Sullivan County Lawyer Suspended
September 14, 2026, 1:24 p.m.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, TN - Effective September 14, 2026, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Benjamin Seth Adams from the practice of law for one (1) year pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, with ninety (90) days to be served as an active suspension, and the remainder served on probation with conditions pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 14.1. Conditions of probation include employment of a practice monitor during any period of probation following successful reinstatement, incurring no new complaints of misconduct during the period of active suspension and probation, and attendance at the Board’s ethics workshop.

A Petition for Discipline and Supplemental Petition for Discipline, containing a combined total of five (5) complaints, was filed by the Board alleging that Mr. Adams: (1) failed to provide competent representation to his clients, (2) exceeded the scope of his representation by failing to consult with his client before entering into an Agreed Order on his client’s behalf, (3) failed to act diligently in his representation, (4) accepted fees and did not perform the services to which he was retained, (5) failed to return fees that were not earned, (6) failed to promptly and timely withdraw from his cases when he was required to do so, (7) failed to expedite litigation, and (8) engaged in conduct that was dishonest and contrary to the administration of justice.

Mr. Adams executed a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.2 (scope of representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), 1.16 (declining or terminating representation), 3.2 (expediting litigation), and 8.4 (misconduct).

Mr. Adams must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement. Reinstatement to the active practice of law is conditioned upon Mr. Adams meeting all CLE requirements, payment of all registration and professional privilege taxes, payment of all Board and court costs assessed, and payment of restitution to two clients.