On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced that the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended attorney Samuel Ervin White from practicing law for five years, effective immediately. The suspension, issued under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, includes two years of active suspension, with the remaining three years to be served on probation. White was also ordered to engage a practice monitor, pay restitution to affected clients, and cover the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.
The Board filed a petition for discipline outlining five complaints against White, alleging multiple professional misconduct violations. According to the Board, White failed to keep clients informed about their cases, neglected to act diligently, and did not expedite client litigation. He also reportedly failed to respond to discovery requests promptly, charged non-refundable fees without written client agreements, and imposed unreasonable fees. Further allegations include commingling client funds, misappropriating client assets, and failing to withdraw from representation after his suspension.
White entered a conditional guilty plea, admitting his actions violated several Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules on diligence (1.3), communication (1.4), fees (1.5), terminating representation (1.16), expediting litigation (3.2), compliance with tribunal rules (3.4(c)), truthfulness in statements (4.1), and general misconduct (8.4(a)(d)).
According to Avvo.com, Mr. White is a family attorney. He attended the Appalachian School of Law, graduating in 2010. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
