TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Jan 14, 2021

Knox County attorney Nicholas D. Bunstine today received a public censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility. Bunstine represented a client in defense of a civil proceeding brought by the client’s mother for rescission of a quit claim deed. While the suit remained pending, the mother of Bunstine’s client decided to no longer have the quit claim deed rescinded. Bunstine prepared an affidavit for the mother’s signature confirming her changed position and provided the affidavit to his client. Bunstine’s client presented the affidavit to her mother, who proceeded to execute the affidavit. Bunstine filed a motion to dismiss the suit based upon the content of the affidavit, which was granted by the Court. At all relevant times during the representation, Bunstine was aware that his client’s mother was represented by counsel. Therefore, Bunstine was found in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct 4.2 regarding communication with a person represented by counsel and 8.4(d) for misconduct.