TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 28, 2023

The Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection met recently to consider claims from clients alleging financial loss due to the illegal actions of their lawyers. The fund approved nine claims: $1,250 against McMinn County attorney Joseph H. Crabtree Jr.; $16,651.86 against deceased lawyer Wesley Lynn Hatmaker; $1,663.33 against Janet Monique Okoye; $2,750 against Davidson County Philip Joseph Perez; $2,277.15 against Williamson County lawyer Judson Wheeler Phillips; and $748.50 against Shelby County lawyer James Foster Schaeffer Jr. The board also approved three claims brought against Sullivan County lawyer Jason R. McLellan: one in the amount of $67,400.36, one in the amount of $100,000 and one in the amount of $28,885.96. Lawyers are generally reimburse the fund for these payments. The Fund for Client Protection was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court to reimburse individuals for losses caused by dishonest conduct by attorneys. The fund is operated by a board, which meets quarterly to consider claims. In September 2022, the Tennessee Supreme Court amended Rule 25 to require the fund to notify the Tennessee Bar Association of claims paid. News releases on all actions also are posted on the fund's website.