On March 8, 2023, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Lawyers’ Fund) paid a claim filed against Janet Monique Okoye, in the amount of $1,663.33.
Lawyers’ Fund, financed by Tennessee lawyers and judges, was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court to reimburse individuals for losses caused by the rare instances of dishonest conduct by attorneys. The Tennessee Supreme Court appoints a Lawyers’ Fund Board, consisting of six lawyers and three non-attorney members, who serve without compensation in considering and paying claims pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25.
Ms. Okoye is required to reimburse Lawyers’ Fund for the amount paid to any claimant pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25 Section 16 and/or the Order of Enforcement entered by the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
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TENNESSEE LAWYERS’ FUND PAYMENT FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY ATTORNEY
On December 15, 2022, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Lawyers’ Fund) paid a claim filed against Judson Wheeler Phillips, in the amount of $2,277.15.
Lawyers’ Fund, funded by Tennessee lawyers and judges, was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court to reimburse individuals for losses caused by the rare instances of dishonest conduct by attorneys. Lawyers’ Fund operates under the authority of a Board appointed by the Supreme Court, consisting of six lawyers and three non-attorney members, who serve without compensation. The Board considers and pays claims pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25.
Mr. Phillips is required to reimburse Lawyers’ Fund for the amount paid to any claimant pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25 Section 16 and/or the Order of Enforcement entered by the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
TENNESSEE LAWYERS’ FUND PAYMENT FOR DAVIDSON COUNTY ATTORNEY
On October 25, 2022, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Lawyers’ Fund) paid a claim filed against Philip Joseph Perez, in the amount of $2,750.00.
Lawyers’ Fund is paid for by Tennessee lawyers and judges to reimburse losses caused by the rare instances of dishonest conduct by attorneys. Lawyers’ Fund operates under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, and a Board appointed by the Court, consisting of six lawyers and three non-attorney members, who serve without compensation. The Board considers and pays claims pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25.
Mr. Perez is required to reimburse Lawyers’ Fund for the amount paid to any claimant pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25 Section 16 and/or the Order of Enforcement entered by the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
TENNESSEE LAWYERS’ FUND PAYMENT FOR SULLIVAN COUNTY ATTORNEY
On September 22, 2022, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Lawyers’ Fund) paid a claim filed against Jason R. McLellan, in the amount of $28,885.96.
Lawyers’ Fund is paid for by Tennessee lawyers and judges to reimburse losses caused by the rare instances of dishonest conduct by attorneys. Lawyers’ Fund operates under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, and a Board appointed by the Court, consisting of six lawyers and three non-attorney members, who serve without compensation. The Board considers and pays claims pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25.
Mr. McLellan is required to reimburse Lawyers’ Fund for the amount paid to any claimant pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 25 Section 16 and/or the Order of Enforcement entered by the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
2022 Annual Report
The Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has released the Annual Report for 2022.
2021 Annual Report
The Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has released the Annual Report for 2021.
2020 Annual Report
The Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has released the Annual Report for 2020.
Tennesse Supreme Court Adopts New Rule of Professional Conduct Regarding Unidentified Trust Funds
On November 21, 2019, the Board of Professional Responsibility (the Board) and the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (TLFCP) jointly petitioned the Tennessee Supreme Court to adopt new Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15(f) allowing attorneys to remit unidentified trust funds in a IOLTA account to Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. This amendment, which has been adopted in several jurisdictions, offers a practical solution to the dilemma of unidentified trust funds in an IOLTA account after an attorney has unsuccessfully attempted to ascertain ownership of the funds for 12 months. By Order filed June 5, 2020, the Tennessee Supreme Court adopted RPC 1.15(f). By using a form made available by the Board and TLFCP, a lawyer may remit unidentified funds to TLFCP. An attorney who remits funds in error may later file a claim for return of the funds. TLFCP will return funds remitted in error after verification.
2019 Annual Report
The Tennessee Lawyers’ fund for Client protection has released the Annual Report for 2019.
Supreme Court of Tennessee Amends Rule 25
On May 8, 2018, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection filed a Petition to Amend Rule 25 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court. By Order filed May 9, 2018, the Court solicited public comment regarding proposed amendments to Rule 25. The Court has received comments from the Knoxville Bar Association (“KBA”), the Chattanooga Bar Association (“CBA”), and attorney Terry Cox. The Court has carefully considered the comments received and thanks the KBA, the CBA, and attorney Cox for the same.
After due consideration, the Court hereby amends Rule 25 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court in the form set out in the Appendix to this Order. The Amendments to this Rule shall be effective immediately.
The Clerk shall provide a copy of this Order to LexisNexis and to Thompson Reuters. In addition, this Order shall be posted on the Tennessee Supreme Court’s website.
IT IS SO ORDERED.