Learned In Confidence

A recent public censure is reported on the web page of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility

On March 14, 2025, Eric Preston Egbert, #027206, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

On May 10, 2023, Mr. Egbert agreed to represent two individuals in probating the estate of their brother (hereinafter, the “Decedent”). The Decedent’s principal asset was a parcel of realty located in Gibson County, Tennessee. The clients subsequently decided not to proceed with the probate action, and Mr. Egbert closed his file on May 23, 2023. On December 12, 2023, Mr. Egbert was hired as the delinquent tax attorney for Gibson County. In this capacity, Mr. Egbert received a list of properties where taxes had not been paid for 2022. The list did not include the realty that was part of the Decedent’s estate.

On May 31, 2024, after learning through public records of the delinquent taxes on Decedent’s realty and acting in his personal capacity as a real estate investor, Mr. Egbert emailed the former clients and offered to purchase the land. The former clients declined the offer and made a counteroffer, which Mr. Egbert declined. No sales were ever consummated. Mr. Egbert’s efforts to purchase the realty created a concurrent conflict of interest between his capacity as a real estate investor and delinquent tax attorney. Mr. Egbert also used information obtained from the former clients to their potential detriment.

By these acts, Mr. Egbert has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 (conflict of interest), 1.9(c) (duties to former clients), 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and 8.4(e) (stating or implying an ability to influence a tribunal or government agency) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.

A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.

(Mike Frisch)