On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Steven Carl Frazier. The board found Frazier guilty of several violations concerning his handling of client funds in a property boundary dispute.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Steven Carl Frazier,” with case no. 100601-2024-1-TT-INV.
The charges cited Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(a), 1.15(a), and 1.15(b).
Frazier received a $5,000 retainer from a client but failed to deposit the funds into a trust account, instead mixing them with his finances. He did not provide a written agreement outlining the terms of the retainer or communicate the basis for his fees and expenses, which rendered his charges unreasonable. Additionally, Frazier neglected to track his time or issue invoices for the legal services rendered.
Despite offering a partial refund of $2,500 after three years, Frazier did not follow through with the reimbursement. The board mandated that he return the $2,500 to the client within 30 days as part of the censure.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Frazier is a bankruptcy and debt attorney in Kingsport, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1979. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 1980.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
