On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court publicly censured attorney Carl Allen Roberts, Jr. This action followed a series of professional conduct violations related to his representation of clients.
The Board found that Roberts had committed several infractions during his practice. Specifically, he failed to respond to eight separate communications from a client regarding a completed divorce case. He had previously informed the client in writing that he would file a petition for contempt against the opposing party, but did not follow through with this commitment.
In addition, Roberts was found to have mishandled a cash retainer he received from another client. He retained the funds at his home for a period of 39 days before returning the money to the firm’s trust account, a breach of his professional obligations regarding the safekeeping of client funds.
Furthermore, Roberts did not appear at a scheduled mediation session without notifying his client, the mediator, or the opposing counsel, which further violated his duty to communicate and represent his clients diligently.
The Board cited violations of several Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rules 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.15 (safekeeping funds), 1.16 (termination of representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation), and 8.4(dg) (prejudice to the administration of justice).
The public censure serves as a formal reprimand and warning to Roberts but does not impede his ability to continue practicing law in Tennessee. The Board’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining professional standards within the legal community.
According to Avvo, Mr. Roberts is a lawyer in Elizabethton, TN. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 2014.
A copy of the press release can be found here.
