Opinion ID: 1652195
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Attorney Disciplinary Process

Text: As the Court of last resort in this state, we possess the inherent authority to regulate the ethical conduct of the legal profession in Tennessee. Doe v. Bd. of Prof'l Responsibility, 104 S.W.3d at 469. We exercise this authority through a disciplinary agency consisting of the Board of Professional Responsibility, Hearing Committees and Disciplinary Counsel. The procedures governing attorney disciplinary enforcement are set forth in Rule 9 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court. When the Board receives a complaint against an attorney, Disciplinary Counsel makes an initial determination of whether further action is required. A complaint may be dismissed at this stage as frivolous or outside the Board's jurisdiction. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 7.2. Following an investigation of the complaint, Disciplinary Counsel may recommend dismissal, informal admonition, private reprimand, public censure or prosecution of formal charges. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 8.1. In addition, cases that otherwise would be disposed of by an informal admonition or a private reprimand are eligible for diversion to practice and professionalism enhancement programs under section 30 of Rule 9. If the recommended disposition is dismissal or informal admonition, the matter is reviewed by a Hearing Committee member. Tenn. R. Sup. Ct. 9, § 8.1. If the recommended disposition is private reprimand, public censure or formal charges, the matter is reviewed by the Board. Id. A respondent-attorney may not appeal an informal admonition, private reprimand or public censure but may demand that a formal proceeding be instituted and that the matter be disposed of in the same manner as formal charges. Id. If the Board determines that there is probable cause for the filing of formal charges, Disciplinary Counsel initiates prosecution of the case by filing with the Board a petition, a copy of which is served on the respondent-attorney. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 8.2. Formal hearings are conducted by a Hearing Panel consisting of three members of the Hearing Committee. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 6.4. The Hearing Panel's judgment may be dismissal, informal admonition, private reprimand, public censure, suspension or disbarment. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 4. Either party may appeal the decision of the Hearing Panel to the circuit or chancery court. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 8.3. If there is no appeal of a decision recommending disbarment or suspension in excess of three months, the judgment must be filed with the Supreme Court for review and is subject to modification by the Court. Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 8.4.