BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2013)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
FAX: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: DEREK A. ARTRIP, BPR# 26784
CONTACT: KRISANN HODGES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
May 9, 2013
MURFREESBORO LAWYER SUSPENDED
On May 9, 2013, Derek A. Artrip, formerly of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was suspended from the
practice of law for one (1) year by the Tennessee Supreme Court. He was also ordered to participate with the
Tennessee Lawyerâs Assistance Program. Further, Mr. Artrip is required to engage a practice monitor for one
(1) year upon reinstatement. On July 14, 2012, Mr. Artrip was temporarily suspended for failure to respond to
disciplinary complaints. Although he sought reinstatement, Mr. Artrip failed to meet the conditions of
reinstatement and, therefore, he has remained suspended since that time.
On August 15, 2012, a Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. Artrip containing three (3)
complaints of disciplinary misconduct. A Hearing Panel determined that Mr. Artrip failed to exercise
reasonable diligence and he failed to adequately communicate with his clients. In one case, the client
terminated representation due to lack of communication. Mr. Artrip never took steps to withdraw from the
representation until the Board complaint was initiated, but he has now withdrawn. Mr. Artrip failed to submit a
final order to the court in an adoption matter despite promising to do so. In all three cases, Mr. Artrip failed to
act with appropriate diligence in the representation of these clients.
Mr. Artripâs actions violate the following Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.1, Competence; 1.3
Diligence; 1.4, Communication; 1.16(d), Declining and Terminating Representation; 3.2 Expediting Litigation;
8.1(b), Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters; and 8.4(a) and (d), Misconduct.
Mr. Artrip must comply with Sections 18 and 19 of Rule 9, Rules of the Supreme Court, regarding the
obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Artrip 2148-4 rel.doc
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