On Thursday, January 19, 2023, the Disciplinary District VI of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee ruled on charges of attorney discipline against Franklin attorney J. Russell Heldman alleging certain acts of misconduct.
The case is entitled “In Re: J. Russell Heldman” with Case #69011-6-ES.
The charges cited Rules of Professional Conduct 3.1 (meritorious claims and contentions), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party), and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice).
The rules of professional conduct can be found on the Tennessee State Courts website.
Heldman allegedly engaged in misconduct by his opposition to the motion filed by the opposing party seeking to disburse the funds held by the court to satisfy the award of attorney’s fees. The court orally granted the motion. However, Heldman filed a third motion to recuse the trial judge. Heldman’s motion included arguments that were not raised during the trial and arguments that were previously addressed in earlier motions for recusal. The appeals court, finding that the third motion was frivolous, denied the same.
By these acts, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility concluded that Mr. Heldman violated the above-cited rules and publicly censured him for these violations.
As of today, Mr. J. Russell Heldman is listed as a General Civil/Family Mediator of the law firm, Heldman Law. He practices in Franklin, Tennessee. Heldman attended Vanderbilt University School of Law, graduating in 1982. He has been licensed in Tennessee.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
