On Monday, October 28, 2024, the Supreme Court of Tennessee issued an order transferring attorney Clifford Dwight Hawks to disability inactive status. This decision comes after a petition from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, which cited Hawks’ incapacity to continue practicing law due to health issues.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Clifford Dwight Hawks,” with case no. M2024-0169-SC-BAR-BP.
The court’s ruling indicates that Hawks’ law license will remain inactive indefinitely, pending further order from the Supreme Court. As part of the order, Hawks is required to adhere to the regulations outlined in Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, particularly regarding the responsibilities of attorneys in disability inactive status. Hawks retains the option to petition for reinstatement to active status in the future, as per Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 27.7.
The Board of Professional Responsibility is tasked with publishing a notice regarding this status change in accordance with procedural rules. Furthermore, documents related to Hawks’ disability proceedings will be kept confidential and not considered public records, ensuring privacy during this process.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS, THEREFORE, CONSIDERED, ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED BY THE COURT THAT: The law license of Clifford Dwight Hawks shall be transferred to disability Inactive status for an indefinite period of time and until further order of the Supreme Court.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Hawks is a corporate & incorporation attorney in Humboldt, Tennessee. He attended the University of Memphis – Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 1966.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
