On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced the suspension of attorney Jonathan Mark Benfield from practicing law. The suspension, issued by the Tennessee Supreme Court, is for a period of six years, with five years served as an active suspension and the remaining year on probation. During his probationary period, Benfield must be under the supervision of a practice monitor.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jonathan Mark Benfield.”
The suspension stems from complaints #7462-9-MB and 74907-9-MB, which also resulted in a public censure by the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The Board found that Benfield, while acting a power of attorney for his elderly mother, abused his fiduciary responsibilities and took advantage of her vulnerable state.
The Hearing Panel determined that Benfield’s conduct violated multiple Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.14 (diminished capacity), 1.15 (safekeeping of property and funds), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel), 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law), and 8.4(a), (b), and (c) (misconduct).
To be eligible to apply for reinstatement after his active suspension, Benfield must fulfill several requirements. He is mandated to contact the Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program within 30 days of the suspension order. Additionally, he must attend the Board of Professional Responsibility’s ethics workshop, pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), provide $103,080.00 in restitution to his mother or her estate, and cover all associated costs.
Benfield is further obligated to adhere to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4, which outline the responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the process for reinstatement.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Benfield is a medical malpractice attorney in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended the University of Memphis – Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, graduating in 1997. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
