Attorney Publicly Censured for Failure to Appear and Apparent Impairment

TN Board of Professional Responsibility

Filed March 31st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure to attorney Catherine Elizabeth Fezell (BPR #039547) on March 31, 2026, for violations of Rules 1.1, 1.3, and 8.4(d) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. The censure stems from her failure to appear in Greene County court on May 14, 2024, and her apparent impairment when she eventually arrived. A Public Censure serves as a formal rebuke but does not restrict the attorney's ability to practice law.

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What changed

Catherine Elizabeth Fezell, a Tennessee-licensed attorney, received a Public Censure for violating Rules 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), and 8.4(d) (misconduct conduct prejudicial to administration of justice) of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. On May 14, 2024, Ms. Fezell failed to appear for a scheduled court docket in Greene County involving multiple client matters. Court personnel contacted her regarding her absence. Upon arrival, multiple witnesses observed her appearing under the influence, rendering her unable to proceed, and necessitating rescheduling of the hearings.

Tennessee attorneys should note that failure to appear for scheduled court proceedings and appearing impaired before the court constitute serious professional conduct violations. A Public Censure is a formal disciplinary sanction that remains on an attorney's record and serves as a public warning. While it does not currently affect Ms. Fezell's license to practice, repeated violations could result in more severe discipline including suspension or disbarment.

Penalties

Public Censure - a formal rebuke and warning recorded on the attorney's disciplinary history

Source document (simplified)

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: CATHERINE ELIZABETH FEZELL, BPR # 039547 CONTACT: ERIC ANDREW FULLER BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY 615-361-7500 March 31, 2026 GREENE COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED On March 31, 2026, Catherine Elizabeth Fezell, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court. On May 14, 2024, Ms. Fezell was scheduled to appear for a court docket to represent clients in multiple matters. When Ms. Fezell failed to appear, she was contacted by court personnel inquiring about her whereabouts. Upon arrival at court, Ms. Fezell was observed by multiple witnesses, including court staff and colleagues, to appear to be under the influence. Due to her apparent condition, Ms. Fezell could not appear before the court, and the scheduled hearings had to be reset. By these acts, Ms. Fezell has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), and 8.4(d) and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation. A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.

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