In the legal field, the “lead counsel” title carries more than just prestige—it carries absolute ethical responsibility. For Nashville-based attorney Robert Joseph Turner (BPR Number 015107), a pattern of supervisory failures and office mismanagement has led to a significant professional sanction from the state’s highest court.
Effective November 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of Tennessee issued an Order of Enforcement suspending Turner from the practice of law for one year.
The Core Misconduct: Supervisory Lapses and Case Dismissal
The disciplinary proceedings (Case No. 2024-3468-5-EF) centered on Turner’s representation of a client in a civil dispute against a general contractor. According to the Board of Professional Responsibility, the following issues led to the suspension:
1. The “Revolving Door” of Associates
Turner assigned at least five different associate attorneys to the client’s litigation over a four-year period. Despite this high turnover, Turner—who remained the counsel of record—failed to maintain adequate oversight of the case file.
2. Failure to Supervise (RPC 5.1)
The investigation revealed a systemic breakdown in office communication:
-
Missed Appearances: Neither Turner nor his assigned associates appeared for multiple court hearings.
-
Ignored Mandates: The firm failed to comply with specific scheduling orders and direct instructions from the judge’s chambers.
-
Prejudicial Outcome: Because of these repeated failures, the trial court eventually dismissed the client’s case, leaving the client without a legal remedy.
The Sanction: Suspension and Probation
The Tennessee Supreme Court accepted a Conditional Guilty Plea from Turner, resulting in a tiered disciplinary structure:
-
Active Suspension (30 Days): Turner must serve a 30-day “hard” suspension, during which he cannot practice law in any capacity.
-
Probationary Period (11 Months): The remaining 11 months of the suspension are probated, provided Turner complies with strict conditions.
-
Practice Monitor: At his own expense, Turner must engage an independent practice monitor to oversee his office procedures, docketing systems, and supervision of staff.
-
Mandatory Education: He is required to complete six hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) specifically focused on law firm management and the responsibilities of supervisory lawyers.
A History of Prior Discipline
This 2025 suspension is not the first time Robert Joseph Turner has faced scrutiny from the Board. His professional record includes:
-
2009 (Probated Suspension): Suspended for one year (all probated) for failure to communicate and unprofessional conduct.
-
2012 (Public Censure): Issued a formal Public Censure for similar lapses in communication and diligence.
Conclusion: The Responsibility of Lead Counsel
The suspension of Robert Joseph Turner serves as a stark reminder to firm owners that ethical duties cannot be fully delegated. While associates may perform the work, the attorney of record remains legally responsible for every missed deadline. For the public, these disciplinary measures reinforce the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring that clients are not victimized by the internal disorganization of their law firms.
