BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2015)
Archived Content: This document is formally archived for historical reference. The original PDF remains the official record for legal purposes.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (givens-2350-1-rel.pdf)
Alternative Accessible HTML
Accessible Alternative: This HTML version is an automatically processed accessible alternative. While it provides a searchable format, the text extraction may contain formatting or character errors. The original PDF remains the authoritative official record.
Need a different format? Use the Request Assistance Form.
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: MITCHELL STANLEY GIVENS, JR., BPR #6819
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 14, 2015
WASHINGTON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On August 13, 2015, Mitchell Stanley Givens, Jr., of Johnson City, Tennessee, was suspended from the
practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for one (1) year with thirty (30) days to be served as
an active suspension and the remainder served on probation, subject certain obligations set forth in the Supreme
Courtâs Order. Mr. Givens must pay the Boardâs costs and expenses and the court costs within ninety (90) days
of the entry of the Order of Enforcement. The order is effective upon entry.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Givens on August 4,
2014, and a Supplemental Petition for Discipline on March 27, 2015, alleging Mr. Givens misrepresented
himself online as a Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator; failed to have his client execute a written
contingency fee agreement; failed to promptly distribute settlement proceeds to his client; and misled his client
to believe her personal injury action was still pending. Mr. Givens entered into a Conditional Guilty Plea
admitting to the misconduct. In mitigation, Mr. Givens forfeited his contingency fee and cooperated fully with
the Board.
Mr. Givensâ actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5
(fees), 1.15 (safekeeping property), 1.16 (terminating representation), 7.1 (communications concerning a
lawyerâs services) and 8.4 (misconduct). Mr. Givens must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme
Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30 (2014), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Givens 2350-1 rel.doc