TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Apr 14, 2020

The Tennessee Supreme Court today censured Shelby County attorney Addie Marie Burks. Burks was found to have violated Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3, 1.1 and 8.4(d). Burks was hired to represent a client in defense of a civil collection matter. After the plaintiff filed a motion for default, Burks filed a Notice of Appearance with a certificate of service indicating it was mailed to opposing counsel on that date, but it was not mailed until a few days later. Burks did not appear at the hearing on the motion for default and the motion was granted. She then filed a motion to set aside the default, but this motion was never served on opposing counsel and was eventually struck by the court. Burks did not appear at the hearing on the final judgment, and a final judgment was entered against her client for $40,000.