In the legal profession, a probationary period is often a “last chance” for an attorney to demonstrate they can practice ethically and effectively. For Nashville criminal defense and divorce attorney Michael Lloyd Freeman (BPR Number 028698), a failure to adhere to the strict terms of his probation has led to a major professional setback.
Effective October 9, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court revoked Freeman’s probation and ordered a three-year suspension from the practice of law (with credit given for 112 days previously served).
The Core Violation: A Pattern of Continued Misconduct
The 2025 disciplinary action (Case No. M2025-01493-SC-BAR-BP) is the culmination of a multi-year effort by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility to address Freeman’s professional conduct.
1. The 2021 Original Suspension
The roots of the current case date back to June 21, 2021, when Freeman was originally suspended for three years. At that time, the court allowed for a “split” sentence:
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Active Suspension: Three months of actual time away from the practice of law.
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Probation: The remaining period was to be served on probation, contingent on Freeman incurring no new complaints of misconduct.
2. Violating the Terms of Probation
The Tennessee Supreme Court found that Freeman failed to meet the “no new complaints” requirement. While on probation, he was issued two separate disciplinary sanctions:
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Public Censure (January 10, 2022)
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Public Censure (July 31, 2022)
Because a Public Censure is a formal finding of misconduct, the Board filed a Petition to Revoke Probation. Despite Freeman’s attempts to appeal and a motion for reconsideration—which the Court denied on October 17, 2025—the revocation stood.
Professional Background
Prior to his suspension, Michael Lloyd Freeman was a well-known figure in the Nashville legal scene:
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Firm: The Freeman Law Firm, PLLC, located on Deaderick Street in Nashville.
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Practice Focus: He specialized in high-stakes Criminal Defense, DUI, and Divorce cases.
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Experience: Licensed since 2010, he often marketed himself as a “go-to” lawyer for difficult matters who “doesn’t back down from a fight.”
However, public reviews on sites like Avvo highlighted a growing disconnect, with some clients praising his results while others complained of a total lack of communication and errors in legal documentation.
The Impact of the Suspension
As a result of the October 2025 order, Freeman must now navigate a rigorous path if he hopes to return to the bar:
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Cessation of Practice: He is prohibited from representing clients or appearing in court during his suspension.
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Compliance with Rule 9: He must notify all current clients of his suspension and return their files and any unearned fees.
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Reinstatement Requirements: Before seeking to practice again, he must meet all CLE requirements, pay outstanding registration fees, and remit over $1,600 in court and Board costs.
Conclusion: The Fragility of Legal Probation
The case of Michael Lloyd Freeman serves as a stark reminder that the Tennessee Supreme Court views probation not as a mere formality, but as a rigorous test of an attorney’s commitment to ethics. By incurring public censures during his probationary window, Freeman triggered a “callback” of his original three-year suspension. For his clients in Davidson County, this development marks a definitive end to his current ability to provide legal counsel.
