BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (2025)
Original PDF Document
Download Official Record (norton-74514-1-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: TOMMY JOE NORTON, BPR #032282
CONTACT: MAUREEN F. HUGHES
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 15, 2025
SEVIER COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 15, 2025, Tommy Joe Norton, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Mr. Norton represented two separate clients in custody cases; another client in civil contempt claim; and
a fourth client in a divorce case. During these representations, Mr. Norton closed his office and changed his
phone number. Mr. Norton failed to inform his clients of these changes which caused all his clients to have no
way to contact him. In all four cases, Mr. Norton failed to maintain communication with his clients and failed to
diligently represent his clients.
Additionally, in the first case, Mr. Norton failed to appear in court and incorrectly advised his client not
to appear. In the second case, Mr. Norton asked for multiple continuances which delayed the proceedings. In the
fourth case, Mr. Norton essentially abandoned his client and failed to show up in court.
By these acts, Mr. Norton has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4
(communication), 3.2 (expediting litigation), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party and counsel), and 8.4(d)
(misconduct) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to practice
law.
Norton 74514-1 rel.doc