Microsoft Word - ebb_149748015_1079532761_15 (2021)
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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
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: JAMES WILLIAM FRIAUF, BPR #027238
CONTACT: DOUGLAS R. BERGERON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
July 28, 2021
KNOX COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On July 28, 2021, James William Friauf, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
Mr. Friauf was retained to prosecute an employment action, and a written fee agreement was executed
by his client providing Mr. Friauf with a forty percent (40%) contingency fee upon any recovery through
settlement or trial, or the fees awarded by the Court through statutory fee shifting, whichever is higher. The fee
agreement also allowed Mr. Friauf to charge an undisclosed hourly rate if he chose to withdraw from the
representation. During an unsuccessful mediation, Mr. Friauf used the fee agreement to pressure his client to
settle his action. Thereafter, Mr. Friauf, without providing any written bill detailing his services, demanded
payment of $63,261.46 in attorney fees at an hourly rate not previously agreed to and misrepresented to his
client that Ethics counsel at the Board of Professional Responsibility had ratified Mr. Friaufâs demand for fees
and expenses.
Mr. Friauf executed a Conditional Guilty Plea acknowledging his conduct violated Rules of Professional
Conduct 1.2 (Scope of Representation), 1.5 (Fees), 1.8 (Conflict of Interests), 7.1 (Information about Legal
Services) and 8.4(a) (Misconduct).
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Friauf 3096-2 - rel.doc