Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Chattanooga lawyer Brian C. Smith was publicly censured by the Tennessee Supreme Court on Feb. 28 after he represented conflicting interests in an estate, according to a news release from the court.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Smith pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, which forbids lawyers against representing conflicting interests.
A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney's ability to practice law, the release stated.
According to his firm's website, Smith assists clients in business-related legal matters, specifically regarding trusts, estates and guardianship.
The Supreme Court also ordered Smith to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.