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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: DONALD BRENT GRAY, BPR #27263
CONTACT: KEVIN D. BALKWILL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
January 24, 2019
CAMPBELL COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On January 23, 2019, Donald Brent Gray, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Gray was appointed to represent an indigent criminal client in General Sessions Court and was
required to represent the client throughout the proceedings, including any appeals, until the case had been
concluded or he was granted permission to withdraw by the court. After the conclusion of the General Sessions
case, the client was indicted and Mr. Gray improperly advised the client that he could no longer represent him
unless a $10,000.00 retainer fee was paid. The client paid $2,750.00 toward the fee and no written fee
agreement was memorialized nor did Mr. Gray deposit the funds into his trust account until the fee had been
earned. Mr. Gray also failed to inform the Circuit Court that he had been appointed to represent the client in
that court.
By these acts, Donald Brent Gray has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communication), 1.5
(fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property), 1.16(c) (terminating representation), 3.3 (candor toward tribunal), and
8.4(a)(c)(d) (misconduct) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations. As a condition of the Public
Censure, Mr. Gray shall be required to reimburse $2,750.00 in fees directly to John Stephens at the rate of
$150.00 per month beginning February 1, 2019.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Gray 54102-2 rel.doc