TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Oct 26, 2020

On Oct. 23, Memphis lawyer Shannon David Elsea received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court after the court found that he failed to diligently represent and adequately communicate with two clients. With regard to the first case, the court found that Elsea provided deceptive information to the client as well as to the Board of Professional Responsibility. With regard to the second case, the court found that Elsea deceived his client into believing a settlement had occurred and deceived the court clerk and opposing counsel as to the true status of the case. In mitigation, Elsea acknowledged that he was experiencing personal issues that caused him undue stress and anxiety, which he is addressing. His actions violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.2, 4.1, 8.1(b) and 8.4(a)(c)(d).