BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2014)
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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: CHARLES MICHAEL CLIFFORD, BPR #1544
CONTACT: ALAN D. JOHNSON
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
November 26, 2014
BLOUNT COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
On November 25, 2014, Charles Michael Clifford of Blount County, Tennessee was suspended from
the practice of law by Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court for one (1) year, consisting of thirty (30) days of
active suspension and the remainder to be served on probation subject to the conditions that he consult with
the Tennessee Lawyer Assistance Program within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the Order, and
engage a practice monitor during the period of probation. The effective date of the Courtâs Order is
December 5, 2014.
A Petition for Discipline was filed on April 2, 2014 containing two complaints. In the first complaint,
Mr. Clifford failed to pursue his clientsâ objectives and misled them as to the status of the case. In the second
complaint, Mr. Clifford failed to comply with a Scheduling Order and failed to take appropriate steps to
protect his client when he withdrew from the case.
Mr. Clifford entered into a conditional Guilty Plea admitting to the misconduct. Mr. Cliffordâs actions
violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence); 1.2(a) (scope of representation); 1.3 (diligence); 1.4
(communication); 1.16 (declining and terminating representation); and, 8.4 (misconduct).
Mr. Clifford must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 18
regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys.
Clifford 2309-2 rel.doc