The Supreme Court of Tennessee has temporarily suspended John Arnold Fitzgerald from the practice of law upon finding that Mr. Fitzgerald misappropriated funds to his own use, "and his continued practice of law poses a threat of substantial harm to the public."
Section 12.3 of Supreme Court Rule 9 provides for the immediate summary suspension of an attorney’s license to practice law in matters where an attorney’s continued practice of law poses a threat of substantial harm to the public.
Effective Sept.
10, Mr. Fitzgerald is precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing clients by Oct. 10.
After Oct. 10, Mr. Fitzgerald "shall not use any indicia of lawyer, legal assistant, or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
Further, Mr. Fitzgerald must provide the location and account number for any trust accounts for which he has signatory authority or control and is enjoined from making any withdrawals from said trust accounts without advance approval of Disciplinary Counsel.
"Mr. Fitzgerald must notify all clients being represented in pending matters, as well as co-counsel and opposing counsel of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending his law license. Mr. Fitzgerald is required to deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.
"This suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Mr. Fitzgerald may for good cause request dissolution or modification of the suspension by petition to the Supreme Court."