Rutherford County Attorney Dalen L. P. Farmer Censured
Summary
On April 23, 2026, the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court issued a Public Censure against Dalen L. P. Farmer, an attorney in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The censure stems from Farmer's failure to respond to a motion to compel discovery, his failure to forward the motion to his client, his failure to file a response, and his failure to appear in court, resulting in a default judgment and sanctions against his client in a partition and promissory fraud action. A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning that does not affect the attorney's ability to practice law.
“By these acts, Dalen L. P. Farmer has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 8.4 (prejudice to the administration of justice), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party), and 8.1 (disciplinary matters) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.”
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What changed
The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure against attorney Dalen L. P. Farmer on April 23, 2026, finding violations of Rules 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 8.4 (prejudice to the administration of justice), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party), and 8.1 (disciplinary matters). The violations arose from Farmer's failure to respond to a motion to compel discovery, forward the motion to his client, or appear in court, causing a default judgment and sanctions against the client. This is a formal disciplinary sanction, but it does not restrict the attorney's license to practice law.
Tennessee attorneys facing similar discovery disputes or motion practice should ensure timely responses and client communication. Attorneys who fail to appear in court or respond to motions risk not only adverse judgments for their clients but also professional discipline from the Board. While a Public Censure does not affect licensure, it creates a public record of misconduct that may be considered in future disciplinary proceedings.
Archived snapshot
Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2026)
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Download Official Record (farmer-101082-4-rel.pdf)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: DALEN L. P. FARMER, BPR #012629
CONTACT: EILEEN BURKHALTER SMITH
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 23, 2026
RUTHERFORD_COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 23, 2026, Dalen L. P. Farmer, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Farmer was hired by a client to defend her in a partition and promissory fraud action. A motion to
compel was filed against his client for failing to provide discovery responses. Mr. Farmer did not provide a copy
of the motion to his client, and he did not file a response. Mr. Farmer failed to appear in court on the motion.
The plaintiff received a judgment of default and sanctions against the client.
By these acts, Dalen L. P. Farmer has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3
(diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 8.4 (prejudice to the administration of justice), 3.4 (fairness to
opposing party), and 8.1 (disciplinary matters) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Farmer 101082-4 rel.doc
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