On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Tennessee Supreme Court Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Terry Risner after determining he violated several rules of professional conduct.
The charges cited Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4, 1.3, and 8.4(d) which states:
The board’s case against Risner stemmed from his representation of a client in a criminal appeal. Risner was substituted as counsel for the client after he was hired but failed to meet key deadlines set by the Court of Appeals. Specifically, Risner did not submit the required appellate brief by the deadlines provided. The court issued two notices informing Risner that his brief was late and giving him additional time to file it, but Risner still did not submit the brief.
Due to Risner’s inaction, the Court of Appeals was forced to issue an order requiring him to appear and explain his delay. At the show cause hearing, an order was entered removing Risner from the case and substituting new counsel for the client. Risner avoided a contempt of court finding.
In their review of the complaint against Risner, the Board of Professional Responsibility determined he violated Tennessee’s Rules of Professional Conduct regarding fairness, diligence, and avoiding prejudice to the administration of justice. As a result of these rule violations, the board publicly censured Risner.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Risner is an appeals attorney in Mount Carmel, Tennessee. He attended the Northern Kentucky University – Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 1991.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
