freeman-70732c-5-public-censure.pdf (2023)
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IN DISCIPLINARY DISTRICT V
OF THE
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
IN RE: Michael L. Freeman, BPR No. 028698 FILE No. 70732c-5-ES
Respondent, an attorney licensed
to practice law in Tennessee
(Davidson County)
____________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC CENSURE
____________________________________________________________________________
The above complaint was filed against Michael L. Freeman, an attorney licensed to practice
law in Tennessee, alleging certain acts of misconduct. Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, the Board
of Professional Responsibility considered this matter at its meeting on June 9, 2023.
Mr. Freeman was appointed by the trial court to represent a client on a petition for post-
conviction. After the hearing on the petition, Mr. Freeman timely filed an appeal of the denial of
the petition. Mr. Freeman did not timely file his appellate brief. After notice from the court, he
filed an untimely motion for an extension of time which was granted. Mr. Freeman missed this
deadline, and filed an untimely motion to stay the appeal, which was denied. The court provided
another deadline for the filing of the brief, with which Mr. Freeman did not comply. After the
court set an additional deadline with which Mr. Freeman did not comply, the court ordered the
brief to be filed on a particular date with an accompanying motion addressing the lateness. Mr.
Freeman filed the brief but did not include an explanation in his motion. Mr. Freemanâs brief was
eventually accepted by the court.
By the aforementioned acts, Michael L. Freeman is in violation of Rules of Professional
Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to
the administration of justice). and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
FOR THE BOARD OF
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
_______________________________
Jennifer S. Hagerman, Chair
July 31, 2023
_______________________________
Date
2