Zachary Ty Carden Public Censure - BPR 036752
Summary
The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility publicly censured attorney Zachary Ty Carden (BPR #036752) on April 13, 2026, for violations across three client matters. The violations include failing to act diligently, not communicating with clients, improperly handling fees, and not fulfilling duties after client discharge. Carden received a Public Censure, which serves as a formal rebuke and warning but does not restrict his ability to practice law.
What changed
The Board of Professional Responsibility issued a Public Censure to attorney Zachary Ty Carden for violations of four professional conduct rules. In the first matter, Carden delayed taking action for a criminal defendant seeking jail credit adjustments and failed to respond to client communications. In the second matter, Carden provided inadequate investigation in a custody case, failed to file any petition or take legal action, did not communicate with the client, and did not refund an appropriate portion of the fee after being discharged. In the third matter, Carden prepared a draft petition in a post-divorce contempt matter but performed no additional work and did not respond to client status inquiries.
Legal professionals and law firms should note that this censure involves multiple categories of professional misconduct including negligence, communication failures, fee disputes, and post-representation obligations. While a Public Censure does not restrict licensure, it serves as an official disciplinary record. Attorneys should review their client communication practices, fee refund policies, and file management procedures to ensure compliance with Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.
What to do next
- Comply with Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 1.5 (fees), and 1.16(d) (duties following withdrawal or discharge)
- Be aware that future violations may result in additional discipline including suspension or disbarment
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(2026)
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: ZACHARY TY CARDEN, BPR #036752
CONTACT: STEVEN J. CHRISTOPHER
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 13, 2026
DAVIDSON_COUNTY LAWYER CENSURED
On April 13, 2026, Zachary Ty Carden, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a
Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
In the first complaint, Mr. Carden represented a criminal defendant in connection with adjustment of jail
credits and seeking a furlough. Mr. Carden delayed in taking action for the client and failed to respond to the
clientâs communications.
In the second complaint, Mr. Carden represented a client in pursuing a custody matter. Mr. Carden
completed limited investigation of the clientâs legal claims but did not file a petition or take other legal action.
Mr. Carden also failed to respond to his clientâs communications, which ultimately resulted in the client
discharging Mr. Carden. Following his discharge, Mr. Carden did not refund an appropriate portion of the clientâs
fee.
In the third complaint, Mr. Carden represented a client in pursuing contempt sanctions in a post-divorce
matter. Mr. Carden prepared a draft petition but did not complete any other work for the client. Mr. Carden also
failed to respond to the clientâs requests for information about the status of the representation.
By these acts, Zachary Ty Carden has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4
(communication), 1.5 (fees), and 1.16(d) (duties following withdrawal or discharge) and is hereby publicly
censured for these violations.
A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneyâs ability to
practice law.
Carden 101317 101326 101337-5 rel.doc
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