The Tennessee Supreme Court has disbarred attorney Connie Reguli for engaging in a series of serious misconducts, including a campaign of intimidation against judges and court officials. The court's ruling, issued on July 20, 2026, affects Reguli's ability to practice law in Tennessee and serves as a significant warning about the consequences of unethical behavior in the legal profession.
The court's decision follows extensive disciplinary proceedings that revealed Reguli's years-long efforts to undermine the integrity of the justice system. Her actions included making false allegations against judges, encouraging harassment of court officials, and violating court orders. This ruling underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.
Background
Connie Reguli, a licensed attorney in Tennessee since 1994, was the subject of multiple disciplinary complaints filed against her between 2014 and 2018. These complaints highlighted a pattern of misconduct that escalated over time. The complaints were initiated by various parties, including judges and court officials, who alleged that Reguli had engaged in unethical behavior that undermined the judicial process.
The Board of Professional Responsibility conducted hearings on the complaints, ultimately recommending disbarment due to the severity of Reguli's actions. The trial court upheld this recommendation, leading to Reguli's appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court. The court's ruling affirmed the lower court's decision, emphasizing the gravity of Reguli's misconduct.
The Ruling
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled unanimously to disbar Connie Reguli, stating that her actions represented a serious breach of professional conduct. Justice Holly Kirby, writing for the court, noted, "Her comprehensive efforts sought to intimidate judges and justice system officials, and to directly poison the well of justice." The court emphasized that no response short of disbarment would be acceptable given the nature of her misconduct.
The ruling detailed various incidents of Reguli's unethical behavior, including her use of social media to spread disinformation about judges and to incite her followers to harass them. The court found that Reguli's actions not only violated ethical standards but also posed a threat to the safety of judges and their families. The court stated, "Her conduct is a grave dishonor as a lawyer and demands the most severe sanction."
Impact
The disbarment of Connie Reguli sets a strong precedent for the legal community in Tennessee and beyond. It serves as a clear message that unethical behavior, especially actions that threaten the integrity of the judicial system, will not be tolerated. This ruling may encourage other legal professionals to adhere to ethical standards and report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Going forward, this case may impact how disciplinary actions are handled in the legal profession, particularly regarding the treatment of judges and court officials. It highlights the importance of maintaining respect for the judicial system and the consequences that can arise from attempts to undermine it.
What's Next
Connie Reguli has the option to appeal the Tennessee Supreme Court's decision, although it is unclear if she will pursue this route. There are no related cases pending at this time. The court's ruling effectively ends Reguli's legal career in Tennessee, barring any successful appeal.