The Tennessee Supreme Court has entered a judgment affirming the Hamilton County Chancery Court and affirming a 45-day suspension for Chattanooga attorney Fred T. Hanzelik originally imposed by a Hearing Panel of the Board of Professional Responsibility.
The Board of Professional Responsibility filed a Petition for Discipline and Supplemental Petition for Discipline against Mr. Hanzelik for attempting to bill a client twice for the same legal service, failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, failing to adequately communicate with a client, charging an unreasonable fee, and failing to respond to inquiries from the Board of Professional Responsibility.
On June 11, 2010, a Hearing Panel entered a judgment finding Mr. Hanzelik violated the Rules of Professional Conduct and recommending Mr. Hanzelik be suspended for 45 days. Mr. Hanzelik appealed the Hearing Panel Judgment and the Chancery Court for Hamilton County affirmed the Hearing Panel’s Judgment.
The Board appealed the Chancery Court’s Order and by Judgment filed Sept. 27, 2012, the Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the Chancery Court and the Hearing Panel’s imposition of a 45-day suspension for Mr. Hanzelik.
Mr. Hanzelik’s actions violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5 (fees); 1.3 (diligence); 1.4 (communication); 3.2 (expediting litigation); 8.1 (disciplinary matters), it was stated.