CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Montgomery County lawyer received public censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) of the Tennessee Supreme Court on Jan. 8 for inadequate case management, lack of communication and other violations.
According to a news release, Cleo Hogan was hired to represent two clients in pursuing Social Security disability benefits after they received an initial denial of their claims. The clients appealed to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for reconsideration. Hogan received a notice from the SSA rejecting his clients’ request for reconsideration.
According to the BPR, Hogan missed the appeal deadline for both clients due to “inadequate case management protocols.” When he realized his error, Hogan told both clients that their only option was to file a new application for benefits.
Hogan declined to request a good cause extension of the appeal deadline, as permitted by applicable law, or advise the clients of this option, according to the news release.
“By these acts, Mr. Hogan has violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 5.1 (responsibilities of partners, managers and supervisory lawyers), 5.3 (responsibilities regarding non-lawyer assistants) and 8.4 (misconduct), and is hereby publicly censured for these violations,” the news release states.
A public censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law.
Clarksville Now has reached out to Hogan for comment.
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