A Putnam County lawyer who has represented clients in Cumberland County Criminal Court in the past has had her license to practice law temporarily suspended.
In a Feb 13 press release from the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Responsibility, Stephanie Branam Johnson has “temporarily been suspended from the practice of law upon finding that Ms. Johnson failed to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility concerning a complaint of misconduct.”
Johnson represented as co-council Diana Lynn Grosso, 66, Otisville, NY, who was charged with second-degree murder in the 2018 overdose death of Julia Meade, 59, of Arrowhead Drive, Lake Tansi.
Grosso pleaded guilty to reckless homicide on March 17, 2025.
The press release states, “Ms. Johnson is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and she must cease representing existing client by March 15. After March 15, Ms. Johnson shall not see any indicis of lawyer, legal assistant or law clerk nor maintain a presence where the practice of law is conducted.
“Ms. Johnson must notify all clients being represented in pending natters, as well as co-counsel and opposing counsel, of the Supreme Court’s Order suspending her law license. Ms. Johnson is required to deliver to all clients any papers or property to which they are entitled.”
The press release concludes the suspension remains in effect until dissolution or modification by the Supreme Court. Johnson has a right to petition the Supreme Court to request dissolution or modification of the suspension.