BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2016)
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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
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: WILLIAM PRESTON SUTHERLAND, BPR #2437
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 21, 2016
DAVIDSON COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 13, 2016, William Preston Sutherland, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee,
received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Within ninety (90) days, Mr. Sutherland shall pay restitution to the client for fees paid and funds borrowed in an
amount of $5,456.71, and provide proof of such payment to Disciplinary Counsel.
Mr. Sutherlandâs law license was suspended in 1997 and has never been reinstated. After the suspension
of his license, Mr. Sutherland did investigative and legal work for one client and billed the client $4,435.42 for
the work, which the client paid. Mr. Sutherland also borrowed $1,021.29 from the client for his personal
expenses and failed to repay the loan.
By these acts, William Sutherland has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5 (unauthorized practice
of law) and 1.8 (conflict of interest, business transaction). Mr. Sutherland is hereby Publicly Censured for these
violations. A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability
to practice law.
Sutherland 42177-5 rel.doc