BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2007)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
of the
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
1101 KERMIT DRIVE, SUITE 730
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37217
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
WILLIAM NORMAN LIGON, BPR #007085
CONTACT: LAURA L. CHASTAIN
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
March 6, 2007
SUMNER COUNTY ATTORNEY SUSPENDED FROM PRACTICE OF LAW
On March 1, 2007, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an Order suspending the law license
of Sumner County attorney, William Norman Ligon, for a period of one (1) year retroactive to April 20, 2006,
the date upon which he was first suspended by the Tennessee Supreme Court, and Ligon shall continue in
compliance with the terms of his contract with Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP), and shall
make restitution to Shirley Merrimon in the amount of $750.00, all as conditions precedent to reinstatement.
Disciplinary Counsel filed a Petition for Discipline pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of
Tennessee. Pursuant to Section 16.1 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Ligon submitted a Conditional Guilty
Plea admitting he had neglected his clientsâ legal matters, failed to communicate with his clients, acted
incompetently and charged an excessive fee.
The Tennessee Supreme Court also ordered that Ligon comply with Section 18 of Tennessee
Supreme Court Rule 9 which requires Ligon to notify by registered or certified mail all clients being
represented in pending matters, all co-counsel and opposing counsel of the Supreme Courtâs Order suspending
his license. Section 18 also requires Ligon to deliver to clients any papers or property to which they are
entitled. This disciplinary matter was held pursuant to Supreme Court Rules 8 and 9.
In Tennessee suspended lawyers may, after the passage of their suspension, apply for
reinstatement of their law licenses. However, to succeed these lawyers must carry their burden of proof by clear
and convincing evidence that their reinstatement will not be detrimental to the integrity and standing of the bar
or the administration of justice or subversive to the public interest.
Ligon 1614-6 rel.doc
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