The Tennessee Supreme Court has taken decisive action regarding the professional standing of Knoxville attorney Keri Elizabeth Rule (BPR Number 036921). Effective December 5, 2025, Rule has been placed on temporary suspension from the practice of law.
This order follows a petition filed by the Board of Professional Responsibility, citing a failure to cooperate with an ongoing investigation into professional misconduct.
The Core Issue: Failure to Respond
The temporary suspension was issued under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.3, which allows for the immediate suspension of an attorney who fails to respond to the Board regarding a formal complaint. Key details include:
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The Complaint: While the specific details of the underlying misconduct complaint have not yet been made public, the suspension was triggered specifically by Rule’s failure to respond to the Board’s inquiries.
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The Court’s Finding: The Supreme Court found that the Board provided sufficient evidence of Rule’s non-responsiveness, necessitating a suspension to protect the public while the investigation continues.
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Impact on Practice: As a result of this order, Keri Elizabeth Rule is prohibited from representing clients, appearing in court, or accepting new legal matters in the state of Tennessee.
A History of License Status Changes
The December 2025 suspension follows a series of status changes for Rule over the past few years, suggesting a period of professional transition:
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June 2023: Rule was moved from “Disability Inactive” status to “Inactive” status. This transition typically indicates that an attorney is no longer incapacitated but has chosen not to return to active practice at that time.
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April 2024: A Petition for Discipline (Case #2024-3401-2-EF) was officially filed against her, signaling the start of the formal disciplinary process.
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December 2025: The current Temporary Suspension was enacted, moving her status from “Inactive” to “Suspended.”
Path to Reinstatement
A temporary suspension in Tennessee is not necessarily permanent, but it requires significant effort to overturn. To return to good standing, Rule must:
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Respond to the Board: She must fully address the original complaint of misconduct that led to the suspension.
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Petition the Court: She may file a petition for the dissolution or modification of the suspension order, showing “good cause” why the suspension should be lifted.
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Comply with Obligations: Like all suspended attorneys, she must notify her clients of her suspension and return any unearned fees or client files.
Conclusion: Accountability and the Board’s Oversight
The case of Keri Elizabeth Rule highlights the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility’s mandate to ensure that attorneys remain accountable to the governing body. When an attorney stops communicating with the Board, the system is designed to halt their practice until transparency is restored. For clients in Knox County, this suspension serves as a formal notice that Rule is currently not authorized to provide legal services.
