A Hamilton County attorney accused of failing to respond to a misconduct complaint has been temporarily suspended from practicing law, the Board of Professional Responsibility announced in a statement.
Steven Michael Hodgen must immediately stop accepting any new clients and cease representing his existing cases by June 30, the statement said.
The alleged misconduct is sealed from the public, and the statement does not include details about the complaint made against Hodgen.
Hodgen could not be reached by phone at a number listed online, and he did not respond to a Facebook message.
He is not allowed to practice law, maintain a presence where law is practiced or take on any semblance of an attorney, legal assistance or law clerk after June 30, the statement said.
He must notify all of his clients, co-counsel and opposing counsel that the Tennessee Supreme Court ordered his license suspended.
Hodgen is also required to deliver to his clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
His suspension will remain in effect until dissolution or modification by the board, the statement said. Hodgen may request either for good cause.
Hodgen has been licensed since 2006 in Tennessee, and his law office is in Chattanooga, according to his attorney detail page.
He attended the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.
Hodgen has no prior public discipline record in Tennessee.