vogel-2341-2-release-of-information635906237614501767.pdf (2016)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DR1VE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800)486-5714
FAX:(615)367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
VVebsue:mNmNprnorg
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: ROBERT LEE VOGEL, BPR #23374
CONTACT: WILLIAM C. MOODY
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
February 5, 2016
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On February 4, 2016, Robert Lee Vogel, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was suspended by Order of the
Tennessee Supreme Court, effective February 14, 2016, for one (1) year.
Mr. Vogel was appointed to represent a woman charged with felony drug offenses in federal court.
While representing her, Mr. Vogel engaged in sexual relations with her on at least three (3) occasions. In so
doing, he exploited his ï¬duciary relationship with his client to further his own personal interests. In another
case, after Mr. Vogel withdrew from representation of a client, he wrote a letter to his former client explaining
his reasons for withdrawing and sent a copy to the judge presiding over her case, thereby revealing conï¬dential
information in violation of his duties to his former client and resulting in the judge recusing himself from the
case.
A hearing panel recommended that Mr. Vogel be suspended for twelve (12) months, with thirty (30)
days served on active suspension and the remainder on probation with conditions. Pursuant to Rule 9, Section
8.4, the Supreme Court found that the hearing panelâs punishment was inadequate. It modiï¬ed the judgment of
the hearing panel to impose a one (1) year active suspension.
Mr. Vogelâs actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7(a)(2), Conï¬ict of Interest: Current
Clients; 1.9(c), Duties to Former Clients; and, 8.4(a), Misconduct.
Mr. Vogel must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 18 (2006)
and 30.4 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys. Mr. Vogel must pay the
Boardâs costs and expenses and the court costs within ninety days of the entry of the Order of Enforcement.
Vogel 2341-2 rel.doc