Sullivan County lawyer suspended

Published 12:07 pm Friday, May 15, 2020

Effective May 12, 2020, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an order suspending Jason R. McLellan from the practice of law for one (1) year, with two (2) months active suspension and the remainder on probation, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, and the payment to the Board for all costs in the disciplinary proceeding, along with restitution to one former client.

McLellan admitted to violating the Rules of Professional Conduct in representing one client. McLellan represented a client involved in a criminal investigation. McLellan further represented the same client in university disciplinary proceedings that resulted from the criminal investigation. While the client’s mother authorized three charges to be made to a credit card for fees, McLellan made several additional charges. McLellan failed to respond to communications from the client about the fees, failed to have the client sign an employment agreement, and failed to provide the client any invoices justifying the fees he charged. McLellan further terminated his representation without notifying the client.

McLellan has admitted that he violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property and funds), 1.16 (terminating representation), and 8.4(a) and (d) (misconduct).

McLellan must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement. McLellan 3016-1 rel.doc.