Bar Association Says Lawyers Should Not Be Contacting Woodmore Families For First 30 Days

  • Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The executive director of the Chattanooga Bar Association says lawyers should not be contacting families of the Woodmore Elementary School bus tragedy for 30 days from the date of the crash in which six children were killed.

Lynda Minks Hood said, "Sixteen days ago, on November 21st, our community suffered unspeakable tragedy in the crash of the Woodmore Elementary school bus. The community  has  responded with compassion for the families  of those injured and killed and the school community.

"The Chattanooga Bar Association thinks it is important for the victims and families to know that the Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to lawyers licensed in Tennessee as well as those who wish to practice in Tennessee explicitly prohibit direct unsolicited contact from a lawyer or an intermediary within 30 days of an event like the Woodmore school bus crash. Such conduct is a violation of these Rules and is, by definition, professional misconduct.

"There are some extenuating circumstances, where a lawyer has a family, close personal, or prior professional relationship with the victim and the victim's family. The Chattanooga Bar Association wants the victims and their families to know that lawyers practicing in Tennessee are required to respect their privacy for this 30-day period."

Five lawsuits have already been filed in Circuit Court concerning the wreck.

Latest Headlines
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/19/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AWOLOWO, APRIL 105 EUCLID STREET ATHENS, 373030000 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OVER $1000 BARNETT, ... more

Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more