Summary of all disciplinary actions ranked in order of severity of sanction:

1. Permanently disbarred, effective 30 days from a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1985) Attorney was previously removed from the bench in the 17th Circuit, for her actions as an attorney prior to being elected a judge. She violated numerous Bar rules, including failing to fully inform clients, not giving clients sufficient information to make decisions, and failing to provide closing statements and place disputed funds in escrow. Attorney’s law office was among three firms representing healthcare providers in their case against Progressive Insurance Company alleging it had systematically underpaid providers on PIP claims. The law firms filed bad-faith claims for clients. After receiving a $3 million settlement from Progressive, Attorney’s firm paid clients $361,000 and kept more than $2 million as attorneys’ fees. The bad-faith attorneys subsequently sued Attorney and the other PIP attorneys and firms for unjust enrichment and fraud. (SC15-1761)

 

2. Permanently disbarred effective immediately, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) In several instances, attorney misappropriated client funds, and he repeatedly paid for personal and business expenses out of his interest on lawyers trust account. (Case No. SC16-1008)

 

3. Permanently disbarred, effective immediately, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney pleaded and was adjudicated guilty in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to one count of possession of child pornography, a felony. (Case No. SC16-1127)

 

4. Disbarred effective immediately, following a May 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2013) In at least three separate cases, attorney failed to maintain communication with his clients and was not diligent in performing services. In one instance, Attorney ceased contact with a client and left her without counsel for a scheduled hearing. He abandoned his practice, and he failed to respond to The Florida Bar regarding the matters. (Case No. SC16-1742)

 

5. Disbarred effective retroactive to August 11, 2016, following a July 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) In several instances, after being retained, attorney was not diligent in performing services. Attorney had trust account irregularities, neglected cases, and failed to communicate with clients regarding their cases, and he failed to sufficiently and timely respond to Bar inquiries. After charges were dismissed for a driving arrest, in a response to a Bar inquiry, attorney said he was unaware his driver’s license was suspended, he admitted to using heroin, and he admitted to suffering from mental illness, and severe addiction to drugs. (Case Nos. SC16-1987 & SC17-570) 

6. Disbarred effective immediately, following a July 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney was found in contempt for violating the terms of an August 31, 2016, order, in which he was suspended for three years. Specifically, attorney was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case Nos. SC17-62)

 

7. Disbarred effective immediately, following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $375 per month for 24 months to Cypress Insurance Group. An echeck from the insurance company for nearly $9,000 was mistakenly mailed to attorney. She deposited the funds and disbursed most of the money within days of receipt. Upon receiving an initial email from Cypress about the error, attorney said she’d investigate the matter. Thereafter, attorney ignored all requests to communicate with the insurance group. (Case No. SC16-1358)

 

8. Disbarred effective immediately, following a May 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney was retained to represent clients in two separate matters, and failed to adequately communicate and keep them informed. One case was dismissed and couldn’t be refiled because of the statute of limitations. In the other case, the client requested a full refund and the return of his file. Attorney refunded only $1,000 of the $2,760 and failed to return the file. In another matter that resulted in a monetary settlement, attorney refused to pay the award in the amount of nearly $12,800. She failed to respond to Bar inquiries regarding the matter. (Case No. SC16-1417)

 

9. Disbarred effective 30 days from a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1993) Attorney borrowed over $225,000 from a client’s inheritance for real estate development and gave $35,000 from the funds to his paralegal. Subsequently, attorney decreased the monthly payments to the client and then stopped making payments on the loan. Attorney engaged in a pattern of misconduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation regarding the loan agreement. (Case No. SC15-2095)

 

10. Disbarred effective immediately, following a March 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1969) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance, for violating the terms of an August 26, 2016, suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his three-year suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case No. SC17-45)

 

11. Disbarred effective immediately, following a March 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) After improperly filing a notice of withdrawal from a case with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, attorney was ordered to file a proper motion to withdraw that complied with Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. He failed to timely respond and he failed to appear in court. When the request to withdraw was finally granted, the court found his response insufficient and ordered him to pay a $250 sanction. Attorney failed to comply with another order requiring him to appear in court, and he failed to pay the sanction. (Case No. SC16-1300)

 

12. Disbarred effective 30 days from a February 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) After being retained, attorney failed to diligently represent clients. In two instances, she cashed checks, but failed to file paperwork. In another case, attorney failed to advise the client of court dates and hearings. In all three matters, attorney failed to respond to numerous phone calls and email inquiries regarding the status of the cases. Neither did she respond to Bar phone calls and written inquiries. (Case No. SC16-1191)

 

13. Disbarred effective immediately, following a March 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Attorney accepted legal fees, then failed to perform any useful services for her clients. The Bar filed a petition for emergency suspension on September 15, 2016, after attorney neglected multiple clients and abandoned her law practice. Attorney failed to appear at a deposition and produce subpoenaed records. She also failed to appear at a final hearing regarding discipline. (Case No. SC16-1625)

 

14. Disbarred effective immediately, following a February 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of an August 12, 2016, suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his three-year suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case No. SC16-2177)

 

15. Disbarred effective immediately, following a February 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) ATTORNEY was negligent in the representation of two homeowners associations. She misappropriated funds belonging to the associations, and failed to hold the funds in her trust account. Attorney also failed to respond to Bar inquiries regarding the grievance filed against her. (Case No. SC16-1233)

 

16. Disbarred effective 30 days from a February 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) In numerous instances, attorney failed to diligently represent clients, after accepting fees. He often failed to communicate, failed to act on cases, missed office appointments, and routinely failed to appear for scheduled hearings. Harp also consistently failed to meet filing deadlines. (Case Nos. SC16-261 & SC16-527)

 

17. Disbarred effective immediately, following a January 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) In one matter, Attorney represented a couple in foreclosure proceedings, then represented the wife in a dissolution of marriage while still the attorney of record in the foreclosure. In three other matters, attorney did not diligently represent clients after being retained. He failed to take action on their cases, failed to respond to a court’s motion, and failed to adequately communicate with clients and the Bar. (Case No. SC16-584)

 

18. Disbarred effective immediately, following a February 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2014) Attorney pleaded no contest in circuit court to practicing law without a license, a felony. He had been suspended previously in October 2015 for three years for his plea of no contest to the third-degree felony of conspiracy to introduce contraband into a county correctional facility. (Case Nos. SC15-2317 & SC16-949)

 

19. Disbarred effective immediately, following a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Attorney pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to one count of child pornography. He was sentenced to three years in federal prison. (Case No. SC16-1173)

 

20. Disbarred effective immediately, following a December 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Attorney continued to practice law after being suspended and placed on probation in 2014. (Case No. SC16-1677)

 

21. Disbarred retroactive to October 15, 2015, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) A Bar audit found that Lowy did not maintain the required trust account records, including a cash receipts and disbursements journal, monthly bank reconciliations and individual client ledger cards. Attorney received settlement payments on behalf of clients who were victims of an investment fraud scheme but he paid incorrect amounts to clients, overpaid himself, and failed to maintain a sufficient balance in the trust account to cover payments. Attorney also commingled funds. (Case No. SC15-1741)

 

22. Disbarred effective immediately, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney was retained to represent a client on two occasions. One was for an expungement of his misdemeanor arrest record. In both instances, attorney failed to enter into a fee agreement and did not confirm in writing whether the fee was nonrefundable. Attorney subsequently failed to communicate with the client regarding the status of his case. When the client applied for a job, he learned that the application was rejected because his arrest record had not been expunged. Attorney failed to respond to official Bar inquiries regarding the matter. (Case No. SC16-903)

 

23. Disbarredeffective immediately, following a December 22, 2016, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney represented a client in a personal injury matter. When the case settled, attorney kept an attorney’s fee of $8,333 and disbursed $8,523 to the client. Thereafter, the client made multiple attempts to contact attorney regarding his remaining balance of $7,794, but attorney did not respond. Attorney also failed to respond to The Florida Bar’s inquiries, nor did he respond to a Bar subpoena to produce financial records. (Case No. SC16-838)

 

24. Disbarred effective immediately, following a November 3 court order. (Admitted to practice:1976) Attorney was found guilty on eight felony counts involving fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. He was sentenced to four years in federal prison and is required to pay restitution of approximately $4.5 million. (Case No. SC14-1063)Disbarred, effective immediately, following a November 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1989) Attorney filed a frivolous and non-meritorious lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and pursued frivolous litigation in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida. (Case No. SC15-432)
25. Disbarred effective immediately, following a November 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) In addition to membership in The Florida Bar, attorney also practiced before the Internal Revenue Service and as a certified public accountant licensed by the state of Florida. Attorney was disbarred from practice before the IRS for engaging in disreputable conduct. (Case No. SC15-907)

 

26. Disbarred effective immediately, following an October 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) A compliance audit revealed that attorney continually had shortages in his trust account, commingled earned fees with client money, and paid personal expenses from his trust account. The audit further revealed that attorney did not maintain minimum trust accounting records and procedures. In at least two instances, despite promises, attorney failed and refused to refund money to clients. (Case No. SC16-348)

 

27. Disbarred effective immediately, following an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Attorney improperly obtained clients through a nonlawyer referral service. Despite having undergone the Law Office Management requirement, attorney continued his pattern of neglecting clients. He also refused to participate in the disciplinary process. (Case No. SC16-37)
28. Disbarred effective immediately, following an October 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney was charged with Racketeering Violation RICO Conspiracy, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, and trafficking in drugs. He later pleaded no contest to the RICO charge, and was adjudicated guilty by the court. He was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by four years’ probation. Attorney failed to notify the Bar of his felony charges or conviction. (Case No. SC16-318)

 

29. Disbarred effective retroactive to June 23, following a September 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) A Florida Bar investigation found that attorney misappropriated approximately $125,000 of escrowed funds he held as an escrow agent. He also altered bank statements and other documents pertaining to the IRS in an effort to conceal the misappropriation. Attorney was charged with possession of cocaine and using a firearm while under the influence and has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement requiring participation in the Florida Lawyers Assistance Program. (Case No. SC16-848)

 

30. Disciplinary revocation,with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney included allegations of gross negligence in the handling of guardianship cases and misappropriation of client funds. She also practiced law for at least 20 years using two different names. (Case No. SC17-1316)

 

31. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective retroactive to September 22, 2016, following a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involve trust account shortages. (Case No. SC17-696)

 

32. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary charges pending against attorney involved allegations of misconduct, including lack of competence and diligence, excessive fees and misappropriation of client trust funds. (Case No. SC17-596)

 

33. Disciplinary revocation,without leave to seek readmission, effective 30 days from an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney included allegations of wrongdoing in handling two residential property closings, and trust account violations. (Case No. SC17-1288)

 

34. Disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following an August 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involved allegations of misappropriation of client funds. (Case No. SC17-1279)

 

35. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective retroactive to September 22, 2016, following a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involved allegations of trust fund shortages and commingling funds. (Case No. SC17-696)

 

36. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved claims, made by a prior client, of the misuse of client funds. (Case No. SC17-476)
37. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a May 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved an adjudication of guilt for grand theft auto. (Case No. SC17-469)

 

38. Disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission, effective immediately, following a May 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Disciplinary revocation without leave to reapply is tantamount to permanent disbarment. Attorney pleaded guilty in court to 13 federal felonies including theft, embezzlement and misappropriation of bank funds, money laundering, bank and mail fraud, and false statements to a financial institution. (Case No. SC17-233)

 

39. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a May 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved a discipline case stemming from trust accounting issues in Alabama, involving misappropriation, misrepresentation, and the filing of false reports. (Case No. SC17-495)

 

40. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2013) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved a reciprocal discipline action in which attorney was found to have misappropriated funds from her previous law firm in Indiana. (Case No. SC17-174)

 

41. Disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission, effective 30 days from an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1982) Disciplinary revocation without leave to reapply is tantamount to permanent disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney included an overdraft in his trust account of more than $58,000 and allegations of improperly using client funds for a purpose other than which they were intended. (Case No. SC17-434)

 

42. Disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a March 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involved allegations of his involvement as an escrow agent in which a party was defrauded and his fraudulent conduct in civil proceedings. (Case No. SC17-92)

 

43. Disciplinary revocation, without leave to seek readmission, effective 30 days from an April 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved the misappropriation of funds from his trust account in the amount of more than $350,000. (Case No. SC16-2222)
44. Disciplinary revocation, without leave to seek readmission, effective 30 days from an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1973) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved the misappropriation of funds from his trust account in the amount of at least $200,000. (Case No. SC17-145)

 

45. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1980) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involved failure to maintain adequate communication with a client and failure to respond to The Florida Bar’s investigative inquiries. (Case No. SC17-324)

 

46. Disciplinary revocation, without leave to seek readmission, effective 30 days from an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1973) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved the misappropriation of funds from his trust account in the amount of at least $200,000. (Case No. SC17-145)

 

47. Disciplinary revocation, without leave to seek readmission, effective immediately, following an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved her contempt of a court order. (Case No. SC17-417)

 

48. Disciplinary revocation, without leave to seek readmission, effective immediately, following an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1993) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved her failure to complete representation, provide communication and return files upon request in certain client matters. (Case No. SC17-277)

 

49. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective retroactive to February 21, 2016, following a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney included misappropriation of client funds and failure to communicate with the client. (Case No. SC16-2081)

 

50. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1993) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved a conviction in federal court for money laundering. (Case No. SC16-2138)

 

51. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involved misappropriation of client funds. (Case No. SC16-1928)

 

52. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective retroactive to February 4, following a November 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney involves a guilty plea in federal court for bank fraud, a felony.(Case No. SC16-1431)
53. Disciplinary revocation, effective immediately, following an October 27 court order, with leave to seek readmission after five years. (Admitted to practice: 2009) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney includes allegations of misappropriation of client funds. (Case No. SC16-1546)

 

54. Disciplinary revocation, effective 30 days from an October 27 court order, with leave to seek readmission after five years. (Admitted to practice: 1982) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary matter pending against attorney includes allegations stemming from a May 26 arrest by federal authorities. (Case No. SC16-1557)
55. Disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission, effective immediately, following an October 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary charge pending against attorney involved an adjudication of guilt in 2013 for DUI with property damage and personal injury. (Case No. SC16-1340)

 

56. Disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from a September 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary matters pending against attorney involved civil charges for securities fraud. (Case No. SC16-1339)

 

57. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a June 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) According to the petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm. A Bar investigation indicated that attorney created false invoices of vendors and converted settlement funds for his own personal use. (Case No. SC17-1199).

 

58. Suspended until further order, effective July 27, following a July 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. She failed to fully respond to a subpoena for trust account records. (Case No. SC17-753)

 

59. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a May 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. He failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry.  (Case SC17-412)

 

60. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a May 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm, based on her misappropriation of at least $7,340 from her trust account. (Case No. SC17-943)

 

61. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following a June 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. He failed to fully comply with a subpoena for trust accounting records, and he failed to appear pursuant to a subpoena on two occasions for a duly noticed sworn statement. (Case No. SC17-459)

 

62. Suspended until further order, following a May 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) According to a petition for emergency suspension, Attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by taking improper loans from his clients and commingling trust funds in his operating account that had excessive overdrafts. It resulted in trust funds being misused for purposes other than those for which they were intended. (Case No. SC17-782)

 

63. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a May 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by the misappropriation of client funds. During every month in the audit period, there were trust account shortages ranging from $2,111 to $9,376. Nine Bar complaints alleged that attorney also failed to adequately communicate, neglected cases, and lacked competence. (Case No. SC17-795)

 

64. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following a May 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney was found in contempt for non-compliance. She failed to respond to official Bar inquiries and a subpoena for trust account records. (Case No. SC17-463)

 

65. Suspended until further order, following an April 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by misappropriating client trust funds. (Case No. SC17-594)

 

66. Suspended until further order, following an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1985) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. Attorney failed to comply with the terms of a Feb. 19 report of minor misconduct, which placed him on probation for one year and required him to schedule an evaluation with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., within 10 days and provide proof to The Florida Bar within 60 days. (Case No. SC17-93)

 

67. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following an April 17 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance for failure to fully respond to an official Bar inquiry. (Case No. SC17-190)

 

68. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance for failure to fully respond to an official Bar inquiry and produce all subpoenaed trust account records. (Case No. SC16-1016)

 

69. Suspendeduntil further order, effective immediately, following a March 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney pleaded no contest in court to four felonies and one misdemeanor, for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. (Case No. SC17-353)

 

70. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following a January 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm. A Bar investigation found that attorney misappropriated at least $95,000 that should have been held in trust. (Case No. SC17-114)

 

71. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a February 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. She failed to respond to an official Bar inquiry regarding a complaint. (Case No. SC16-2116)

 

72. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a January 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with the terms of a December 3, 2015, court order. Specifically, as a condition of her probation, attorney was required to attend and complete ethics school and a stress management workshop by June 3, 2016. Attorney also failed to undergo a review by the Discipline/Diversion Consultation Service of The Florida Bar. (Case No. SC16-1829)

 

73. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following a January 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney was found in contempt for non-compliance and failure to respond to an official Bar inquiry. (Case No. SC16-2110)

 

74. Suspended until further order, effective retroactive to November 23, 2016, following a December 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2014) Attorney pleaded no contest to one count of cheating, a felony. It was alleged that she participated and engaged in an elaborate kickback scheme that involved obtaining pain creams with false prescriptions paid for by various insurance companies. The court withheld adjudication of guilt and sentenced attorney to three years’ probation. (Case No. SC16-2102)

 

75. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a December 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney pleaded guilty and was adjudicated guilty in court to a charge of grand theft of a motor vehicle, a felony. (Case No. SC16-2254)Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a December 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Attorney pleaded guilty in federal court to 13 felony counts, including charges of theft, embezzlement, or misapplication of funds entrusted to a financial institution; money laundering, conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud and making false statements to a federal financial institution. He is scheduled to be sentenced by the federal court in March. (Case No. SC16-2231)

 

76. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a November 16 court order (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney was found in contempt for his willful failure to comply with the Bar’s subpoenas. (Case No. SC16-1800)

 

77. Suspended until further order effective 30 days from a November 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by misappropriating at least $946,764 of client funds. (Case No. SC16-1994)

 

78. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a November 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of a November 2015 suspension order. As a condition of his probation, attorney was required to retain the services of a certified public accountant to review his trust accounts monthly and submit a quarterly statement regarding compliance. Attorney was further ordered to submit a quarterly monitoring fee. (Case No. SC16-1781)

 

79. Suspended effective immediately, following a November 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to respond to an official Bar inquiry regarding a case. (Case No. SC16-1803)

 

80. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a November 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with a grievance committee subpoena to produce certain trust account records. (Case No. SC16-1628)

 

81. Suspended until further order, effective immediately, following a September 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance and failure to respond in writing to official Bar inquiries. (Case No. SC16-1536)

 

82. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a September 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with a subpoena requesting production of trust accounting records and also for failure to respond to official Bar inquiries. (Case SC16-1227)

 

83. Suspended until further order, effective October 18, following an October 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm. The Bar alleges that attorney abandoned his practice, charged excessive fees, and failed to protect his clients. The Bar has more than 50 open investigations against attorney, including one from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of Virginia. (Case No. SC16-1755)

 

84. Suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a September 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney was alleged to be causing great public harm by abandoning her law practice and failed to respond to 10 clients’ attempts at communication after she had accepted their legal fees. (Case SC16-1625)
85. Suspended until further order, following a September 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1978)attorney was found in contempt for failure to respond in writing to official Bar inquiries regarding a complaint. (Case No. SC16-1242)

 

86. Suspended for three years, retroactive to April 6, following an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) In December 2016, attorney pleaded no contest to six counts of child neglect, third-degree felonies, and one count of possession of cannabis, a misdemeanor. (Case No. SC17-374)

 

87. Suspended for three years effective immediately, following a June 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of a November 17 suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his 90-day suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case Nos. SC17-673)

 

88. Suspended for three years, effective immediately, following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Upon reinstatement, attorney is further placed on probation for three years and directed to attend ethics school. According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm, based on his misappropriation of at least $60,000 from his trust account. (Case No. SC16-2143)

 

89. Suspended for three years, effective retroactive to December 3, 2016, following a May 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Attorney pleaded and was adjudicated guilty to the felony charge of structuring financial transactions to avoid currency requirements, in violation of 31 U.S.C. Section 5324(a)(3). (Case No. SC16-1998)

 

90. Suspended for three years, effective immediately, following an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) In addition, attorney is ordered to cease practicing law during the term of his probation and withdraw from all pending cases. Attorney pleaded no contest to two counts of introducing contraband into a county detention facility, based on his arrest at the Okaloosa County Jail during a visit with a client. (Case No. SC17-265)

 

91. Suspendedfor three years, effective retroactive to June 16, 2016, following a March 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Further, upon reinstatement, attorney shall be placed on probation for three years. Without his permission, attorney borrowed money she was holding in trust for a client who was serving prison time. She met him when she was a paralegal. At the time, attorney was admitted to practice in New York and had passed the Florida bar exam but had not yet been admitted. Over the years, she made disbursements as instructed by the client. The client subsequently filed a complaint with the Bar, saying he’d lost touch with attorney, and he had no idea about the status of his money. Attorney replaced all the borrowed funds. (Case No. SC16-882)

 

92. Suspended for three years, effective 30 days from a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) In three separate matters, attorney failed to diligently represent clients. Attorney received a settlement of $25,000 on behalf of a client, but on several occasions, the account balance fell below that amount. He also failed to timely disburse the proceeds to the client. Attorney failed to properly maintain trust account records, and he failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of a case. (Case No. SC16-1034)

 

93. Suspended for three years, effective 30 days from a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Further, Attorney shall pay restitution of more than $25,000 to at least three clients. After being retained and receiving advance fees, attorney failed to provide competent representation. In some instances he failed to add clients as plaintiffs in mass joinder litigation; he failed to provide legal services; he failed to appear; and he failed to communicate. Upon being terminated by clients, attorney also failed to promptly return unearned fees. (Case No. SC16-1267)

 

94. Suspended for three years effective immediately following a November 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Further, attorney shall comply with a July 28 suspension order, Case No. SC16-49, prior to petitioning for reinstatement. Specifically, attorney was required to notify her clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of her two-year suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of her suspension order. (Case No. SC16-1784)
95. Suspended for three years, effective 30 days from a September 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) In representing a client, Attorney presented a forged document to the court and made a false statement to the judge. (Case No. SC15-1085)

 

96. Suspended for three years, effective immediately, following an October 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with the terms of a May 13 suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his one-year suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case No. SC16-1541)

 

97. Suspendedfor three years, effective immediately, following an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1980) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $10,000 to one complainant. Attorney was paid $20,000 to represent a client at two parole commission hearings. Before the first hearing, he requested and received an additional $10,000. Attorney assured the complainant that he was experienced with the parole commission, and he promised to get her son out of prison. Attorney subsequently could provide no proof that he had performed any substantive work on the client’s file. (Case No. SC16-748)

 

98. Suspended for two years, effective immediately, following a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Prior to petitioning for reinstatement, attorney is required to complete 30 hours of legal ethics and/or professionalism continuing legal education credits. In December 2014, adjudication was withheld following a jury trial for official misconduct, a third-degree felony. Attorney was sentenced to five years reporting probation, 20 hours of community service per week at Legal Aid of Broward County, and other fines and court fees. Attorney was suspended on April 17, 2015, upon her felony conviction, and remained suspended through the June 22 order. (Case No. SC15-486)

 

99. Suspended for two years, effective 30 days from an August 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Further, attorney is placed on probation for three years. A Bar audit found that attorney was not properly maintaining his trust account and, as a result, had shortages. Due to his poor bookkeeping, there were instances in which attorney did not timely disburse settlement funds to clients or third parties. He also made disbursements against client funds before the client’s funds were deposited into his trust account. (Case No. SC17-503)

 

100. Suspended for two years, effective immediately, following a May 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney shall pay restitution totaling $7,000 to two clients. attorney practiced law while suspended. (Case No. SC16-1022)

 

101. Suspended for 18 months, retroactive to November 23, 2016, following a March 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2014) Attorney is further to attend ethics school. She pleaded no contest to cheating, a felony, in connection with a “friends and family” kickback scheme at a company where she was employed as general counsel. (Case No. SC16-2102)

 

102. Suspended for 18 months, effective 30 days from a February 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was the subject of multiple Florida Bar disciplinary matters. He waived the right to a probable cause hearing before a grievance committee and entered into a consent judgment for discipline. (Case No. SC17-115)

 

103. Suspended for 18 months, effective retroactive to April 12, 2016, following a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Further, Attorney shall pay restitution of $8,500 to two clients. After being retained in separate cases, attorney failed to diligently represent clients. In one instance, he did not file a brief by the deadline and the appeal was dismissed. In another matter, he was fired and another attorney hired, because he did not file a motion as agreed. Attorney did not respond to letters from The Florida Bar regarding the matters. (Case No. SC16-1013)

 

104. Suspended for one year, effective immediately, following a June 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of a November 16, 2016, suspension order. Attorney was required to notify clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. The previously imposed probation is terminated. (Case No. SC17-619)

 

105. Suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a June 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) After being retained by clients in at least four cases, attorney failed to diligently represent them. She sometimes failed to respond to inquiries, she failed to communicate, missed a hearing due to car trouble but didn’t advise the client, and, in one case, she never filed pleadings on the client’s behalf. (Case No. SC17-290)

 

106. Suspended for one year, effective immediately, following a June 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Further, attorney is ordered to pay monitoring fee arrearages in the amount of $800. As a condition of reinstatement, she must undergo a substance abuse evaluation by an approved Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., provider and receive a recommendation from FLA in support of the reinstatement. Attorney was found in contempt for violating the terms of a September 16, 2015, order, in which she was suspended for 91 days and ordered to continue to comply with her Florida Lawyers Assistance rehabilitation contract for an additional three years. She was required to participate in random urine testing and have monthly personal contact with someone from FLA. (Case No. SC17-786)

 

107. Suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a May 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Further, upon reinstatement, attorney shall serve two years of In handling a dissolution of marriage proceeding, attorney disbursed funds from the former husband to the client and himself, and the remainder to costs, without a court order or settlement agreement indicating how the money would be disbursed. A Bar audit also found that attorney did not properly maintain his trust account in accordance with rules. Between July and September 2010, there were at least three overdrafts. (Case No. SC14-2499)

 

108. Suspended for one year, effective retroactive to April 20, following an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Attorney was subpoenaed and agreed to cooperate in a federal fraud investigation involving a company that sold vacation rentals. He had been a partner at a law firm that handled closings for the company. In the course of his duties supervising the closing agents, Attorney violated Bar rules. He made misleading statements, and when he learned the principals of the company were omitting pertinent information from the closing documents, he failed to warn them, failed to obtain additional legal opinions, and failed to withdraw from further representation. (Case No. SC17-539)

 

109. Suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a March 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney bought a house after persuading the seller to hold a second mortgage for $100,000 needed by attorney to pay the purchase price. Attorney promised to repay the seller and pledged his current home as security for the mortgage. Attorney sold his current home without telling the seller or repaying the seller’s second mortgage. Commencing in or about 2010, attorney failed to file and pay his personal federal and corporate tax returns in a timely manner. In another matter, attorney failed to timely respond to an inquiry about a Bar complaint. (Case No. SC16-1024)

 

110. Suspended for one year, retroactive to November 1, 2016, following an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) This is a reciprocal discipline matter. Attorney is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and was suspended by the N.J. Supreme Court, based on actions that caused his suspension in New York, where he also practiced. His handling of several immigration cases before the court were concerning. In one instance, attorney failed to timely file case opening forms; a second was dismissed for failure to file the petitioner’s brief. In another matter, he failed to timely file a brief despite being contacted by the chief deputy clerk. Further, he misrepresented to the clerk that the matter was settled and a motion was pending before the board of immigration appeals. (Case No. SC17-592)

 

111. Suspendedfor one year, effective immediately, following a March 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of an October 20, 2016, suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of her 91-day suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of her suspension order. (Case No. SC17-66)

 

112. Suspended for one year, following a March 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) In representing a plaintiff in a federal case, attorney knowingly pursued frivolous claims, engaged in discovery-related misconduct, failed to comply with court orders, and made misrepresentations to the court about producing discovery and his reasons for failing to appear at a hearing. As a sanction, he was ordered to pay more than $77,700 in fees and costs, and ultimately his client’s lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. (SC14-2049)

 

113. Suspended for one year, effective immediately, following a March 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with the terms of an October 13, 2016, suspension order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify her clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of her suspension and provide The Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of her suspension order. (Case No. SC17-157)

 

114. Suspended for one year, effective retroactive to Oct. 18, 2016, following a February 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm. A Bar investigation indicates that attorney abandoned his practice, charged excessive fees, and failed to protect his clients. The Bar has more than 50 open investigations against attorney, based on sworn complaints from the public and one from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of Virginia. (Case No. SC16-1755)

 

115. Suspended for one year and placed on two years of probation,following a February 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney converted client funds given to him for costs for his own use and repaid the funds after the clients filed a Bar grievance. In addition, he attempted to condition the repayment on the clients’ agreement to withdraw the grievance they filed with The Florida Bar. Attorney also incorrectly completed a certificate of disclosure form for the Bar, and he failed to timely notify his superiors at the Office of Regional Conflict Counsel, Second District, of the grievance filed against him by the client. (Case No. SC15-1323)

 

116. Suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) After being appointed by her father as trustee to his trust, attorney breached her fiduciary duties by failing to provide the required annual accountings and loaning herself substantial funds to assist in carrying out the trust’s responsibilities and her own living and medical expenses. (Case No. SC16-2204)

 

117. Suspended for one year,following a December 8, 2016, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) As counsel of record in numerous criminal cases, attorney engaged in a pattern of misconduct. She repeatedly failed to timely appear for court proceedings, and she frequently failed to notify the court and opposing counsel of her schedule. On more than one occasion, court proceedings were delayed and/or continued as a result of her failure to timely appear or failure to appear at all. Attorney was held in contempt for her conduct and ordered to pay a $250 fine, perform 25 hours of community service, and write a letter of apology to every judge and judicial assistant in the criminal division of the 18th Judicial Circuit in and for Brevard County. (Case No. SC15-385)

 

118. Suspended for six months, effective immediately, following a March 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $16,169.80 to one client. In that case, attorney accepted more than $15,000 in legal fees but provided no meaningful services. He subsequently abandoned the case and provided no documentation to the Bar that any legal work was undertaken on the client’s behalf. In another matter, Attorney made misrepresentations in sworn testimony regarding legal services he provided to a client and the amount of money he was paid. He continued to accept money from the client without doing any work on her case. He also failed to respond to the Bar regarding the matter. (Case No. SC16-2022)

 

119. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $4,000 to clients. Attorney failed to timely file pleadings, and after being notified, he failed to take any action to obtain surplus funds of more than $192,000 for a client. In two separate instances, attorney accepted fees to handle a bankruptcy and a foreclosure, and thereafter, failed to communicate. (Case No. SC17-1420)

 

120. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an August 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1983) After being retained in two immigration cases, one pro bono, attorney failed to diligently and competently perform services. He failed to file documents, or did not timely file, and he failed to adequately communicate with clients. Unable to re-enter the United States, one client was forced to leave his job, and he and his family had to return to Venezuela. (Case No. SC16-1776)

 

121. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) While employed by one law firm, attorney maintained his pre-existing law firm. A Bar investigation found that in six client matters while he was employed by the outside law firm, attorney used that company’s engagement letters and fee contracts, but directed the fee payments to be paid to his private practice or himself. (Case No. SC16-1733)

 

122. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a February 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Attorney advised a client in a paternity/child support matter, and the client’s employer, his uncle, that they could change the client’s job position to one with a lower salary, which could reduce the client’s child support obligation. Attorney then filed his client’s amended verified financial affidavit reflecting the lower income. The scheme was not discovered until several years later, when emails between the client, uncle, and attorney were provided to the mother. (Case No. SC17-101)

 

123. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) After being retained, attorney failed to diligently represent a client. In several instances, attorney knowingly misinformed the client about the status of a case. When the client confronted attorney about the discrepancy between what was in the court’s file and what she was being told, the attorney said she was withdrawing from the case. (Case No. SC16-2235)

 

124. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a November 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with a November 2014 court order in which he was publicly reprimanded and placed on probation for three years. Attorney signed a rehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance and agreed to follow all recommendations during the probation period. He failed to abstain from the consumption of alcohol, as required, and was arrested for DUI. (Case No. SC16-1519)

 

125. Suspended for 91 days, effective immediately, following an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney was retained by a client in October 2013 to provide an opinion letter with respect to the client’s website. Attorney failed to communicate with the client, despite numerous requests for information, and to produce the letter. (Case No. SC15-2328)

 

126. Suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an October 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) attorney is further directed to attend ethics school. In representing a couple in a personal injury case, attorney communicated solely with the wife, relying on her statements indicating her husband was in a coma. When the husband recovered, he was dismayed to learn that things occurred regarding the case that he did not agree to, such as a fee for attorney. Attorney also failed to hold the settlement funds in trust pending authorization from the husband. (Case No. SC15-2251)

 

127. Suspended for 91 days, effective 31 days from an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) An audit concluded that attorney’s trust account was not in substantial compliance with Bar rules. In more than one instance, attorney disbursed fees prior to receiving the deposits. The disbursement created shortages that were corrected when the funds were deposited. In four separate matters, attorney failed to diligently handle the cases, resulting in court dismissals. (Case Nos. SC15-2011 & SC16-581)
128. Suspended for 91 days, effective immediately, following an October 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney represented a client charged with a misdemeanor. A warrant had been issued ordering the arrest of the client. Attorney made false statements and misrepresentations to the trial court in support of vacating the warrant. Case No. SC16-26)

 

129. Suspendedfor 91 days, effective 30 days from an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1993) Attorney was found in contempt for violating a prior court order, by failing to comply with the terms of his Florida Lawyers Assistance rehabilitation contract. The Bar was subsequently made aware that he was arrested for drug-related charges. Attorney again failed to comply with his FLA, Inc., contract by testing positive for alcohol and cocaine, and failing to report his arrest. (Case Nos. SC15-1381 & SC15-1782)

 

130. Suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a February 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Attorney improperly shared fees with nonlawyer employees which financially rewarded the non-lawyers for bringing cases into the firm. (Case No. SC17-109)

 

131. Suspended for 90 days, effective March 1, following a February 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Further, attorney, and his former partner. are liable for paying restitution of $9,355 to six clients. Another client was previously refunded $4,600. From 2011 to mid-2014, attorneys operated a loan modification business through their law firm. They hired nonlawyers to do the work, and most of the communication with clients was done by nonlawyer employees. One employee obtained clients in Maryland, who were improperly charged upfront retainer fees, although neither attorney was licensed to practice in that state. (Case No. SC17-136) and (Case No. SC17-129).

 

132. Suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney was found in contempt for failure to comply with the terms of a July 28, 2016, court order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify her clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of her suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of her suspension order. (Case No. SC16-1986)

 

133. Suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a September 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney is further placed on probation for one year, and he shall pay restitution of nearly $6,600 to three clients. In several unrelated cases, Borgia was hired and paid a retainer fee to perform legal services for his clients for disability claims and/or appeals. In each case, he neglected the clients’ matters. He failed to communicate and failed to keep them reasonably informed about the status of their cases. (Case No. SC16-351)

 

134. Suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a March 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $4,056.42 to The Florida Bar Foundation. During a deposition, attorney admitted to using his law firm and business bank accounts to facilitate the sale or purchase of luxury marine vessels. Between 2008 and 2009, he operated a yacht brokerage business. Attorney commingled monies he should have been holding in trust with funds held in his operating and personal accounts, and in some instances, profited from the interest the funds generated prior to the transactions closing. Respondent provided inconsistent responses regarding his role in the transactions. (Case No. SC16-1824)

 

135. Suspended for 60 days, effective 30 days from a February 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Further, attorney is directed to attend ethics school. Attorney represented a father in a paternity action. During discovery, attorney sought and obtained approval from the court to obtain medical records pertaining to the mother of the child. The court ordered that the medical records were to be sealed. The trial court found that attorney violated the court order by providing information contained in the records to law enforcement and found her in indirect criminal contempt. (Case No. SC17-106)

 

136. Suspended for 45 days, effective 30 days from an Aug. 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Further, upon reinstatement, attorney shall be placed on probation for two years. Attorney was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol on January 2, 2015, and pleaded no contest. (Case No. SC17-183)

 

137. Suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a June 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney is placed on probation for two years. Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with a November 21, 2014, public reprimand order. He admitted to violating the terms of his Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., contract, by testing positive for alcohol on five different occasions and failing to timely remit his monthly monitoring fee. (Case No. SC16-1462)

 

138. Suspended for 30 days, effective February 11, following a February 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Further, attorney is ordered to attend ethics school. Attorney filed a motion in his marital dissolution proceeding making allegations about his former wife. Attorney was later called as a witness in an unrelated matter involving the former wife and questioned about the allegations. He testified that they were “overstated and misguided.” Attorney denied intentionally making false statements and blamed his perception on stress, heartbreak, and lack of sleep. In a second matter, attorney made inappropriate and unprofessional comments to a client, while representing her in a serious criminal matter. (Case No. SC16-1655)

 

139. Suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney engaged in a sexual relationship with a client he represented in a bankruptcy case. When a trustee found that the client withheld certain information in the case, attorney withdrew representation and the client was forced to hire a new attorney. (Case No. SC16-2251)

 

140. Suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a December 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1975) Further, upon reinstatement, attorney will be placed on probation for four years. Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of a December 12, 2013, court order. Attorney was required to participate in a rehabilitation program with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. He tested positive for alcohol and other prohibited substances during random tests in December 2015 and February 2016. (Case No. SC16-431)

 

141. Suspended for 15 days, effective 30 days from an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1980) Further, attorney shall attend ethics school and a professionalism workshop, and upon reinstatement, be placed on probation for six months, or until completion of the ethics school and professionalism workshop. In the course of representing plaintiffs in a civil action, attorney issued a misguided and threatening letter to a law firm. She later apologized and blamed her conduct on personal family and health matters. (Case NO. SC17-1424)

 

142. Publicly reprimanded by publication, following a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) In the handling of a case against an insurance company, Attorney endorsed a check to his clients but failed to hold in trust fees that were in dispute for another party involved in the matter. (Case No. SC17-18)

 

143. Publicly reprimanded by publication, following an August 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Attorney was retained by clients in two separate cases. Attorney failed to communicate with the clients and closed his office without informing them or returning their fees. He subsequently refunded both clients in full. (Case No SC17-580)

 

144. Publicly reprimanded following a June 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) When attorney’s health began to decline, he hired a part-time paralegal and used coverage counsel for matters that needed to be addressed in court. During that time, his communication with clients suffered, and in one instance he said he directed his paralegal to draft a complaint to preserve the statute of limitations on a case. Attorney subsequently learned that the complaint had not been filed by his coverage counsel, and the statute of limitations had expired. (Case No. SC16-2286)

 

145. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter,following an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1973) Following the death of her son, a longtime client retained attorney to represent her daughter-in-law client in a probate case. The court appointed the daughter-in-law personal representative of the estate in May 2012. Without her knowledge or consent, in May 2013, attorney filed a claim against the estate, for a loan that the mother-in-law made to her son prior to his death. The claim was initially filed in the wrong court and then later refiled in Broward County, where it was ultimately denied. (Case No. SC17-1411)

 

146. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following an August 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $7,150 to two clients, attend ethics school, and be placed on probation for two years. In three separate cases, attorney was retained by clients, then failed to diligently do the work. An audit found trust account irregularities. In all three instances, attorney did not clearly explain the nature and basis of his fee, and there was no signed agreement. He also failed to communicate with clients regarding the status of their cases. (Case No. SC17-195)

 

147. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following an August 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney shall be placed on probation for three years. Attorney pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty in court in 2015 for DUI. He was previously adjudicated guilty for DUI in 2014. Attorney also neglected a client’s case and failed to timely respond to The Florida Bar regarding the matters. (Case No. SC17-322)

 

148. Publicly reprimandedby publication, following an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) For nearly two years, attorney employed disbarred attorney as a paralegal. Attorney did not file the required notice of employment and sworn information reports with The Florida Bar as required. Disbarred attorney had direct contact with clients. (Case No. SC16-2196)

 

149. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a June 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Further, attorney is placed onprobation for the period of a Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. contract, not to exceed five years. Attorney had three adjudications of guilt for misdemeanor offenses. She pleaded and was adjudicated guilty of reckless driving (reduced from a DUI second offense). She also had a prior adjudication of guilt for leaving the scene of an accident with damage to a vehicle or other property. (Case No. SC17-104)

 

150. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a June 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney is placed on probationfor two years, and ordered to sign a two-year contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance. Inc. McCormick pleaded no contest and adjudication was withheld on a charge of refusal to submit to a breath/blood/urine test, and the charge of DUI involving property damage/personal injury, both misdemeanor offenses. He had a prior adjudication of guilt for reckless driving (reduced from DUI), a misdemeanor. Attorney self-reported his adjudications to The Florida Bar and voluntarily entered into a rehabilitation contract with FLA. (Case No. SC17-1010)

 

151. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Further, attorney is directed to attend ethics school. Attorney failed to diligently handle a probate matter. He was retained by a former client to file an amended petition on behalf of her relative, the decedent’s niece. Instead of contacting the client prior to filing, attorney relied solely on information provided by the former client. The estate assets were subsequently distributed to the former client. (Case No. SC16-2215)

 

152. Publicly reprimanded following a March 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Attorney opened three law offices in two months in South Florida. When the firm didn’t generate sufficient capital to cover the overhead, attorney failed to remit payroll taxes to the IRS for the last quarter of 2015. Instead, he commingled the payroll taxes into the firm’s general operating account. (Case No. SC17-213)

 

153. Publicly reprimanded following a May 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply in a timely manner with the terms of a January 5 court order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify her clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of her 90-day suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of her suspension order. (Case No. SC17-640)

 

154. Publicly reprimanded by publication following a May 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Attorney is further directed to attend ethics school. Attorney was retained to represent a married couple in a civil case against a car dealer. A sexual relationship developed between attorney and the female client at the outset of the litigation, creating a violation of 4-8.4(i) and a conflict of interest. When it ended almost six months later, attorney self-reported the matter to the Bar. He then filed for substitution of counsel and ceased representation of both clients. (Case No. SC16-1885)

 

155. Publicly reprimanded following a May 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1985) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply in a timely manner with the terms of an August 25 court order. Specifically, attorney was required to notify his clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his two-year suspension, and provide the Bar within 30 days a sworn affidavit listing the names and addresses of all persons and entities that were furnished a copy of his suspension order. (Case No. SC16-2311)

 

156. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Further, Attorney shall pay restitution of $4,200 to one client. Attorney’s retainer agreement was not clear to the client, so she subsequently terminated his representation by phone and stopped paying because she was dissatisfied. Attorney did not move to withdraw from the case and remained counsel of record, saying he was not aware he was required to file a motion to withdraw. (Case No. SC16-1747)

 

157. Publicly reprimanded following an April 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) As a result of personal and family-related crises, attorney has not paid his corporate and personal taxes for the past eight years. (Case No. SC17-318)

 

158. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following an April 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Further, attorney shall be placed on probation for two years, and sign a rehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance. Attorney admitted in court that she was unprepared for a client’s felony trial, so in lieu of preparing, she’d intended to withdraw from representation. She was also argumentative with the court at hearings, and she made statements in court and in social media posts that were derogatory and unprofessional regarding court personnel and the criminal justice system. (Case No. SC17-532)

 

159. Publicly reprimanded following a February 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney was found in contempt for violating the terms of a February 24, 2016, court order, when he was publicly reprimanded and placed on probation for one year. During the probationary period, attorneywas required to abstain from drinking alcohol and enter into a contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance. He failed to timely enter into the rehabilitation contract. (Case No. 16-2270)

 

160. Public reprimand, administered by a referee,following a January 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) During the course of representing a wife in a dissolution of marriage case, attorney filed several pleadings and sent correspondence containing allegations and statements designed to embarrass and humiliate opposing counsel. Unbeknownst to attorney, his assistant also sent out correspondence disparaging the opposing attorney. (Case No. SC16-1203)

 

161. Public reprimand administered by a referee, following a January 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Further, Attorney shall complete 30 hours of continuing legal education credits; half in guardianship and the remainder in guardianship, probate, and/or estate planning. During the course of serving as a voluntary guardian of a widow’s property for 10 years, attorney charged excessive fees, totaling more than $400,000. (Case No. SC16-1217)

 

162. Publicly reprimanded following a February 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) In one case, attorney began representing a client, then stopped communicating. In another matter, attorney agreed to help a client with a case, but it was never resolved.
     (Case No. SC16-2282)

 

163. Publicly reprimanded following a January 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) attorney was negligent in handling two cases. In one instance, he was paid a flat fee and did not file bankruptcy documents on time, causing the case to be dismissed. When he filed documents to reinstate the case, attorney demanded an additional fee from the client. He withdrew the motion to reinstate when the client refused. In a foreclosure defense matter, attorney failed to properly supervise a nonlawyer employee whose activities could be construed as giving legal advice. (Case No. SC16-379)

 

164. Publicly reprimanded, and further, placed on probation, following a February 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) ATTORNEY pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty to a charge of driving under the influence. She had a prior DUI conviction in 2008, but did not report either to The Florida Bar. (Case No. SC16-925)

 

165. Publicly reprimanded by a referee, and further placed on probation for two years,following a January 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) In a petition signed under oath, attorney stated that he had not practiced law, when in fact, he had. Attorney was notified previously by The Florida Bar that he needed to complete his continuing legal education requirements. When he failed to do so, he was notified that he was CLER delinquent and ineligible to practice until he removed the delinquency. (Case No. SC16-1232)

 

166. Publicly reprimanded by publication,following a January 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Further, attorney shall attend a trust accounting workshop. Attorney represented a client in varied business and personal matters, who wired substantial monies into his trust account during an approximate three-year period from which attorney was authorized to draw his compensation. When the client relationship ended, attorney undertook an accounting and discovered a shortfall, which he promptly disclosed and fully reimbursed to the client. A Bar audit found no evidence of intentional misappropriation, but that he was negligent with bookkeeping and commingled client trust funds. (Case No. SC16-2258)

 

167. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Attorney was negligent in the handling of an immigration case, leaving the client with just days to file an appeal or seek some alternate form of relief.  (Case No. SC16-2243)

 

168. Publicly reprimanded by publication following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Further, he is directed to attend ethics school. Attorney was the subject of two Florida Bar disciplinary matters. In one case, probable cause was found by a grievance committee. In another case, attorney failed to adequately communicate with a client about the status of his personal injury cases. He also failed to timely send demand letters to the insurance companies on the complainant’s behalf, and he failed to properly supervise a nonlawyer assistant. (Case No. SC16-2212)

 

169. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a January 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney was the subject of two Florida Bar disciplinary matters. Probable cause was found by a grievance committee in both cases. In one matter, he failed to adequately supervise a nonlawyer employee who was also his wife, and the client terminated his representation due to a lack of communication. In another matter, attorney was not in compliance with the terms of the grievance committee’s recommendation of diversion, which required him to attend ethics school. Attorney did not confirm his attendance with the Bar as required, and he failed to attend the third scheduled ethics school. (Case No. SC16-2236)

 

170. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following an October 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney shall complete a trust accounting workshop. Attorney shared fees with a non-lawyer employee and charged excessive fees. A Bar audit found deficiencies in Flynn’s trust account caused by his lack of experience. (Case No. SC16-1802)

 

171. Publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following an October 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Attorney worked for a law firm, based in California, that handled foreclosure surplus cases in Florida. In representing a client on a contingency fee basis, attorney was not diligent in following up on information provided to her. (Case No. SC16-1801)

 

172. Public reprimand by publication following a November 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1975) A review of the law firm’s banking records revealed that attorney failed to adhere to trust account procedures. Several checks issued from his operating account were returned for insufficient funds and attorney used his trust account for personal reasons. (Case No. SC16-1847)

 

173. Public reprimand following a November 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney pleaded guilty in North Carolina to Driving While Impaired. The case was appealed and subsequently dismissed based on an unlawful stop; however, she failed to report the initial conviction within 10 days as required by Rule 3-7.2(e). (Case No. SC16-875)

 

174. Public reprimand following a November 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2013) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to respond to official Bar inquiries in a timely manner. (Case No. SC16-1434)

 

175. Public reprimand following a November 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) A grievance committee found that attorney improperly solicited potential clients. As two pro se parties were leaving a courtroom, attorney approached them, suggested they needed counsel, and offered his services. (Case No. SC16-1883)
176. Public reprimand following an October 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) In communicating a fee reduction matter between his law firm and the father of a former client, attorney knowingly engaged in conduct involving misrepresentation. (Case No. SC16-494)

 

177. Publicly reprimanded following a September 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney shall further pay restitution of $17,500 to clients. In five separate matters, Attorney accepted fees but failed to diligently pursue cases. In most instances he failed to communicate, did little or no work, and failed to appear in court. Clients were forced to hire new counsel. (Case No. SC15-2042)

 

178. Publicly reprimanded by publication,following a September 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Further, he shall attend ethics school. Attorney is the subject of several disciplinary matters in which he failed to diligently represent clients. In two instances, he failed to provide retainer agreements, was disorganized, and did not provide complete updates. In two other matters, attorney accepted retainer agreements but improperly handled the cases. (Case No. SC16-1395)