Collateral Damage

The Kentucky Supreme Court has permanently disbarred an attorney based on sanctions imposed by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Notably, the attorney was never admitted in Tennessee

Teater is licensed to practice law in Kentucky and Texas. She is not licensed to practice in Tennessee, but her practice is limited to federal immigration law. Tennessee took action against Teater pursuant to Tennessee’s Rule of Professional Conduct 8.5(a) which provides that “a lawyer not admitted in this jurisdiction is also subject to disciplinary authority of this jurisdiction if the lawyer provides or offers to provide any legal services in this jurisdiction.” The Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee found that Teater had violated the Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4(a) (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.16(d) (termination of representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation), and 8.4(a) (misconduct). That Board found that Teater had abandoned her clients after accepting payment from them, and that both clients suffered harm as a result. Tennessee found three aggravating factors but no mitigating factors, as Teater did not participate in the disciplinary proceedings. The Supreme Court of Tennessee prohibited Teater from practicing law in the courts of that state, and this prohibition is tantamount to a disbarment.

(Mike Frisch)