of lawyer,
legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Lenihan must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Lenihan is required to
deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Lenihan may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
TESHAUN DAVID MOORE, BPR #27816
SHELBY COUNTY
On March 7, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended TeShaun David Moore from the
practice of law upon finding that Mr. Moore misappropriated client funds and poses a threat of substantial
harm to the public. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension
of an attorney’s license to practice law where an attorney has misappropriated funds or otherwise poses a
threat of substantial harm to the public.

34

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS (continued)
Mr. Moore is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing
clients by April 7, 2018 (thirty days). After April 7, 2018, Mr. Moore shall not use any indicia of lawyer,
legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Moore must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Moore is required to deliver to all
clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Moore may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
JAMES THOMAS NEAL, BPR #6838
HAMILTON COUNTY
On March 1, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended James Thomas Neal from the
practice of law upon finding that Mr. Neal misappropriated funds and poses a threat of substantial harm to
the public. Mr. Neal also represented a client in a medical malpractice case that was dismissed. Instead of
telling the client that the case had been dismissed, he falsely stated that the case had settled and gave the
client a worthless check for the client’s share of the fictitious settlement. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court
Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice law in cases of an
attorney misappropriating funds or otherwise posing a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Mr. Neal is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing
clients by March 31, 2018. After March 31, 2018, Mr. Neal shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal
assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Neal must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Neal is required to deliver to all
clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
Mr. Neal must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 12.3(d),
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of temporarily suspended attorneys and the procedure for
reinstatement.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Neal may for
good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
GREGORY SCOTT NORRIS, BPR #34373
CARTER COUNTY
On January 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Gregory Scott Norris from the
practice of law upon finding that Mr. Norris poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. Section 12.3 of
Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice
law if an attorney poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.

35

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS (continued)
Mr. Norris is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing
clients by February 28, 2018. After February 28, 2018, Mr. Norris shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal
assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Mr. Norris must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Norris is required to deliver to all
clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
Mr. Norris must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
12.3(d), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of temporarily suspended attorneys and the
procedure for reinstatement.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Norris may
for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
PATRICK BROCKLIN PARKS, BPR #20930
DAVIDSON COUNTY
Effective January 10, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Patrick Brocklin Parks
from the practice of law, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.3, upon finding Mr. Parks
misappropriated funds and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Mr. Parks is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing
clients by February 9, 2018. After February 9, 2018, Mr. Parks shall not engage in the practice of law; use
any indicia of lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk; or maintain a presence where the practice of law is
conducted.
Mr. Parks shall notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing
counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license and shall deliver to all clients any papers
or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Parks may for
good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
KEISHA MOSES RICHARDSON, BPR #26492
SHELBY COUNTY
On January 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Keisha Moses Richardson
from the practice of law upon finding that Ms. Richardson failed to comply with a Supreme Court Order
requiring participation in an evaluation. Pursuant to the Order, failure to comply with the Order may serve
as the basis for temporary suspension pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 12.3.

36

TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS (continued)
Ms. Richardson is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and she must cease representing
existing clients by February 25, 2018. After February 25, 2018, Ms. Richardson shall not use any indicia of
lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Ms. Richardson must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending her law license. Ms. Richardson is required to
deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
Ms. Richardson must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, §§ 28 and
12.3(d), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of temporarily suspended attorneys and the
procedure for reinstatement.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Ms. Richardson
may for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
ELIZABETH CATHERINE VELASQUEZ, BPR #28884
SEVIER COUNTY
On November 3, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Elizabeth Catherine
Velasquez from the practice of law upon finding that Ms. Velasquez failed to respond to the Board regarding
a complaint of misconduct. Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary
suspension of an attorney’s license to practice law in cases of an attorney’s failure to respond to the Board
regarding a complaint of misconduct.
Ms. Velasquez is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and she must cease representing
existing clients by December 3, 2017. After December 3, 2017, Ms. Velasquez shall not use any indicia of
lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Ms. Velasquez must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending her law license. Ms. Velasquez is required to
deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Ms. Velasquez
may for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.

PUBLIC CENSURES
JOHN STEPHEN ANDERSON, BPR #12367
HAWKINS COUNTY
On January 11, 2018, John Stephen Anderson, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

37

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
A client hired Mr. Anderson to represent her in a car accident. Though Mr. Anderson filed a lawsuit, he did
not timely serve process on the defendant. For three years, Mr. Anderson falsely told his client he was in the
process of trying to settle the case. The lawsuit was dismissed by the court.
By these acts, Mr. Anderson, is in violation of Rules 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication),
1.16 (termination of representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation), 8.1 (disciplinary matters), 8.4(c) (conduct
involving dishonesty), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) of the Rules of Professional
Conduct. Because Mr. Anderson has received prior public discipline for similar conduct during the same
time period, he is hereby publicly censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to
practice law.
PAUL FORREST CRAIG, BPR #18359
SHELBY COUNTY
On October 12, 2017, Paul Forrest Craig, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Craig represented a client in a probate matter. He was not retained to represent the client on appeal.
Nevertheless, Mr. Craig received and signed for notices from the Court of Appeals, which he essentially
disregarded. In addition, he failed to comply with a court order dated November 30, 2016, requiring him to
provide information about his representation and failed to comply with a show cause order dated January 23,
2017.
By the aforementioned acts, Paul Forrest Craig, has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 3.4(c) (disobey
rules of tribunal) and 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to administration of justice) and is hereby Publicly
Censured for this violation.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to
practice law.
RICKY A. W. CURTIS, BPR #19761
SULLIVAN COUNTY
On October 17, 2017, Ricky A. W. Curtis, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
In April 2016, Mr. Curtis timely filed a notice of appeal for a client seeking to appeal a criminal sentence.
Mr. Curtis did not file a brief in the matter. The court entered an order giving Mr. Curtis 20 days to file the
brief. Mr. Curtis received this order, but did not file a brief. The court then ordered Mr. Curtis to appear on
a motion for contempt. Mr. Curtis appeared at the contempt hearing. On February 23, 2017, the court found
that Mr. Curtis willfully failed to follow court rules and orders and was in contempt of court.

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PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
Mr. Curtis’ failure to file a brief for his client, or to withdraw from the representation, is in violation of Rules
1.3 (diligence), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of
justice) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and he is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to
practice law.
JOHN EDWARD DUNLAP, BPR #13223
SHELBY COUNTY
On January 19, 2018, John Edward Dunlap, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Dunlap represented a client in a bankruptcy which was dismissed for failure to provide documentation.
Mr. Dunlap failed to respond to his client’s requests for information for two months.
In another client matter, Mr. Dunlap received a personal injury settlement for his client which he properly
held in his trust account. Thereafter, the client passed away. The probate court ordered Mr. Dunlap to
release a portion of the funds to pay a subrogation claim. Mr. Dunlap mistakenly believed that he distributed
the subrogation funds. Over two years later, the third party filed a lawsuit to collect the funds, and Mr.
Dunlap remitted payment.
By these acts, Mr. Dunlap, has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communication), Rule 1.1
(competence), and Rule 1.15 (safekeeping property) 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 attorney’s ability to
practice law.
JEFRE SCOT GOLDTRAP, BPR #18668
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On January 22, 2018, Jefre Scot Goldtrap, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Goldtrap failed to prepare written discovery requests on behalf of his client despite the client’s requests
on a number of occasions for Mr. Goldtrap to take such course of action. Mr. Goldtrap also failed to
adequately communicate with his client about the status of his case and the status of attorney fees which had
accumulated during the course of the representation. Mr. Goldtrap’s billing invoice, which included only
four (4) entries over a six (6) month period, was inadequate and billed for time which should not have been
billed.
By these acts, Jefre Scot Goldtrap has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4
(communication), 1.5 (fees), and 3.2 (expediting litigation), and is hereby Publicly Censured for these
violations.

39

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
CARTER C. HITT
MISSISSIPPI
On October 12, 2017, Carter C. Hitt, an attorney licensed to practice law in Mississippi, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Hitt, who is not licensed to practice law in Tennessee, collected a fee from a client for representation in a
breach of contract and personal injury action which arose in Tennessee. Mr. Hitt failed to limit the scope of
his representation to only non-litigation matters, failed to diligently represent his client, and did not
adequately communicate with his client. Mr. Hitt also drafted and filed a pleading in a Tennessee court
which was purported to have been filed pro se by his client. Mr. Hitt’s actions were deceptive to the court
and constituted the unauthorized practice of law.
By these acts, Carter C. Hitt has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation), 1.3
(diligence), 1.4 (communication), 3.3 (candor toward tribunal), 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law), and 8.4(a)
and (c) (misconduct), and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
MARTI LEE KAUFMAN, BPR #11555
SHELBY COUNTY
On January 19, 2018, Marti Lee Kaufman, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Kaufman practiced law for seven business days after her law license was administratively suspended for
non-compliance with continuing legal education requirements.
By these acts, Ms. Kaufman is in violation of Rule 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law) of the Rules of
Professional Conduct and is hereby Publicly Censured or these violations.
BRANDY MURPHY LEE
ALABAMA
On October 12, 2017, Brandy Murphy Lee, an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Ms. Lee committed several violations of the Tennessee pro hac vice rules (Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9,
Section 19) during her representation of a client to include: practicing before certain tribunals without
permission or approval, filing pleadings without the signature of her local counsel, and practicing for a
period in excess of two years after her pro hac vice status had expired.
By these acts, Brandy Murphy Lee has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4(c) (disobedience of an
obligation under rules of a tribunal) and 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law), and is hereby Publicly Censured
for these violations.

40

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
BARRY KEITH MAXWELL, BPR #9572
MONROE COUNTY
On January 8, 2018, Barry Keith Maxwell, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Maxwell commingled personal funds into his client trust account and improperly utilized the account for
his own benefit by using the funds to pay his personal expenses. In mitigation, Mr. Maxwell ceased
practicing law and no longer held client funds in the account when he deposited his personal funds therein.
By these acts, Barry Keith Maxwell has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 (safekeeping property)
and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation.
JOHN R. MELDORF, BPR #4832
HAMILTON COUNTY
On October 12, 2017, John R. Meldorf, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Meldorf represented the wife who was awarded attorney fees from her husband in the final decree of
divorce. At the conclusion of the divorce, the wife owed Mr. Meldorf a small balance for his fees. The exhusband subsequently filed bankruptcy and listed Mr. Meldorf as creditor instead of his ex-wife. Mr.
Meldorf collected funds as a creditor from the bankruptcy trustee even though such funds were properly
owed to his former client. He failed to promptly notify his former client upon receipt of such funds and paid
himself fees owed by the former client without her knowledge or consent.
By these acts, John R. Meldorf has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(d) and (e) (safekeeping
property) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
TESHAUN DAVID MOORE, BPR #27816
SHELBY COUNTY
On January 22, 2018, TeShaun David Moore of Shelby County, Tennessee, was publicly censured by Order
of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The Court further ordered Mr. Moore to pay restitution to his client and to
pay costs and expenses to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
On February 2, 2017, a Petition for Discipline containing one (1) complaint was filed against Mr.
Moore. Prior to the final hearing, Mr. Moore executed a conditional guilty plea acknowledging he
unreasonably delayed retaining an expert, failed to notify his client of the motion hearing date, failed to
consult with the client prior to entering a nonsuit of the case, and unreasonably delayed notifying his client of
the dismissal of the case without prejudice. Mr. Moore’s conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2
(scope of representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), and 3.2 (expediting litigation).
For these violations, the Supreme Court of Tennessee publicly censured Mr. Moore. A public censure is a
rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.

41

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
ROBERT HAMM MOYER, BPR #13664
CLARKSVILLE
On January 10, 2018, Robert Hamm Moyer, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Moyer engaged in a pattern of collecting partial fees from clients in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings
and requiring the clients to make installment payments on the remainder of his fees after bankruptcy
petitions had been filed. Mr. Moyer failed to advise his clients that they had no legal obligation to pay the
remainder of his fees after their bankruptcy petitions were filed. In certain cases, when clients failed to
comply with their installment payments, Mr. Moyer filed civil actions against them after their debts were
discharged in bankruptcy in violation of federal law. Additionally, in his collections actions, Mr. Moyer
requested a one-third attorney fee above and beyond the amount alleged to be owed while acting in a pro se
capacity.
By these acts, Robert Hamm Moyer has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.4
(communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.7 (conflict of interest), 1.9 (duties to former clients), 3.1 (meritorious claims),
and 8.4 (a) and (d) (misconduct), and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
JAMES HENRY PRICE, BPR #16254
KNOX COUNTY
On March 22, 2018, James H. Price, an attorney licensed to practice in Tennessee, received a Public Censure
from the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Price undertook the representation of two (2) long-time debtor clients in a complex Chapter 11
bankruptcy proceeding in the Eastern District of Tennessee during which the Bankruptcy Court found he
failed to follow Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Local Rules and Administrative Procedures, and
failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest, which the Bankruptcy Court detailed in an Order and
Memorandum Opinion entered September 30, 2015.
Mr. Price executed a conditional guilty plea acknowledging the Bankruptcy Court’s findings and his conduct
violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.7 (conflict of interest) and 8.4 (a) (violate or
attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct). Accordingly, Mr. Price is hereby publicly censured for
his misconduct.
JAMES DIMMETT PURPLE, BPR #9833
CHATTANOOGA
On October 12, 2017, James Dimmett Purple, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Purple failed to diligently represent or adequately communicate with a client who had retained him in a
quiet title action. Mr. Purple filed the quiet title action without naming essential parties and failed to amend

42

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
the petition at the request of his client unless additional fees and costs were paid to him. Mr. Purple also
filed pleadings that named parties in the style of the case when such parties were never included in the
petition. Mr. Purple failed to take corrective action with the court after such defect was made known to him
and while the case remained pending.
By these acts, James Dimmett Purple has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.2
(scope of representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), and 3.3 (candor toward tribunal), and is
hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
ARCHIE SANDERS, III, BPR #12784
SHELBY COUNTY
On October 17, 2017, Archie Sanders, III, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
In July of 2010, Mr. Sanders was hired to represent his client in a labor dispute against his former employer.
Mr. Sanders did not file a lawsuit until June of 2013. Court records reveal that Mr. Sanders failed to respond
to discovery requests for two years, and during that time took no action to move the case forward, thereby
allowing his client’s case to needlessly languish.
By the aforementioned acts, Archie Sanders, III, has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence),
1.4 (communication), and 3.2 (expediting litigation) and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation.
JOHN NICHOLS SHELTON, BPR #19592
FRANKLIN COUNTY
On September 29, 2017, John Nichols Shelton, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Shelton failed to obtain approval from his client before filing pleadings and misrepresented to the court
that a document attached to the pleadings had been filed in another court. Mr. Shelton also failed to
diligently represent his client’s interests and failed to adequately communicate with his client. In mitigation,
Mr. Shelton provided a full refund to the client and expressed remorse for his actions.
By these acts, John Nichols Shelton has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation),
1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 3.3 (candor toward tribunal), and 8.4(c) (misconduct), and is hereby
Publicly Censured for these violations.
AL H. THOMAS, BPR #8846
SHELBY COUNTY
On January 11, 2018, Al H. Thomas, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public
Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

43

PUBLIC CENSURES (continued)
Mr. Thomas was surety for the payment of court costs in a civil action. When the court costs remained
unpaid after the dismissal of the client’s lawsuit, the Court entered an order requiring Mr. Thomas to appear
and show cause, if any, why judgment should not be entered for payment of the costs. Mr. Thomas failed to
appear before the Court or provide notice that he was unable to appear.
By these acts, Al H. Thomas has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4(c) (knowing disobedience of an
obligation under the rules of a tribunal), and 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and
is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
CHRISTOPHER P. WESTMORELAND, BPR #24789
BEDFORD COUNTY
On October 17, 2017, Christopher P. Westmoreland, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee,
received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
A client hired Mr. Westmoreland to represent him on a petition to change custody. The court entered an
order in August 2016, restricting the client to supervised visitation. The client was aware of the ruling. Mr.
Westmoreland mailed the client a copy of the order, but the client did not receive it. By email in September,
November and December 2016, the client asked Mr. Westmoreland for a copy of the order. Mr.
Westmoreland resent the order to the client in mid-December 2016. Mr. Westmoreland’s conduct is in
violation of Rule 1.4 (communication).
In March 2016, another client hired Mr. Westmoreland to represent him in a workers’ compensation matter.
A few months later, Mr. Westmoreland intended to withdraw from the representation, but did not do so. The
court entered orders in July and September 2016 ordering Mr. Westmoreland’s client to respond to
discovery. The client was not aware of these orders and the discovery was not completed. The case was
dismissed as a discovery sanction in November 2016.
By these acts, Mr. Westmoreland is in violation of Rules 1.4 (communication), 1.3 (diligence), 3.4(c)
(fairness to opposing party), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) of the Rules of
Professional Conduct and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.

DISABILITY INACTIVE
ANTHONY ADGENT, BPR #16411
DAVIDSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 7, 2017, the law license of Anthony
Adgent was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Adgent cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law
after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that
the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.

44

DISABILITY INACTIVE (continued)
ERICH WEBB BAILEY, BPR #32614
DAVIDSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered October 27, 2017, the law license of Erich Webb Bailey
was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.4 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.
Mr. Bailey cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
FRANCIS DUNCAN GIBSON, III, BPR #1054
BLOUNT COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered January 11, 2018, the law license of Francis Duncan
Gibson, III was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Gibson cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
GEORGE GRIFFIN BOYTE, SR., BPR #8742
GIBSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 19, 2017, the law license of George Griffin
Boyte, Sr., was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Boyte cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
KEITH LANE EDMISTON, BPR #18366
KNOX COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 15, 2017, the law license of Keith Lane
Edmiston was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Edmiston cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law
after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.

45

DISABILITY INACTIVE (continued)
DAVID DWAYNE HARRIS, BPR #32607
DAVIDSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered November 17, 2017, the law license of David Dwayne
Harris was transferred to disability inactive status for an indefinite period. The Court referred the matter to a
hearing panel for a formal hearing to determine Mr. Harris’s capacity to continue to practice law and to
respond to or defend against disciplinary complaints.
Mr. Harris cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
HUGH C. HOWSER, BPR #2415
DAVIDSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered March 9, 2018, the law license of Hugh C. Howser was
transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.
Mr. Howser cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
WILLIS B. JACKSON, JR., BPR #601
KNOX COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered March 8, 2018, the law license of Willis B. Jackson, Jr.,
was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.
Mr. Jackson is prohibited from practicing law while on disability inactive status. Mr. Jackson may return to
the practice of law after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and
convincing evidence that the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
NATHANIEL H. KOENIG, BPR #10252
DAVIDSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered March 2, 2018, the law license of Nathaniel H.
Koenig was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.4 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Mr. Koenig cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law
after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that
the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.

46

DISABILITY INACTIVE (continued)
JAMES JOSEPH MONTAGUE, JR., BPR #7061
KNOX COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 1, 2017, the law license of James Joseph
Montague, Jr., was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme
Court Rule 9.
Mr. Montague cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law
after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
DOUGLAS BARNET PARKER, BPR #2345
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered March 23, 2018, the law license of Douglas Barnet Parker
was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.
Mr. Parker cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.
SADIA SEXTON STATON, BPR #13413
GIBSON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 1, 2017, the law license of Sadia Sexton Staton
was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9.
Ms. Staton cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. She may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and she is fit to resume the practice of law.
GEORGANNE BROWN TAYLOR, BPR #26999
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered December 13, 2017, the law license of Georganne Brown
Taylor was transferred to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.3 of Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9.
Ms. Taylor cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. She may return to the practice of law after
reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the
disability has been removed and she is fit to resume the practice of law.

47

REINSTATEMENTS
LISA ZARZOUR BOWMAN, BPR #17972
HAMILTON COUNTY
Effective March 5, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated Lisa Zarzour Bowman to the practice of
law. Ms. Bowman was suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on January 22, 2018, for a period of
one (1) year with a minimum active suspension of thirty (30) days and the remainder served on probation.
Ms. Bowman filed a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law on February 8, 2018, pursuant to
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 30.4(c). The Board determined Ms. Bowman satisfactorily
complied with the terms and conditions of her suspension and submitted an Order of Reinstatement to the
Court.
S. BRAD DOZIER, BPR #24959
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
On October 13, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated S. Brad Dozier to the practice of law. Mr.
Dozier had been suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on June 20, 2017, for a period of two years,
with thirty days active suspension and the remainder on probation subject to conditions. Mr. Dozier filed a
Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section
30.4(c). The Board found that the Petition was satisfactory and submitted an Order of Reinstatement to the
Court. Mr. Dozier will remain on probation until June 20, 2019 during which time he must engage a practice
monitor and incur no new complaints.
SCOTT DOUGLAS FLETCHER, BPR #21832
ARKANSAS
Effective January 18, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated Scott Douglas Fletcher to the practice
of law. Mr. Fletcher was suspended for a period of five (5) years by Order of the Arkansas Supreme Court
entered September 29, 2011, and Mr. Fletcher’s license to practice law in Tennessee was suspended by Order
of this Court entered February 23, 2012.
Mr. Fletcher filed a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9, Section 30.4(d). A Hearing Panel recommended Mr. Fletcher’s reinstatement after determining he
possessed the moral qualifications required for admission to practice law in Tennessee, and his resumption of
the practice of law would not be detrimental to the integrity and standing of the bar or the administration of
justice, and would not be subversive to the public interest.
BRENNAN PATRICK LENIHAN, BPR #22165
KNOX COUNTY
Brennan Patrick Lenihan has been reinstated to the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court
entered February 27, 2018. Mr. Lenihan is ordered to pay the Board’s costs in this matter.
Mr. Lenihan was temporarily suspended from the practice of law by Order of the Supreme Court on January
30, 2018, for failing to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of misconduct. On January 31, 2018,

48

REINSTATEMENTS (continued)
Mr. Lenihan filed a Petition for Dissolution of Temporary Suspension. On February 16, 2018, a Board
Panel entered a recommendation that the temporary suspension be dissolved.
ROBERT LEE MARLOW, BPR #9226
BEDFORD COUNTY
On October 9, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated the law license of Robert Lee Marlow. Mr.
Marlow had been temporarily suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on August 25, 2017, for failing
to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility regarding a complaint of misconduct. Section 12.3 of
Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice
law in cases of an attorney’s failure to respond to the Board regarding a complaint of misconduct. Mr.
Marlow submitted a response to the Board regarding the complaint of misconduct, and filed a Petition to
Dissolve Temporary Suspension on September 1, 2017. A Panel appointed to hear the Petition
recommended to the Supreme Court that the temporary suspension be dissolved. Mr. Marlow was ordered to
pay costs and expenses of the proceeding.
GEORGE AVERY MOTT, BPR #25039
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On February 8, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated George Avery Mott to the practice of law.
Mr. Mott had been suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on December 27, 2017, for a period of one
(1) year, with thirty (30) days to be served as an active suspension and the remaining time on
probation. With entry of this Order, Mr. Mott begins the probationary period.
On January 5, 2018, Mr. Mott filed a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee
Supreme Court, Rule 9, Section 30.4(c). The Board verified that the conditions required for reinstatement
were satisfied and filed a Notice of Submission with the Supreme Court indicating Mr. Mott was eligible for
reinstatement to the practice of law. The Order of Reinstatement entered February 8, 2018, was effective
upon filing.
JOSEPH BRENT NOLAN, BPR #15237
KNOX COUNTY
On November 21, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated Joseph Brent Nolan to the practice of
law effective immediately. Mr. Nolan had been suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee for one year
on November 26, 2014, for six months on June 26, 2015, and for one year on June 17, 2016. Mr. Nolan filed
a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section
30.4.
A Hearing Panel found that Mr. Nolan complied with the terms and conditions of his suspensions, and
further found that he had demonstrated the moral qualifications, competency and learning in the law required
for the practice of law, and that his resumption of the practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity
or standing of the bar or administration of justice, or subversive to the public interest. Based upon the
Hearing Panel’s recommendation, the Supreme Court reinstated Mr. Nolan’s license to practice law. As

49

REINSTATEMENTS (continued)
conditions of his reinstatement, Mr. Nolan must have a practice monitor for eighteen months, attend an
annual review seminar and take four hours of continuing legal education in trust accounting.
Mr. Nolan must pay the costs of the reinstatement proceeding.
MARK L. PITTMAN, BPR #12753
SHELBY COUNTY
On December 19, 2017, the Supreme Court of Tennessee conditionally reinstated Mark L. Pittman to the
practice of law. Mr. Pittman had been disbarred by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on May 24, 2006.
Mr. Pittman filed a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court
Rule 9, Section 30.4.
A Hearing Panel found that Mr. Pittman complied with the terms and conditions of his disbarment, and
further found that he had demonstrated the moral qualifications required for the practice of law, and that his
resumption of the practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity or standing of the bar or
administration of justice, or subversive to the public interest. Based upon the Hearing Panel’s
recommendation, the Supreme Court conditionally reinstated Mr. Pittman’s license to practice law. Prior to
his reinstatement becoming effective, Mr. Pittman must successfully complete the Tennessee Bar
Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination in order to demonstrate his
competency and learning in the law. As conditions of his reinstatement, Mr. Pittman must have a practice
monitor for one year, a Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program monitoring agreement for one year, and pay
$2,500 to the Tennessee Lawyers Fund for Client Protection.
Mr. Pittman must pay the costs of the reinstatement proceeding.
PAUL JULIUS WALWYN, BPR #18263
DAVIDSON COUNTY
On February 23, 2018, the Supreme Court of Tennessee reinstated Paul Julius Walwyn to the practice of law.
Mr. Walwyn had been suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee on August 4, 2017, for a period of six
(6) months. Mr. Walwyn filed a Petition for Reinstatement to the practice of law pursuant to Tennessee
Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 30.4(c). The Board found that the Petition was satisfactory and submitted an
Order of Reinstatement to the Court.
practice law.

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Key	Value
Author	jturner
Creator	PScript5.dll Version 5.2.2
ModifyDate	Friday, April 13, 2018 2:18 PM +00:00
PageCount	50
PDFVersion	1.4
Title	Microsoft Word - Board Notes Spring 2018 - FINAL

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Key	Value
CreateDate	Friday, April 13, 2018 2:18 PM +00:00
FileName	board_notes_spring_2018.pdf
FileSize	1635 kB
FileType	PDF
FileTypeExtension	pdf
Linearized	No
MIMEType	application/pdf
Producer	GPL Ghostscript 8.15
SourceFile	board_notes_spring_2018.pdf

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