This is a sample presentation for my LEGL 2400 class. It shows how students might organize their presentations when discussing recent decisions from the Board of Professional Responsibility. (This is for my LEGL 2400 students only.)

1. The Lawyer Who
Didn’t Practice

2. Introducing…
Williamson County Attorney
Currently Disbarred
Definitely deserves it

3. Criminal Cases Abandoned
Two complaints filed against Mr. Clark by former clients
Accepted payment in both cases
Court dates arrive - no call, no show

4. Unfinished Divorce
Accept client’s payment for divorce
Default judgement was granted
Only two last steps to take for divorce to be complete but did not do them

5. Fake Divorce #1
Accepted payment for a divorce
Filed nothing with the court
Told client that she was divorced

6. Fake Divorce #2
Accepted payment for a divorce
Filed initial complaint, nothing else
Forged divorce decree
Told client she was divorced
Client’s “ex” husband remarried

7. Rules Broken
Rule 1.16 – “…A lawyer shall not represent a client or,
where representation has commenced shall withdraw
from the representation of a client…”
1.16 - “Declining or Terminating Representation”
(a, 1) Must withdraw to avoid breaking rules of
professional conduct
(c) Must notify court
(d, 6) & 1.5 - Fees

8. Rules Continued
1.3 – “Diligence”
1.4 – “Communication”
5.5 – “Unauthorized Practice”
8.4 – “Misconduct, Crime,
Deception/Fraud”
(a) Violate Rules of Professional
Conduct
(b) Crime
(c) Dishonesty

9. How This Should Have Been Handled
Should have withdrawn from representation properly when suspended
Should have refunded fees for work he didn’t do
Should have worked properly on cases, finished the incomplete case
Should have voided forging judge’s signature

10. Punishments Imposed
Mr. Clark was disbarred
…and convicted of forgery
…and disbarred again because of the conviction
…and had to pay restitution to his clients and others affected
…and had to pay hearing fees to the board.

11. Sources
• “In Re: John Jay Clark”, Board of Professional Responsibility of the
Supreme Court of Tennessee, May 11, 2016
• “Williamson County Lawyer Disbarred (1)”, Board of Professional
Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, Dec. 15, 2016
• “Williamson County Lawyer Disbarred (2)”, Board of Professional
Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, Aug. 9, 2017
• “Williamson County lawyer disbarred twice after forging judge’s
signature”, Sarah Grace Taylor, Franklin Home Page, Aug. 20, 2017