TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Nov 21, 2025

On Nov. 21, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Davidson County lawyer Robert Joseph Turner from the practice of law for one year, with 30 days to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation subject to Turner engaging a practice monitor. Turner was retained to represent a client in a civil matter. During the pending litigation, at least five separate associates employed by Turner were assigned to handle the litigation, although he remained counsel of record. Over a four year period, Turner, or an associate assigned to the matter who Turner was supervising, failed to appear for hearings on multiple occasions, missed multiple deadlines and failed to comply with orders to contact the court. In dismissing the matter, the trial court cited Turner’s failure to properly represent his client and comply with court orders. Turner agreed to a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional 1.3 and 5.1.