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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Tennessee Supreme Court upholds suspension of Chattanooga lawyer

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tennesse-state-supreme-court-upholds-suspension-of
photo Fred Hanzelik

The Tennessee Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the 45-day suspension of a Chattanooga attorney’s law license.

Fred T. Hanzelik was disciplined by the Board of Professional Responsibility after he attempted to bill one client twice for the same services and repeatedly failed to properly inform and assist another client, according to a news release.

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed that Hanzelik violated ethical rules regarding the collection of fees, communication with clients, expediting legislation and cooperating with investigations.

Hanzelik said he disagrees with the Supreme Court, but he will follow the court’s orders.

“I disagree with the suspension because I believe that I did not do anything improper or incorrect,” he said. “However, I did not have a choice in the matter and will be honoring the suspension as ordered.”