Tennessee Waltz

A reciprocal public reprimand has been imposed by the Louisiana Supreme Court for a Tennessee censure

Respondent purchased a law firm in Tennessee and filed an application for comity admission. Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, § 10.97, he was then authorized to practice law “pending admission” in Tennessee.

Respondent later withdrew his application for comity admission to practice in Tennessee. Thereafter, respondent was notified that his ability to practice “pending admission” was revoked.

For approximately sixty days, respondent stated on his website that he was licensed in Tennessee, although his “practice pending admission” had been revoked. This false statement resulted in potential harm to the public.

On October 5, 2023, the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee censured respondent for violating Rule 7.1 (communication concerning a lawyer’s services) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Why no censure?

Because our rules do not provide for a public censure in bar disciplinary cases, we will impose a public reprimand, which is the closest equivalent available under our rules.

(Mike Frisch)