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
November 19, 2013
MURFREESBORO LAWYER DISBARRED
On November 14, 2013, Derek A. Artrip, formerly of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was disbarred by the
Tennessee Supreme Court. 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 on suspension since that time.
The Board filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Artrip based upon two (2) complaints of
misconduct for abandonment of practice and neglect of client matters. In the first complaint, Mr. Artrip was
hired to represent a client in a child custody matter. Mr. Artrip failed to adequately communicate with his client
during the representation regarding the status of her case and the use of her retainer fee. In early 2012, Mr.
Artrip promised to have the matter heard by a court within thirty days but he failed to do so. In the second
complaint, Mr. Artrip neglected a client matter and abandoned his law practice. He failed to return the clientâs
file or to provide any information about the status of the matter. Mr. Artrip did not respond to the Petition for
Discipline and did not appear for the final hearing, despite having notice of both.
Mr. Artripâs ethical misconduct violates Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, Competence; 1.3, Diligence;
1.4, Communication; 1.5, Fees; 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 disbarred attorneys.
Artrip 2210-0 rel.doc
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