BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2016)
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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
FA24: (615) 367-2480
E-MAIL: ethics@tbpr.org
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: MICHAEL LEE WEST, BPR #1868
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
August 19, 2016
HAMILTON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective August 17, 2016, Michael Lee West, of Hamilton County, Tennessee, was suspended for one
(1) year by the Tennessee Supreme Court, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2 and
ordered to pay the Boardâs costs.
On March 30, 2016, a Petition for Discipline was filed against Mr. West based upon one (1) 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 Boardâs costs and expenses prior to reinstatement to the practice of law.
West 2568-3 rel.doc