The law license of Jesse Walker Dalton III, of Jasper, was suspended on Tuesday, by the Tennessee Supreme Court for a period of one year pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 4.2. Mr. Dalton shall serve an active suspension of three months with the remaining nine months probated subject to certain terms and conditions including engagement of a practice monitor and assessment by Tennessee Lawyer’s Assistance Program.
A Petition for Discipline was filed against attorney Dalton on Feb.
11, 2013, based upon the complaints of a former paralegal and a former associate that Mr. Dalton appeared late for court and client meetings, missed client conferences, failed to timely return phone calls to clients, appeared in the office with slurred speech, glazed eyes and disheveled dress and fell asleep during client meetings. Further, Mr. Dalton received a cash retainer and failed to deposit the retainer into his trust account.
Mr. Dalton admitted violating Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.15 (safekeeping property and funds), 1.16 (declining or terminating representation) and 8.4 (a) and (d) (misconduct).
Mr. Dalton is currently suspended by the Supreme Court for non-compliance with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 21. Mr. Dalton’s disciplinary suspension shall begin upon his reinstatement from the CLE suspension.