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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
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: JAMES RALPH HICKMAN, JR., BPR #020125
CONTACT: JAMES W. MILAM
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
June 30, 2023
SEVIER COUNTY LAWYER SUSPENDED
Effective June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court of Tennessee suspended James Ralph Hickman, Jr. from the
practice of law for one (1) year with six (6) months active suspension and the remainder on probation, pursuant
to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 12.2. Mr. Hickman must be under the supervision of a practice
monitor while on probation and must complete fifteen (15) additional CLE hours in estate management and
three (3) additional hours of ethics CLE.
After a hearing upon the disciplinary petition, the Hearing Panel determined Mr. Hickman, while
representing a client in a probate matter, failed to establish an appropriate fee arrangement and thereafter
collected unreasonably excessive fees; unethically agreed to represent the decedentâs estate even though Mr.
Hickmanâs father was the personal representative of the estate, thereby creating an impermissible conflict of
interest; knowingly filed a motion before the probate court containing material false statements; knowingly
failed to comply with court orders; and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or
misrepresentation.
Mr. Hickmanâs actions and omissions violated Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.5(a) (fees);
3.3(a)(1) (candor toward the tribunal); and 8.4(c) (misconduct).
Mr. Hickman 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.
Hickman 3068-1 rel.doc