On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of Tennessee’s Board of Professional Responsibility issued a public censure against attorney Ramsdale O’DeNeal, Jr. for violating rules of professional conduct. The disciplinary action was taken after O’DeNeal failed to advise a client to seek legal advice and requested an additional fee without informed consent.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Ramsdale O’DeNeal, Jr.” with case no. 70354c-5-ES.
According to the document, O’DeNeal represented a client in a criminal matter and agreed to a flat fee. However, just before the hearing to accept the plea, he requested an additional $1,000 fee without advising the client to seek legal advice or obtaining informed consent. The client paid the additional fee, but O’DeNeal later refunded it during the disciplinary investigation.
The Board of Professional Responsibility found O’DeNeal in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. As a result, he was publicly censured for these violations.
The Disposition states:
“By the aforementioned acts, Ramsdale O’DeNeal, is in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct I .5 (fees) and 1.8 (conflict of interest: specific rules) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. O’DeNeal Jr. is an attorney in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He attended the Howard University – School of Law. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 1988.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
