On Thursday, the Tennessee Supreme Court held the first hearing for the case of Alex Friedmann, the judicial candidate who has already been disbarred for his inappropriate behavior at his divorce hearing and subsequent public outbursts. Protesters outside the hearing sang “Alabama” and “Amazing Grace,” holding signs that called for him to be held accountable for his actions.
Friedmann, a former state representative, is hoping the Supreme Court will reinstate his law license, which was revoked in September 2022. The Board of Professional Responsibility had filed a petition to have his license permanently revoked in February 2023 following an investigation into multiple incidents.
“The (Disciplinary) Board found by clear and convincing evidence that (Friedmann) engaged in multiple instances of felonious conduct while representing clients, including witness tampering, obstruction of justice, and fraudulent billing,” the petition states. “The Board found that (Friedmann) has not only committed felonies but has also engaged in conduct that violates numerous Rules of Professional Conduct.”
Friedmann is no stranger to controversy throughout his career. Before serving as a state representative, he ran unsuccessfully for Davidson County General Sessions judge in 2014. During that campaign, he claimed that a sitting judge had used racial slurs and epithets against him, and that he had been threatened by a person associated with the judge. After losing the race, Friedmann made similar claims to a newspaper about an attorney in the District Attorney’s Office.
In 2018, he ran for Criminal Court Judge, but again lost. During that campaign, he was criticized by several judges for his conduct, including making misleading statements and filing frivolous lawsuits.
In 2021, he was reelected to the state House for his second term, and filed legislation that would have limited the authority of the Board of Professional Responsibility. After the divorce hearing incident, he claimed his actions were justified because he was “under extreme duress and acted out of desperation.”
Friedmann has repeatedly apologized for his behavior, but the Board of Professional Responsibility has argued that his actions were not isolated incidents, but show a pattern of misconduct.
The Supreme Court will have the final say on whether or not Friedmann’s law license will be reinstated. His case is being closely watched by legal professionals and the public alike. The outcome of the hearing will set a precedent for how the court handles cases of judicial misconduct in the future.
In the meantime, protesters will continue to make their voices heard outside the courthouse. They believe that Friedmann should not be allowed to practice law again, and that he should be held accountable for his actions..
