The legal profession in Tennessee is governed by strict ethical codes that ensure lawyers remain diligent, communicative, and honest with their clients. When these standards are repeatedly ignored, the ultimate sanction is the permanent removal of the attorney’s license. For Columbia-based attorney Amanda Howell Castillo (BPR No. 037519), a series of complaints regarding neglect and non-cooperation has led to her permanent disbarment.
Effective January 7, 2026, the Supreme Court of Tennessee ordered that Castillo be disbarred from the practice of law, marking a final and conclusive end to her legal standing in the state.
The Core Misconduct: Abandonment and Ethical Breaches
The disciplinary action against Amanda Howell Castillo (BPR No. 2024-3458-6-REL) followed a formal investigation into two separate complaints of misconduct. The Board of Professional Responsibility found that Castillo’s conduct represented a fundamental breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.
1. Failure to Represent and Communicate
The investigation revealed that Castillo failed to represent her clients in a diligent manner and neglected to set hearings or expedite litigation as required. Specifically, she:
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Failed to provide the professional services for which she was retained.
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Abandoned her clients without notice.
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Failed to inform her clients of her prior temporary suspension, effectively leaving them without representation during critical legal proceedings.
2. Financial Misconduct and Restitution
In addition to her neglect, the Court found that Castillo collected an “unreasonable fee” from a client and failed to return it. As part of the disbarment order, the Supreme Court mandated:
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Restitution: Castillo must pay $1,500.00 to a former client.
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Cost Reimbursement: She must pay all administrative costs incurred by the Board of Professional Responsibility during the investigation.
Timeline of the Disciplinary Process
The 2026 disbarment was the result of an escalating disciplinary timeline that began over a year prior:
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July 26, 2024: The Supreme Court of Tennessee issued a temporary suspension against Castillo after she failed to respond to a misconduct complaint.
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August 14, 2025: A formal hearing was held before a Hearing Panel where the evidence of her misconduct—including her failure to comply with the previous suspension order—was presented.
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January 7, 2026: The Tennessee Supreme Court adopted the Hearing Panel’s recommendation and issued the Final Order of Enforcement, permanently disbarring her.
Professional Impact and Public Protection
The Court’s decision cited violations of several Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), including RPC 1.3 (Diligence), RPC 1.4 (Communication), RPC 1.16 (Terminating Representation), and RPC 8.4 (Misconduct).
By issuing this order, the Tennessee judiciary removes an attorney who has shown a pattern of ignoring the “rules of the tribunal” and failing to respond to the governing board. This action is a protective measure intended to prevent further financial or legal harm to the residents of Middle Tennessee.
Conclusion: Accountability in Tennessee Law
The disbarment of Amanda Howell Castillo serves as a stark reminder that a law license is a privilege contingent upon transparency and duty. For clients who have been affected by her practice, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection may offer a path to recover lost fees. For the broader public, this case highlights the importance of using the Board of Professional Responsibility’s resources to verify that their legal counsel remains in good standing.
