baird-2278-bopr635482976049031478.pdf (2014)
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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) 436-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethlcs@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: RENFRO BLACKBURN BAIRD, BPR# 13150
CONTACT: ALAN D. JOHNSON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615â361-7500
October 7, 2014
HAWKINS COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On October 6, 2014, Renfro Blackburn Baird, of Hawkins County, Tennessee, was publicly censured by
the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Board of Professional Responsibility ï¬led a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Baird pursuant to
Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court. Mr. Baird submitted a Conditional Guilty Plea acknowledging violation of
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 8, Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence) 1.4 (communication) 1.5 (fees)
1.15 (safekeeping property) 1.16 (declining and terminating representation) 3.2 (expediting litigation) and 8.4(a)
(misconduct).
Mr. Baird was paid a retainer to pursue a post conviction petition. He promised that if he was not
successful, he would refund a portion of the fee. Mr. Baird performed minimal work and failed to maintain the
fee in his trust account. He also failed to keep his client informed about the case and did not promptly refund
any portion of the fee upon being terminated.
As a condition of his plea, Mr. Baird must refund the fee pursuant to the terms of a promissory note he
signed in favor of his client.
For these violations, the Tennessee Supreme Court publicly censured Renfro Blackburn Baird. A public
censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but does not affect the attorneyâs ability to practice law.
Baird 2278-1 rel.doc
IN THE SUPREIWE COURT OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
IN RE: RENFRO BLACKBURN BAIRD, III, BPR #13150
An Attorney Licensed to Practice Law in Tennessee
(Hawkins County)
FILED
N0. M2014â01899-SC-BARâBP
BOPR No. 2014â2278-1-AJ OCT-ram
Clerk of the Courts .
Rec'd By
W5
ORDER OF ENFORCEMENT
This matter is before the Court upon a Petition for Discipline ï¬led against Renfro
Blackburn Baird, III, on December 18, 2013; upon Response to Petition for Discipline
ï¬led by Mr. Baird on February 14, 2014; upon entry of a Conditional Guilty Plea ï¬led by
Mr. Baird on September 3, 2014; upon Order Recommending Approval of Conditional
Guilty Plea entered on September 8, 2014', upon consideration and approval by the Board
on September 19, 2014; and upon the entire record in this causel.
From all of which the Court approves the Order of the Hearing Panel and adopts
the Hearing Panelâs Order Recommending Approval of Conditional Guilty Plea as the
Courtâs Order.
IT IS, THEREFORE, CONSIDERED, ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED BY THE
COURT THAT:
(1) Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 4.4 (2006), Renfro Blackburn Baird, 111, is
publicly censured.
(2) Mr. Baird shall make restitution to Ms. Beatrice Penley according to the terms of
the Promissory Note he has signed agreeing to pay her $625.00 per month until the
remaining balance of $5,000.00 has been paid. In the event restitution to Ms. Penley is
paid by the Tennessee Lawyers Fund for Client Protection (TLFCP), Mr. Baird shall
reimburse TLFCP the amount so paid. Full payment of restitution by Mr. Baird according
to the terms of the Promissory Note is a condition of this Order and failure to comply
with this provision shall constitute a separate violation of the Rules of Professional
Conduct (RFC) and subject Mr. Baird to future disciplinary proceedings.
â Because this matter was initiated before the Board prior to January 1, 2014, Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9 (2006) is the
governing authority except where otherwise noted.
(3) Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 24.3 (2006), Mr. Baird shall
pay to the Board of Professional Responsibility the expenses and costs
of this matter in the amount of $548.56, and shall pay to the Clerk of this
Court the costs incurred herein within ninety (90) days of the entry of
this Order, for all of which execution may issue if necessary.
(4) The Board shall cause notice of this discipline to be published
pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 18.10 (2006).
PER CURIAM