On Thursday, June 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of Tennessee at Nashville disbarred attorney Steven Edward Sams for engaging in the practice of law without proper authorization.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Steven Edward Sams,” with case no. M2023-00840-SC-BR-BP.

The charges cited Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 3.4(c), 5.5(a)(b), and 8.4(a)(b)(c)(d)

In a judgment dated January 31, 2023, the central matter at hand for the Ppnel revolves around whether the activities undertaken by the respondent in aiding individuals with immigration matters can be classified as engaging in the practice of law without proper authorization. The Board asserted that the respondent’s actions have violated specific Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Judgement states:

“In response to the Petition for Discipline, Respondent Sams asserts that he “performs work and receives money under his business operations, part of which is authorized under 8 C.F.R. 1001. I(k) as a non-attorney immigration consultant.” (Answer (filed 10/15/21) at 10. See also id. at | 12 (averring that he provides “services permitted under 8 C.F.R. 1001.1(k) and other [federal] regulations.”

The Judgement continues:

“Applying this authority to the facts above, it is clear that Respondent S am s has in the unauthorized practice of law and also has misrepresented himself as an attorney when, in fact, he is not. 8. As previously noted, Respondent has held himself out as an “immigration who engages in “FORM SELECTION” and “STRATEGY” on behalf of his immigration clients. (Hearing Ex’s. 9 and 10.) These are acts which require the “professional judgment to a lawyer.”

The case has reached the court following a petition for discipline submitted against Steven Edward Sams on September 1, 2021. Subsequently, an Answer to the Petition was filed on October 15, 2021. Upon the consideration of the court, the same decided to disbar the respondent from the practice of law.

The Disposition states:

“IT IS, THEREFORE, CONSIDERED, ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED BY THE COURT THAT.

(1) Mr. Sams is permanently disbarred from the practice of law pursuant to Tenn. sup. Ct., R., 12.1.

(2) Mr. Sams shall comply in all aspects with Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, 28, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of disbarred attorneys..”

Mr. Sams practices in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is licensed in Tennessee. His info can be found on avvo.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.