The Supreme Court of Tennessee has permanently disbarred Putnam and Cumberland County attorney James Nathan Hargis, effective June 18, 2026. According to websites such as Justia.com, Hargis had one office on North Washington Avenue in Cookeville, and at Woodmere Mall in Crossville.

The high court’s decision follows an acknowledgment by Mr. Hargis that he could not successfully defend himself against a multitude of pending disciplinary charges. According to court records, Mr. Hargis submitted an Affidavit in Support of Permanent Disbarment by Consent to the Board of Professional Responsibility, admitting to the misappropriation and conversion of both client and third-party funds. His actions were found to be in direct violation of Rule 8.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which governs attorney misconduct.

The permanent disbarment concludes a swift escalation of disciplinary actions against the attorney this year:

• April 13, 2026: The Supreme Court initially issued a temporary suspension against Mr. Hargis after determining he posed a “threat of substantial harm to the public” due to the mishandling of funds.

• June 11, 2026: An Order of Enforcement was entered, dissolving the temporary suspension and paving the way for final disciplinary action.

• June 18, 2026: The permanent disbarment took effect, tying together seven separate pending disciplinary files investigated between 2024 and 2026.

Under the mandates of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28, Mr. Hargis must immediately comply with all legal obligations and responsibilities required of disbarred attorneys. The Supreme Court of Tennessee confirmed that the ruling is final, and Mr. Hargis is entirely ineligible for future reinstatement to practice law within the state.