Premature Dismissal

The Tennessee Supreme Court suspended an attorney for 30 days

A Petition for Discipline containing one complaint was filed by the Board. Mr. McKeehan, in representation of a client, failed to ascertain whether or not the conditions of a mediated settlement agreement were met prior to dismissing his client’s claim with prejudice. In doing so, Mr. McKeehan failed to communicate properly with his client. Mr. McKeehan also charged an unreasonable fee in that all fees paid to him resulted in the dismissal of a claim with prejudice. Mr. McKeehan violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), and 8.4(d)(misconduct).

(Mike Frisch)