Knox County lawyer censured
January 15, 2021

KNOXVILLE - On January 14, 2021, Nicholas D. Bunstine, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Mr. Bunstine represented a client in defense of a civil proceeding brought by the client’s mother for rescission of a quit claim deed. At all relevant times during the representation, Mr. Bunstine was aware that his client’s mother was represented by counsel.

While the suit remained pending, Mr. Bunstine received word from his client that her mother no longer wished to have the quit claim deed rescinded. Mr. Bunstine prepared an affidavit for the mother’s signature confirming the mother’s changed position and provided the affidavit to his client. Mr. Bunstine’s client presented the affidavit to her mother, who proceeded to execute the affidavit. Mr. Bunstine filed a motion to dismiss the suit based upon the content of the affidavit, which was granted by the Court.

By these acts, Nicholas D. Bunstine, has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 4.2 (communication with a person represented by counsel), and 8.4(d) (misconduct) 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.