Chattanooga attorney James Dimmett Purple, Sr. has received a public censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The high court said attorney Purple "failed to adequately communicate with a client about the status of litigation and failed to adequately prepare for trial. Mr. Purple also took actions without the authority of his client and failed to object to key matters in the case which resulted in prejudice against his client.
"By these acts, James Dimmett Purple, Sr., has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.2 (scope of representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), and 8.4(a) and (d) (misconduct) and is hereby publicly censured for these violations."
A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.