he legal careers of attorneys licensed in Tennessee and Georgia, including Patrick Bryant Hawley, ended abruptly following his federal felony conviction. Once practicing business law and workers’ compensation, Hawley’s professional standing was irrevocably damaged by his plea to severe criminal charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Tennessee Supreme Court took swift action to suspend his license, citing the undeniable threat he poses to the public.
The Criminal Charges: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The disciplinary actions against Hawley were initiated following a criminal investigation that led to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea in federal court:
- Arrest and Initial Charges: In November 2024, Hawley, who resided in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents on multiple felony charges, including the sexual exploitation of children and the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- Guilty Plea: In June 2025, Hawley reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of sexually exploiting a minor (a 14-year-old girl from Pennsylvania).
- Sentencing and Registry: His guilty plea carries a minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, and he is legally required to register as a sex offender for life.
The Disciplinary Outcome: Suspension and Imminent Disbarment
The severity of the charges and the guilty plea triggered immediate and definitive disciplinary measures in both states where Hawley held a license:
- Tennessee Suspension: In November 2024, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order for the temporary suspension of Patrick Bryant Hawley’s law license. The Court found that the criminal charges, by their nature, meant he posed a “threat of substantial harm to the public,” necessitating his immediate removal from practice.
- Georgia Status: As he was also licensed in Georgia, his temporary suspension and felony conviction triggered reciprocal disciplinary proceedings.
Given that Hawley has pleaded guilty to a felony and faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison, permanent disbarment (or voluntary surrender of his license) is the inevitable final outcome of the disciplinary process in both Tennessee and Georgia. His criminal conviction permanently strips him of the character and fitness required to serve as an officer of the court.
Conclusion: The Priority of Public Safety
The case of Patrick Bryant Hawley underscores the strict ethical mandate placed upon all members of the Bar. When an attorney’s actions cross the line into severe criminal conduct, particularly involving vulnerable victims and sexual exploitation, their removal from the profession must be swift and permanent.
The immediate suspension and the looming final disbarment ensure that the public is protected and that the integrity of the legal profession is maintained against the most profound betrayals of trust.