On Friday, August 15, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility announced that the state Supreme Court had suspended attorney Steven Michael Hodgen from the practice of law for six years. The suspension consists of five years of active suspension, with the final year served on probation, contingent upon the appointment of a practice monitor.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Steven Michael Hodgen.”
The decision follows a petition for discipline filed by the Board, which contained allegations against Hodgen regarding his conduct in a legal case. The complaint asserted that Hodgen represented a client in court without having any prior communication with that individual. Subsequently, he failed to adequately inform the client about the case’s progress, neglected to act diligently on the client’s behalf, and did not respond on time to important motions. Additionally, he failed to engage in discussions about the case with the complainant, ultimately abandoning the client and compromising the rights of a third party.
After a hearing, the Hearing Panel found that Hodgen’s actions violated several Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. These included rules on competence, scope of representation, diligence, communication, and fairness to opposing parties and counsel. Specifically, violations included rules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4(d), and 8.4(a), (c), and (d).
As a result of the suspension, Hodgen is required to adhere to the stipulations outlined in Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and 30.4. These sections detail the obligations and responsibilities of attorneys who have been suspended and the processes necessary for reinstatement to the practice of law.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Hodgen is an attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended the University of Memphis – Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He acquired his law license in Tennessee in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
