On May 19, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced that attorney Melvin Jacob Werner was permanently disbarred by the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The decision, effective immediately, prohibits Werner from practicing law and requires him to cover all related costs and fees of the Board.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Melvin Jacob Werner.”
The disbarment follows a hearing on disciplinary petitions stemming from two separate complaints of ethical misconduct. A Hearing Panel found that Werner engaged in fraudulent activities, including making false statements of fact and violating Massachusetts law through unlawful, unfair, or deceptive practices. He allegedly misled a client to enter a fraudulent investment agreement, resulting in a $650,000 loss for the client. Additionally, Werner allegedly misappropriated and converted client funds without consent, commingled personal and client funds, and made deliberate misrepresentations to his client.
The panel determined that Werner’s actions violated Massachusetts Rules of Supreme Judicial Court 8.4(a) and 8.4(c), which address professional misconduct and conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. His behavior also breached Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15, concerning the safekeeping of property and funds, and 8.4(c), related to dishonest misconduct.
Werner is required to adhere to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28, which outlines the obligations of disbarred attorneys.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Werner was an attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee College of Law. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 1993.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
