James Nathan Hargis Temporarily Suspended from Practice
Summary
The Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended attorney James Nathan Hargis on April 13, 2026, following a finding that he misappropriated client and third-party funds and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. Under Section 12.3(a) of Supreme Court Rule 9, Mr. Hargis must immediately stop accepting new cases and cease representing existing clients by May 13, 2026. He must notify all clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel of the suspension and deliver all papers and property to which clients are entitled.
What changed
The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an immediate temporary suspension of attorney James Nathan Hargis based on findings of fund misappropriation and threat of substantial public harm under Section 12.3(a) of Supreme Court Rule 9. Mr. Hargis is barred from accepting new cases immediately and must wind down all existing client matters by May 13, 2026, after which he cannot hold himself out as a lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk or maintain any presence indicating the practice of law. He must comply with Rule 9 Sections 28 and 12.3(d) regarding obligations of suspended attorneys.
Legal professionals and law firms in Tennessee should note that this suspension demonstrates active enforcement of attorney conduct standards regarding client fund handling. Clients of Mr. Hargis should be prepared to seek new counsel by the May 13, 2026 deadline. The suspension remains in effect until dissolved or modified by the Supreme Court, and Mr. Hargis may petition for reinstatement for good cause.
What to do next
- Immediately stop accepting new legal cases
- Cease representing existing clients by May 13, 2026
- Notify all clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel of the suspension and deliver all client papers and property
Archived snapshot
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BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
10 CADILLAC DRIVE, SUITE 220
BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE 37027
TELEPHONE: (615) 361-7500
(800) 486-5714
Website: www.tbpr.org
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
RE: JAMES NATHAN HARGIS, BPR #035171
CONTACT: A. RUSSELL WILLIS
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
615-361-7500
April 13, 2026
PUTNAM COUNTY LAWYER TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
On April 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of Tennessee temporarily suspended James Nathan Hargis from
the practice of law upon finding that Mr. Hargis misappropriated client and third-party funds and poses a threat
of substantial harm to the public. Section 12.3(a) of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate suspension
of an attorneyâs license to practice law in cases where an attorney misappropriates funds to the attorneyâs own
use or otherwise poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Mr. Hargis is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing
existing clients by May 13, 2026. After May 13, 2026, Mr. Hargis shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal
assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence wherein the practice of law is conducted. Mr. Hargis must notify
all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing counsel, of the Supreme
Courtâs Order suspending his law license and is required to deliver to all clients any papers or property to which
they are entitled.
Mr. Hargis must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Sections 28 and
12.3(d), regarding the obligations and responsibilities of temporarily suspended attorneys and the procedure for
reinstatement.
This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Hargis may,
for good cause, request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court.
Hargis 3564-4 rel.doc
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