Chattanooga, TN, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga attorney Steven Michael Hodgen has been suspended for six years due to professional misconduct. The Board of Professional Responsibility found that he failed to communicate with a client and did not act diligently in handling their case. The suspension consists of five years of active suspension and one year on probation under supervision. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding ethical standards in the legal profession.
Chattanooga Attorney Steven Michael Hodgen Receives Six-Year Suspension for Professional Misconduct
Chattanooga attorney Steven Michael Hodgen has been suspended from practicing law for a total of six years due to allegations of professional misconduct, according to a recent announcement by the Board of Professional Responsibility. The suspension, effective immediately, includes five years of active suspension followed by a year on probation. During the probation period, Hodgen is required to operate under the supervision of a practice monitor.
The Board issued the suspension on a Friday after finding that Hodgen represented a client without ever communicating with them. This significant oversight resulted in the attorney failing to keep the client informed about their case status, which undermined the integrity of the legal process. In addition, Hodgen did not act diligently on behalf of the client, as he failed to expedite litigation or respond promptly to key motions.
The consequences of Hodgen’s actions extended beyond his relationship with the affected client; reports suggest that his negligence led to the abandonment of the client’s case, prejudicing the rights of a third party involved. This lack of professional diligence raised serious concerns about his capacity to manage clients’ legal affairs responsibly.
Background on Steven Michael Hodgen
Hodgen has been licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 2006 and operates a law office located in Chattanooga. His suspension highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by legal professionals in maintaining ethical standards. In June 2024, the Tennessee Bar Association mandated that Hodgen cease accepting new clients and discontinue representation of any existing cases while the suspension remains in effect.
To regain his law license after the suspension period, Hodgen must meet specific requirements established by the Tennessee Supreme Court. The overarching objective of these requirements is to ensure that legal practitioners adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and client care.
Additional Case of Misconduct
The announcement of Hodgen’s suspension comes on the heels of another notable case in the legal community: attorney Alan Christopher Norton was permanently disbarred for forging court documents. Such incidents underscore a pressing issue within the profession and the importance of upholding ethical standards to protect client interests and maintain public trust in the legal system.
The situation with Hodgen and the case of Norton reflect a growing pattern of accountability within the legal profession in Tennessee, aimed at addressing and remedying instances of malpractice.
Contact Information
For more details, the reporting on this suspension was overseen by Sofia Saric, a criminal justice reporter with a background in crime reporting and metro correspondence. She can be reached at [email protected] and 423-757-6476.
FAQ Section
What prompted the suspension of Steven Michael Hodgen?
Hodgen was suspended due to allegations of professional misconduct, including failure to communicate with a client, neglecting to inform the client about their case status, and not acting diligently on their behalf.
How long is Steven Michael Hodgen’s suspension?
Hodgen received a six-year suspension, consisting of five years of active suspension followed by one year of probation.
What must Hodgen do during his probation period?
During the probation period, Hodgen must practice law under the supervision of a practice monitor.
What are the implications of his actions for his clients?
The negligence displayed by Hodgen reportedly led to the abandonment of a client’s case and prejudiced the rights of a third party.
What must Hodgen do to be reinstated after the suspension?
To be reinstated, Hodgen must comply with requirements set forth by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
What happened to Alan Christopher Norton?
Attorney Alan Christopher Norton was permanently disbarred for forging court documents, highlighting the seriousness of ethical breaches within the legal profession.
Key Features of the Suspension
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Attorney Name | Steven Michael Hodgen |
| Suspension Duration | Six years (five years active suspension + one year probation) |
| Supervision Requirement | Must practice under supervision during probation |
| Date of Suspension Announcement | Announced on a Friday |
| Reason for Suspension | Professional misconduct, failure to communicate, neglect |
| License Status | Licensed in Tennessee since 2006 |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Attorney Suspended
- Wikipedia: Legal Profession
- Local 3 News: Hamilton Co. Lawyer Temporarily Suspended
- Google Search: Legal Ethics
- Times Free Press: Knoxville Lawyer Suspension
- Google Scholar: Professional Ethics in Law
- NewsChannel 9: TBI Charges Attorney with Forgery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Ethics
- WDEF: Hamilton County Attorney Disbarred
- Google News: Disbarment Cases
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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