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.