News Summary
Chattanooga attorney Arthur C. Grisham Jr., 82, has been suspended from practicing law for five years by the Board of Professional Responsibility. This suspension, effective May 13, 2023, concludes his 54-year legal career due to multiple complaints regarding misconduct, including failure to communicate with clients and mishandling funds. Grisham must pay over $73,200 in restitution to regain his law license. His health issues and personal challenges, including a recent divorce, have impacted his professional performance, leading to the disciplinary actions.
Chattanooga Attorney Arthur C. Grisham Jr. Suspended from Practicing Law for Five Years
Chattanooga attorney Arthur C. Grisham Jr., aged 82, has been suspended from practicing law for five years, effectively concluding his 54-year legal career. The suspension, announced by the Board of Professional Responsibility, went into effect on May 13, 2023. Grisham’s ability to reinstate his law license hinges on his payment of over $73,200 in restitution to two individuals, in addition to nearly $5,000 owed to the board.
Violations and Complaints Leading to Suspension
The board took disciplinary action based on two complaints filed against Grisham, which prompted an investigation into his conduct. Grisham entered a conditional guilty plea, acknowledging violations of several Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. These included issues of competence, diligence, communication with clients, fairness to opposing counsel, and other misconduct.
Specific allegations against Grisham indicated that he failed to maintain reasonable communication with his clients about ongoing case statuses, did not act with due diligence, and neglected to expedite litigation. He was also accused of not adhering to court orders, mishandling client funds, charging unreasonable fees, and failing to provide necessary information to successor attorneys.
Health Concerns and Impact on Legal Career
Grisham’s health has been deteriorating, and he expressed that had he been in better health, he would likely contest the decision. Notably, he described the situation as unfortunate and regretful regarding his exit from the legal profession.
The complaints that led to his suspension emerged following a difficult personal period marked by his divorce. This event was cited as having affected his professional responsibilities, leading to misunderstandings regarding case deadlines and internal office dynamics.
Background on the Legal Issues
In one notable instance, he failed to meet crucial deadlines for a filing and an appeal due to a lack of communication from an employee. Grisham attempted to resolve restitution on the premise of providing funds as though his clients had won their cases; however, this was deemed inadequate by the board.
One of the complaints was specifically tied to an estate matter in Anderson County, Tennessee, which involved a family associated with his former wife. Grisham described the divorce process as particularly bitter, affecting his ability to effectively manage client needs.
Historical Context and Contributions
Grisham had been the first staff attorney for the enforcement division of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau, where he worked to improve local air quality. In recent years, he practiced more generally, focusing on criminal cases where he represented inner-city children, often taking on pro bono work or charging minimal fees to promote employment opportunities for them. Throughout his legal career, Grisham claimed to find satisfaction in the positive impacts he made and the assistance he provided to numerous individuals.
The gravity of the board’s decision marks a significant turning point not only for Grisham but also highlights ongoing issues within the legal profession regarding attorney conduct and client management. As Grisham reflects on his career, the suspension serves as a reminder of the vital importance of accountability within the field of law.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Lawyer Faces Suspension
- Local 3 News: Update on Indicted Hamilton County Attorney
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Attorney Representing Former
- Wikipedia: Legal Profession
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawyer
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
