On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee publicly censured Rutherford County attorney Jimmy Leo Richardson, III.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jimmy Leo Richardson, III” and was bought by the Board of Professional Responsibility with case no. 72107-4-MB.
The charges cited a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct 1.9 (duties to former clients).
Richardson was initially appointed to represent a father in a dependency and neglect petition concerning a child. However, he later stopped representing the father and took on the role of representing the mother in a case to modify the permanent parenting plan for the same child. The two cases were closely connected, and the interests of the new client were in direct conflict with the interests of the former. Additionally, the former client did not give timely informed consent confirmed in writing.
Considering the presented information, the board reached a determination that Richardson had indeed breached the specific rules of professional conduct. Subsequently, an official order was issued by the board, publicly censuring Richardson for the identified violations.
The Disposition states:
“By these acts, Mr. Richardson has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.9 (duties to former clients) and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation.”
Richardson earned a law degree from the Nashville School of Law. He maintains his law practice in Rutherford County, and he has been licensed to practice in Tennessee since 2013. His info can be found on the website of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
