Knoxville, Tennessee — A local attorney, who previously ran for a congressional seat, has been suspended from practicing law in federal court for five years due to ethical violations in two significant cases. Van R. Irion, representing a resident of Athens, Tennessee, faced scrutiny for actions that U.S. Chief District Judge Travis R. McDonough deemed misleading and unprofessional.
The controversies revolve around two federal lawsuits involving Irion and his client, Glenn Whiting. In the first case, filed in 2022, the lawsuit targeted the city of Athens and a former city attorney, alleging retaliation against Whiting related to expressive messages he painted on a building. The second case emerged in 2023, where Irion once again represented Whiting against Athens city officials.
Judge McDonough’s ruling, issued on August 4, criticized Irion for misleading the court and for failing to meet adequate legal standards. The judge noted that Irion’s conduct throughout the disciplinary process included numerous frivolous filings aimed at obstructing the resolution of charges against him. In addition to his suspension, Irion must undergo a two-year probationary period that requires supervision if he is to practice again.
The ruling mandates that Irion compensate for attorney fees and related court costs. He is also required to issue personalized apologies to 15 parties involved in the first lawsuit, with drafts due for court approval by August 25. Furthermore, Irion is instructed to complete 12 hours of continuing legal education focused on conduct rules as specified by the Tennessee Commission of Continuing Legal Education.
In 2022, during initial proceedings, Judge McDonough ruled that Irion misrepresented Whiting’s relationship to a property at the heart of the case. The allegations encompassed claims of the city condoning Whiting’s property in retaliation for his painted messages. This first trial ended in a mistrial before a negative verdict emerged in a subsequent retrial, which triggered further appeals by Irion that ultimately failed.
Irion’s ethical failures, as cited in the court’s order, included altering Whiting’s role in the case between executor, beneficiary, and trustee, depending on how it suited his arguments. In 2023, Irion withdrew from another case involving a Fourth of July event but continued to draft documents for Whiting, which constituted what the court described as “ghostwriting.”
Whiting defended Irion, asserting that the attorney had no intention of wrongdoing and was merely trying to assist him through legal challenges. According to Whiting, any discrepancies related to property matters were largely technical. He expressed disappointment in facing repercussions for what he characterized as an honest effort to help a longstanding friend.
The court also noted Irion’s attempts to accuse Judge McDonough of bias, further complicating the proceedings. It remains uncertain whether this suspension will influence Irion’s ability to practice law in Tennessee state courts. As of now, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility continues to list his license as active, although it is unclear whether any further actions are forthcoming.
This case punctuates ongoing discussions regarding ethical practices within the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to judicial standards.
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