Attorney Pate Receives Public Censure

On April 8, 2020, Stephen Walker Pate, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Mr. Pate engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a client who retained him for representation in a pending divorce action. Mr. Pate's conduct presented the risk of impairment of Mr. Pate's independent professional judgment and to communications protected by attorney-client privilege.

By these acts, Stephen Walker Pate has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 (conflict of interest) 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.