A Memphis man who posed as an attorney and collected money from people seeking legal help has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Glenis “Chip” Campbell, 62, pleaded guilty in cases tied to 13 separate indictments, according to Action News 5. His convictions include financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, property theft, and impersonating a licensed professional.
Prosecutors said 13 victims came forward after Campbell’s arrest, claiming he took up to $300,000 in phony legal fees. The sentence also requires Campbell to pay full restitution.
The Case Began With Victims Who Thought They Had Hired a Lawyer
Action News 5 reported that Campbell had been in the Shelby County Jail since February 2024. At the time of his arrest, three victims said they had hired him for legal work he was not licensed to perform.
Those early complaints described the same basic pattern that later shaped the larger case. Campbell presented himself as someone who could handle legal problems, accepted money from people who needed help, and was later accused of taking fees for services he had no license to provide.
The case expanded after Campbell’s face and name appeared in local news coverage and, as prosecutors said additional complaints began coming in.
Victims Said They Needed Help With Serious Legal Problems
Earlier Action News 5 reporting described victims who said they turned to Campbell during difficult personal and legal situations.
One man said he hired Campbell for help with a wrongful employment termination claim. Another said he sought help with an eviction matter and efforts tied to his elderly father’s VA benefits.
Victims told Action News 5 that Campbell often wanted to be paid in cash.
One victim said Campbell relied on word-of-mouth referrals, with existing clients helping introduce him to others who also needed legal assistance.
The Sentence Includes Full Restitution
Campbell accepted a plea deal before trial.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said his convictions included financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, theft of property, and impersonating a licensed professional.
The deal resolved the 13 indictments with a 12-year prison sentence. He will be eligible for parole after serving 35% of the 12-year term, which equals about 4.2 years.
The court also ordered Campbell to pay full restitution to the victims. The public reports did not provide a victim-by-victim restitution breakdown or state how much has already been recovered.
Legal Credentials Should Be Verified Before Money Changes Hands
Before paying a lawyer, clients can verify the person’s license through the state attorney directory, ask for a written fee agreement, confirm the office address, check disciplinary history, and avoid paying large sums in cash without receipts.
The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility says its online attorney directory can be used to find attorneys licensed to practice law in Tennessee.
Suspected fake-lawyer activity should be reported to local law enforcement, the state attorney disciplinary authority, and the court or agency where the person claimed to be working on the case. Victims should also preserve all payment records and independently check whether any real filing was made in their name.