On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Supreme Court of Kentucky publicly reprimanded attorney Terry Risner.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Terry Risner,” with case no. 2024-SC-0174-KB.
According to the court order, Risner was publicly censured by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court on April 9, 2024, for violating rules related to fairness to opposing parties, diligence, and conduct prejudicing the administration of justice. Specifically, Risner failed to file an appellate brief for a criminal client despite receiving two extensions from the appellate court.
As the rules violated in Tennessee have comparable replacements in Kentucky, the Kentucky Bar Association filed for reciprocal discipline.
Risner responded to the show cause order by explaining a recent suspension was due to concerns over cognitive issues, though two evaluations found he only had a hearing impairment. However, the court noted Risner did not address the public censure from April 2024. Therefore, the Supreme Court of Kentucky ordered a public reprimand be issued against Risner and that he pay all costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings, bringing his case in line with the original punishment by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Disposition states:
“Therefore, as he has not shown cause as to why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed. Pursuant to SCR 3.435(4), the Court Orders: A public reprimand shall be entered against 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 Kentucky in 1986.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
