Microsoft Word - Baker 3097-6 rel.docx (2023)
Note: This document was published in 2023. Information in older documents may not reflect current board procedures or policies.
Need help? Please use the Assistance Request Form below.
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (baker-3097-6-rel.pdf)
Alternative Accessible HTML
Accessible Alternative: This HTML version is an automatically processed accessible alternative. While it provides a searchable format, the text extraction may contain formatting or character errors. The original PDF remains the authoritative official record.
Need a different format? Use the Request Assistance Form.
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: MELISSA ANN BAKER, BPR #035018
CONTACT: ANDREW B. CAMPBELL
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
February 6, 2023
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective February 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended Melissa Ann Baker from the
practice of law for three (3) years, with one (1) year being active suspension pursuant to Tennessee Supreme
Court Rule 9, Section 12.2, and the remainder served on probation conditioned upon the appointment of a
practice monitor and compliance with any TLAP recommendations. Ms. Baker was also ordered to reimburse
the Board of Professional Responsibility for the expenses and costs of this matter.
A Petition and Supplemental Petition for Discipline containing three complaints were filed by the Board
against Ms. Baker. The Hearing Panel determined that Ms. Baker failed to file responses to a motion for Rule
11 sanctions and a motion for summary judgment, made material misrepresentations to the trial court during
oral argument, failed to file responses to a motion for sanctions and a motion to compel resulting in the
dismissal of the clientâs case and failed to timely produce information to opposing counsel and filed several
inappropriate motions in the juvenile court.
The Panel determined the above conduct of Ms. Baker violated Tennessee Rules of Professional
Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4(a) and (b) (communication), 3.1 (meritorious claims), 3.2
(expediting litigation), 3.3(a)(1) (candor toward tribunal), 3.4(c) (fairness to opposing party and counsel), 4.2
(communication with a person represented by counsel), 4.4(a) (respect for rights of third persons), and 8.4 (a),
(c) and (d) (misconduct).
Ms. Baker must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
30.4, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of suspended attorneys and the procedure for reinstatement.
Baker 3097-6 rel.doc