An Inappropriate Relationship

A one-year suspension imposed by the Tennessee Supreme Court is summarized on the web page of the Board of Professional Responsibility

This disciplinary action involved two (2) separate complaints. In one disciplinary matter, Mr. Marshall failed to prepare and file an Order reflecting the trial court’s ruling, resulting in contempt charges being filed against his client, failed to timely address an Order of Protection or advise his client of the ramifications of cohabitation, failed to fully advise his client that the dismissal of his divorce complaint would not affect the pending counter-complaint for divorce filed by his wife, and failed to timely withdraw as attorney of record after closing his file. In a second disciplinary matter, Mr. Marshall created a conflict of interest by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with his client during the representation. Mr. Marshall submitted a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.7 (conflict of interest), and 1.16 (declining or terminating representation).

The Daily Herald reported a prior public censure

The Tennessee Supreme Court has publicly censured Maury County private attorney James Michael Marshall after he was convicted of two counts of assault against his former wife and father in law.

Marshall also was found in contempt of court in an unrelated civil matter for failure to pay court-ordered child support, alimony and medical costs.

The Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court said Marshall violated the rules of professional conduct through his actions

(Mike Frisch)