BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2025)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: BRIAN KIRK KELSEY, BPR NO. 022874
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 20, 2025
SHELBY COUNTY LAWYER REINSTATED
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court entered August 20, 2025, Biran Kirk Kelsey was reinstated to
the active practice of law.
On December 8, 2022, Mr. Kelsey was suspended by the Supreme Court of Tennessee pursuant to
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 22.3 after entering a plea of guilty to one (1) count of Conspiracy to
Defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18 United State Code Section 371 and one (1) count of Aiding
and Abetting the Acceptance of Excessive Contributions, in violation of Title 52 United State Code, Sections
30116(a)(1)(A), 30116(a)(7)(B)(i), 30116(f) and 30109(d)(1)(A)(i) and 18 United State Code, Section 2. The
Supreme Court referred the case to the Board of Professional Responsibility for the institution of formal
proceedings to determine the extent of final discipline.
On March 11, 2025, Mr. Kelsey received a full and unconditional presidential pardon for those offenses
against the United States enumerated in United States v. Kelsey et. al., Case No. 3:21-cr-00264 (Middle District
of Tennessee). Thereafter, Mr. Kelsey filed a declaration with the Supreme Court seeking immediate
reinstatement to the practice of law. After briefing by the parties, the Supreme Court concluded Mr. Kelsey should
be immediately reinstated from his December 8, 2022 Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 22.3(a)
suspension; however, his reinstatement will not terminate any formal proceedings pending against him, the
disposition of which shall be determined by the hearing panel and the Board on the basis of the available evidence
in accordance with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 22.3(b).
Kelsey 3299-9 rel.doc