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: MICHAEL LEE WEST, BPR #1868
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
March 20, 2014
HAMILTON COUNTY LAWYER TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
On March 18, 2014, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended Michael Lee West from the
practice of law upon finding that Mr. West misappropriated funds to his own use, and his continued practice of
law poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. Section 4.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the
immediate summary suspension of an attorneyâs license to practice law in matters where an attorneyâs
continued practice of law poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Effective March 18, 2014, Mr. West is precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease
representing existing clients by April 17, 2014. After April 17, 2014, Mr. West shall not use any indicia of
lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted. Further,
Mr. West must provide the location and account number for any trust accounts for which he has signatory
authority or control and is enjoined from making any withdrawals from said trust accounts without advance
approval of Disciplinary Counsel.
Mr. West must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and
opposing counsel of the Supreme Courtâs Order suspending his law license. Mr. West is required to deliver to
all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. West
may for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
West 2300-3 rel.doc
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