Court disbars local attorney

The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to disbar former attorney Gary Vandever, of Wilson County.

Vandever pleaded guilty in July to three Class B felonies for misappropriating funds from the estates of deceased clients Paul Porter Sr. and Joe Porter. The total amount neared $500,000.

Vandever was sentenced to nine months in jail plus nine years of probation. Additionally, he lost his law license and was ordered to pay $400 per month in restitution until the full amount is repaid.

Vandever’s disbarment is retroactive to Nov. 24, 2010 when the Court originally imposed an order of temporary suspension in response to the charges just then coming to light.

Under the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Rules of Professional Conduct, Vandever’s law license may only be reinstated if specifically ordered by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Vandever must further comply with the Supreme Courts rules regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys.

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.