On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility issued a public censure against attorney Tommy Joe Norton for multiple violations of professional conduct rules. The censure stemmed from complaints filed in four separate cases, reviewed by the board on March 14, 2025.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Tommy Joe Norton,” with case nos. 74514-1-MH, 100072-2024-1-MH-INV, 100146-2024-1-MH-INV, and 100190-2024-1 -MH-INV.
Norton, representing clients in two custody disputes, a civil contempt claim, and a divorce case, closed his office and changed his phone number without notifying his clients. This left them unable to contact him, disrupting their legal proceedings. In all four cases, Norton failed to communicate effectively with his clients and did not diligently handle their cases.
In the first custody case, Norton missed a court appearance and wrongly advised his client not to attend. In the second case, he requested multiple continuances, causing delays. In the divorce case, Norton abandoned his client and failed to appear in court.
These actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 3.2 (expediting litigation), 3.4 (fairness to opposing party and counsel), and 8.4(d) (misconduct).
According to Martindale.com, Mr. Norton attended the Florida Coastal School of Law, graduating in 2013. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
