State board censures Maryville attorney
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: October 21. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: October 20. 2009 11:18PM
Maryville attorney Charles Michael Clifford was publicly censured Monday by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court, according to a news release from the board.
Clifford represented a client in a civil action against a home improvement company. According to the board, he was not diligent in working on the client's case and there were long delays during the four years he represented the client.
"Mr. Clifford found it difficult to tell his client that the case was weak and probably could not be sustained. He admitted lying to his client about a court setting," the news release stated.
Clifford's actions violated "rules of professional conduct" concerning diligence, communication, expediting litigation, responding to disciplinary counsel and misconduct, the board said.
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