Hamilton County Lawyer Suspended For One Year

  • Friday, August 19, 2016

Michael Lee West of Hamilton County was suspended for one year, effective Aug. 17, by the Tennessee Supreme Court, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2 and ordered to pay the Board’s costs.   

A Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. West on March 30 based upon one complaint of misconduct.  Mr. West, while suspended from the practice of law, failed to take appropriate action to withdraw as attorney of record from a pending case in General Sessions Court and failed to notify his client of the suspension from the practice of law.  

As a consequence, the notice of trial was sent to Mr. West who failed to take appropriate action or inform his client of the trial date.  A default judgment was entered against the client.  After learning of the final judgment, Mr. West accepted personal responsibility and reached an agreement with opposing counsel to make monthly payments on the judgment.  Eventually, the client retained new counsel who successfully set aside the judgment. 

Mr. West executed a Conditional Guilty Plea admitting his conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communication); 1.16 (declining or terminating representation); 5.5 (unauthorized practice of law) and 8.4(g) (misconduct).

Mr. West must comply with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4 (2014) regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.  Mr. West must pay the Board’s costs and expenses prior to reinstatement to the practice of law.


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