TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 22, 2025

The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order on Jan. 17 maintaining a temporary suspension imposed on Greene County lawyer Francis Xavier Santore Jr. and a pause in the disciplinary proceeding until Santore complies with certain requirements. While considering disciplinary action against Santore, a Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) hearing panel recommended a five-year suspension with three years on active suspension and two years on probation. Both Santore and the BPR appealed the recommendation. While the appeal was pending in a trial court, the BPR petitioned the Supreme Court to transfer Santore to disability inactive status and require a mental health examination. The court granted the motion. Santore then asked the trial court to halt the disciplinary appeal pending a determination of his alleged incapacity. The trial court granted the motion and suspended the appeal. After Santore indicated he had no intention of complying with requirements of the suspension, the BPR asked the Supreme Court to lift the pause on the appeal so the matter could proceed to conclusion. The court rejected the request.