On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of Iowa publicly reprimanded attorney Kevin William Teets Jr. in a reciprocal discipline action stemming from a public censure issued by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Kevin William Teets Jr.,” with case no. 24–1910.
The Tennessee disciplinary action originated from a complaint filed against Teets. In August 2019, two clients hired Teets to pursue damages from a landlord after an apartment fire, paying a $3,000 retainer. Teets drafted a lawsuit and deducted the filing fee, but never filed the case.
In November 2019, the same clients retained Teets to defend them in a detainer matter involving another apartment. Teets missed multiple court appearances, leading to a default judgment against the clients, followed by a damages judgment in October 2021. Teets also failed to respond to numerous client requests for updates, though he later refunded the filing fee from the initial matter.
The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, at its September 13, 2024, meeting, found Teets in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct, including diligence, communication, fees, safekeeping funds, termination of representation, expediting litigation, fairness to opposing parties, and prejudice to the administration of justice. A public censure was issued on October 24, 2024.
The Iowa Supreme Court, after mailing notice to Teets and the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board, received no objections to the reciprocal discipline.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Teers Jr. is a civil rights attorney in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Drake University Law School.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
