Summary of Florida Bar 2019 Disciplinary Actions

In 2019, the Florida Supreme Court issued 214 disciplinary orders against attorneys. They are reported by the Florida Bar in a monthly press release. I have taken all actions and organized them and ranked them in order of severity. I believe by looking at the data in this manner certain patterns are easier to identify.

Happy New Year!

-eddie

Attorney permanently disbarred, effective immediately following a September 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney engaged in numerous acts of misconduct including filing meritless motions to quash service of process in foreclosure cases to delay the cases; engaged in disrespectful and aggressive behavior toward members of the judiciary; failed to appear at scheduled court hearings; failed to communicate with his clients; settled clients’ cases without authorization; engaged in fraud; and knowingly allowed a client to provide false testimony at trial. (Case Nos. SC16-1727, SC17-1428 and SC18-1197)
Attorney permanently disbarred, effective immediately following an August 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney misappropriated at least $84,772 of a client’s funds in a wrongful death lawsuit. He was arrested and held in contempt of court by a 13th Circuit court judge. (Case No. SC18-2097)
Attorney permanently disbarred effective immediately following an August 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) In four combined grievance files, attorney was found guilty of failing to communicate with his clients and failing to diligently pursue their cases. He also made misrepresentations. As attorney is already disbarred, his permanent disbarment was effective immediately. (Cases No. SC18-1614)
Attorney permanently disbarred, effective immediately following a July 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2013) In July 2018, attorney was terminated as an associate attorney from Barak Law Group for cause. Afterward, he began holding himself out as the owner of Barak Law Group and contacted opposing counsel on several of the law firm’s cases to advise them to no longer communicate with owner regarding their cases. On August 12, 2018, attorney and his brother burglarized the Barak Law Group’s office and the firm’s storage unit. Criminal charges still were pending against attorney and his brother at the time the Bar’s case was concluded. Despite an injunction obtained by Barak, attorney continued filing unauthorized papers and pleadings on behalf of clients of Barak Law Group while holding himself out as being affiliated with the law firm. He also represented his brother in an unrelated family law matter and filed at least six documents wherein the signature block showed his affiliation with Barak Law Group in direct violation of the injunction. (Case No. SC19-39)
Attorney permanently disbarred, effective immediately following a June 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney was also ordered to pay restitution to six clients after his apparent abandonment of his law practice. Beginning in October 2018, six judges from three different Florida counties reported attorney’s failure to appear at numerous court appearances. Attorney also failed to communicate with his clients, failed to perform the work for which he was retained, and failed to respond to the Bar or otherwise participate in the disciplinary proceedings. (Case No. SC18-1944)
Attorney permanently disbarred, effective immediately, following a March 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Attorney threatened the opposing party with criminal action to gain an advantage in a civil matter and misrepresented the matter to the Bar. He was previously disciplined for similar and additional misconduct, for which a disbarment recommendation had been made. Attorney failed to respond to an order to show cause issued by the Florida Supreme Court regarding the recommended sanction. (Case No. SC17-1949)
Attorney permanently disbarred effective retroactive to July 19, 2018, following an October 18, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Attorney abandoned his law practice after being arrested and detained until trial for violating the conditions of his pretrial release in a federal criminal case. He also pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and agreed to forfeit his law license. Attorney also failed to diligently represent a client after collecting a fee for his services. (Case Nos. SC18-1151 and SC18-942)
Attorney permanently disbarred effective immediately, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney pleaded no contest to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; he also was charged with felony drug possession. In a criminal matter, attorney represented a client, but failed to properly inform the client that his appearance was necessary for a court hearing. Finally, attorney was alleged to have failed to timely file a notice of appeal in a client’s criminal matter while working for another attorney and failing to communicate with the client. (SC18-1616)
Attorney disbarred for 10 years, effective 30 days from a July 17 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney raised frivolous claims, made misrepresentations to the court, suborned perjurious testimony, and raised false and/or frivolous claims of privilege in order to conceal relevant evidence. His abusive litigation tactics harmed his own client’s interests and caused prejudice to his client. The enhanced disbarment period of 10 years is based on his part in perpetrating a massive fraud upon the courts of South Florida (Case No. SC16-1323)
Attorney disbarred effective Dec. 7 following a November 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) Attorney was suspended by the Fourth District Court of Appeal and referred to The Florida Bar for his failure to respond to the appellate court multiple times in two criminal appeals. Attorney also failed to take actions for which he was hired and misrepresented the status of the case to his client. Attorney was also hired to modify child support for a client and while successful, he failed to draft an order as instructed by the court and took no action for five years. (Case No. SC18-501)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately following a November 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) After being suspended, attorney held himself out as a lawyer after the effective date of his suspension order. The Florida Supreme Court issued an Order to Show Cause and Petersen failed to respond. (Case No. SC19-1522)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following a November 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was suspended by the court beginning August 12, but he failed to notify his clients of his suspension and failed to file a complete and accurate affidavit as required. He also continued to practice law after being suspended. (Case No: SC19-1695)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following an October 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) Attorney received $15,000 from a client to perform a quiet title action but failed to use the funds for that purpose. A Florida Bar audit of his trust account revealed that it did not comply with minimum trust account requirements and that he had misappropriated more than $339,777 by writing checks to himself without any billing records, client ledgers, or accounting. (Case No. SC18-184)
Attorney disbarred immediately following an October 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney represented a client in a criminal appeal but failed to file the appropriate paperwork so the court issued an order to show cause. He then failed to respond to the court, which referred the case to The Florida Bar. Attorney did not respond to the Bar and failed to participate in the disciplinary proceeding. (Case No. SC19-708)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately and ordered to pay restitution to two clients following an October 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney received retainers to handle two bankruptcy cases but failed to diligently pursue the cases or communicate with the clients. She also misrepresented the status of the proceedings and failed to respond to Florida Bar inquiries regarding the clients’ grievances. Attorney is ordered to pay restitution to both clients totaling $3,585. (Case No. SC19-621)
Attorney disbarred, effective 30 days from an October 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) In the first of three combined cases attorney’s direct mail advertisement did not comply with required rules. In a second case, following a trial initiated by the FTC, attorney was shown to have engaged in numerous acts of solicitation to represent clients by creating a false network of out-of-state attorneys to serve out-of-state clients. Non-lawyers were running the business and attorney attempted a cover-up by creating numerous fictitious entities designed to hide the true nature of his operation. In a third case, attorney allowed a roofer to sign up clients for him in a scheme similar to the FTC case and for which he had been previously disciplined. (Case No. SC18-186).
Attorney disbarred effective immediately following an October 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Attorney abandoned his law practice, neglected various client matters, lacked competence, failed to maintain adequate client communication, failed to earn his fees, and failed to return documentation to his clients. Attorney also failed to respond to the Bar’s investigative inquiries and failed to participate in the disciplinary proceeding. (Case No. SC19-628)
Attorney disbarred, and ordered to pay restitution totaling $11,500 to two clients, effective 30 days from a September 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney entered into a partnership with a nonlawyer to provide foreclosure defense legal services. He split legal fees with nonlawyers, failed to properly supervise the lawyers and nonlawyers working in the business, and assisted in the unlicensed practice of law. Attorney also did not competently and diligently represent clients and failed to adequately communicate with them. He charged an excessive fee and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty and bad faith. (Case No. SC16-1213)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following a September 5 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) A client retained attorney to handle a family court matter. After both the client and opposing counsel informed the court that they were unable to contact her and she failed to appear in court, the judge contacted The Florida Bar. Attorney failed to respond to inquiries or otherwise participate in the discipline process. (Case No. SC19-235)
Attorney disbarred, effective 30 days from a September 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney made material misrepresentations to the Bankruptcy Court in one case and after having been suspended from practicing before the Bankruptcy Court, continued to file documents on behalf of a client. In other cases, attorney failed and refused to return earnest money deposits to buyers that he had accepted as the real estate broker and escrow agent, despite the short sales not being approved. He also made material misrepresentations to the court and the Bar. (Case Nos. SC18-588, SC18-656 and SC18-772)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following an August 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) Attorney was found to have taken improper loans from his clients and commingled trust funds in his operating account that had excessive overdrafts. As a result, trust funds were used for purposes other than those for which they were intended. (Case No. SC17-782)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately following an August 1 court order (Admitted to practice: 1996) Attorney was adjudicated guilty for federal felony convictions of wire fraud and conspiracy. (Case No. SC18-1606)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a July 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney engaged in felony criminal conduct involving drug possession. In disciplinary proceedings, he failed to appear for scheduled case management conferences, respond to the Bar’s discovery requests, and appear for the scheduled sanction hearing. (Case No. SC19-130)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following an August 1 court order. The court had ordered an emergency suspension February 13. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Attorney abandoned his law practice without protecting his clients’ interests. In three separate matters, his failure to appear in court caused arrest warrants to be issued for his clients. In addition, attorney did not participate in disciplinary proceeding. (Case No. SC19-190)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately, following a July 25 court order, and ordered to pay $2,500 restitution to one client. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Attorney was hired and paid $2,500 to handle a business bankruptcy. He failed to file the case and communicate with the client. In another case, after appearing for a client in federal court, attorney subsequently failed to appear in court and did not communicate with his client. In both cases, he did not respond to court inquiries and grievance complaints. (Case No. SC19-110)
Attorney disbarred, effective May 29 following a May 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) The Supreme Court of Florida suspended attorney indefinitely effective January 9, 2019, because he failed to fully comply with a subpoena issued by the Bar for his attorney trust account records. Attorney failed to provide notice of his suspension to his clients, opposing counsel and the courts. He continued practicing law and meeting with clients after the effective date of his suspension. His actions constituted contempt of the court’s suspension order. (Case No. SC19-295)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately, following a May 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) In dealing with an elderly client, Attorney charged prohibited fees, had a conflict of interest, and engaged in deceitful and dishonest conduct by unilaterally loaning his brother’s company money from his client’s trust, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. In December 2018, the Supreme Court placed him on an interim suspension and ordered fee arbitration with his former client. In a second matter, also involving an elderly client, Attorney failed to communicate, lacked competence, failed to properly supervise non-lawyer assistants, failed to exercise professional independence, and supported the unlicensed practice of law by a non-legal entity. (Case Nos. SC17-321 & SC18-928)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following a May 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney was held in contempt for engaging in the practice of law during his period of suspension and during the period of cost delinquency. (Case No. SC19-387)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following a May 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s order (April 5, 2018) for failing to notify clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his suspension. (Case No. SC19-227)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately following a May 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney failed to act with diligence by failing to initiate litigation on his client’s behalf and thereafter abandoning his client. Attorney failed to adequately communicate with the client, and he continually failed to comply with the client’s requests for information. Attorney also failed to respond to the Bar’s inquiries in this matter. (Case No. SC18-1387)
Attorney disbarred, effective 30 days from a May 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) In multiple cases, attorney incompetently handled matters; charged excessive fees; failed to effectively communicate with clients; failed to properly supervise lawyers and nonlawyer staff practicing without a license in another state; was dishonest; failed to provide a settlement statement to a service provider; failed to hold in trust disputed settlement funds; and solicited clients. (Case Nos. SC16-797, SC16-1480 and SC17-307)
Attorney disbarred, effective immediately, following a May 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney abandoned his law practice and failed to maintain adequate client communication, neglected cases, and failed to return unearned fees. He also failed to return original documentation provided by clients, or to respond to the Bar’s inquiries as required. (Case No. SC18-1947)
Attorney disbarred effective 30 days from a February 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) Attorney misappropriated $32,500 of client funds held in trust to pay personal debts, including various gambling debts. (Case No. SC18-1157)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) In several instances, attorney settled client cases and misappropriated the settlement proceeds. He also failed to adequately communicate with some clients and subsequently abandoned them. (SC18-1084)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) After receiving notice from The Florida Bar, attorney failed to appear at a final disciplinary hearing and did not participate throughout the proceedings. In addition, he failed to provide competent representation, failed to communicate, and failed to expedite litigation in a civil matter. (Case No. SC18-600)
Attorney disbarred effective retroactive to April 2, 2018, following an October 15, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Attorney was disbarred for engaging in felonious criminal activity involving conspiracy to commit insider trading/securities fraud. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. (Case No. SC18-479)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a December 27, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney abandoned his law practice and clients, failed to complete the legal services for which he was hired, and allowed the statute of limitations to expire in 14 personal injury cases without settlement and without communicating the status of the cases to the clients. (Case No. SC18-940)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a November 29, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of more than $23,000 to one client. Attorney had a significant shortage in her trust account and abandoned her law practice. She also made misrepresentations to The Florida Bar during its investigation, failed to respond to the Bar’s subpoena, and failed to appear for the final disciplinary hearing. (Case No. SC18-776)
Attorney disbarred effective 30 days from a December 4 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2003) While representing himself in two separate civil actions, attorney engaged in frivolous, bad faith, annoying, and abusive litigation tactics. He also made misrepresentations to the court and others. Attorney displayed similar misconduct in the disciplinary proceedings. (Case No. SC17-1258)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a November 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney was retained to handle a postconviction appeal but failed to return telephone calls or to respond to the written communications of his incarcerated client. Attorney had a history of discipline and failed to respond to the inquiries of The Florida Bar or to appear in the disciplinary proceedings. (Case No. SC18-319)
Attorney disbarred effective 30 days from a December 4 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 1999) In one matter, attorney represented a homeowner in a foreclosure action and engaged in a conflict of interest by allowing his legal assistant, with whom he was romantically involved, to live in the home which was the subject of the representation. In another matter, attorney claimed a nonrefundable fee without confirming in writing, and was dishonest during the disciplinary investigation. (Case No. SC16-1922)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a December 21 court order. (Admitted to practice:1987) attorney was found in contempt for noncompliance. He failed to comply with the terms of an April 19 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. SC18-1657)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following a November 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Attorney engaged in dishonest conduct by misusing client funds. He violated Bar Rules governing the safekeeping of property and the application of trust funds or property to specific purposes. (Case No. SC14-100)
Attorney disbarred effective immediately, following an October 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Attorney closed his law office without notice, abandoned his clients’ pending legal matters and failed to protect his clients’ interests. He also failed to refund unearned fees and unexpended costs. In one matter, attorney provided a falsified order to mislead the client into believing he was working on his immigration case. (Case No. SC18-632)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission, effective immediately following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1979) Attorney, a member of the judiciary in Lee County at the time, was arrested on Feb. 9, 2018, for soliciting prostitution and resisting an officer without violence. After entering into a deferred prosecution agreement, he completed all requirements, which resulted in an administrative dismissal. attorney paid a $1,000 fine; took a restorative justice course; attended an AIDS workshop and counseling; and resigned from the bench. (Case No. SC19-1301)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1977) Attorney was disbarred by order dated October 31, 2002. Despite being disbarred, he had direct contact with clients. (Case No. SC19-1347)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation effective immediately, without leave to seek readmission, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Attorney pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, a felony. He will be sentenced on March 25. (Case No: SC18-2005)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a revocation with leave to seek readmission to The Florida Bar after five years, effective 30 days from an August 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) After receiving notice from the bank that a check drawn on attorney’s law office trust account was dishonored due to insufficient funds, the Bar conducted a compliance audit that revealed that attorney failed to maintain the account in substantial compliance with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, resulting in shortages. (Case No. SC19-991)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek admission after five years effective 30 days following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Attorney failed to appear on behalf of her criminal clients at several hearings before judges and also failed to communicate with her clients. (Case No. SC19-1442)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective immediately following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1968) Attorney, an escrow agent for a private buy-sell bitcoin agreement, received more than $2 million in escrow funds and failed to disburse those funds in accordance with the escrow agreement. (Case No. SC19-1525)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective 30 days from a November 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2013) After two separate arrests, attorney was adjudicated guilty on the felony offenses of purchase of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, bribery and accepting unlawful compensation. He was also adjudicated guilty on the misdemeanor offense of possession of drug paraphernalia. (Case No. SC19-1611)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective immediately following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Attorney wrongly converted client trust funds and neglected client matters. He returned all amounts converted. (Case No. SC19-1416)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective 30 days from an October 24 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Attorney was arrested for Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage. She pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of Reckless Driving and the trial court withheld adjudication and sentenced her to six months of supervised probation with special conditions. Attorney’s Florida Bar disciplinary matter was diverted to Florida Lawyers Assistance Inc., and she participated with FLA for one year until she violated the terms of the contract. (Case No. SC19-1535)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation, effective retroactively to his suspension on August 30, 2018, following an October 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney was the supervising attorney of a large law firm in Atlanta, where he failed to adequately supervise one of his associates who billed a client for work done on behalf of the in-house counsel. The in-house counsel hid the billings from the conglomerate client. Attorney should have known the billings were false and misleading. (Case No. SC19-1338)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days following a November 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) On August 29, an indictment filed in federal court charged attorney with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer. Attorney tendered an instant Petition for Disciplinary Revocation in response to those pending criminal charges. (Case No. SC19-1705)
Attorney receives disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective immediately, following an October 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Attorney misappropriated settlement funds held in trust; used unrelated funds to satisfy a trust fund liability; made misrepresentations to The Florida Bar in response to the Bar’s investigation; and failed to produce and maintain required trust accounting documents and other required records. (Case No. SC19-1357)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years effective 30 days from an August 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1993) Parrish was adjudicated guilty of a misdemeanor charge of harassing a victim, in this case of a domestic violence attack. (Case No. SC19-962)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately following an August 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) Charges pending against attorney in a Bar grievance involved misappropriation of client trust funds as well as other misconduct involving surplus funds. (Case No. SC19-903)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after 10 years, effective immediately, following a September 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Disciplinary charges pending against attorney involved misappropriation of client trust funds. (Case No. SC19-433)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from an August 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney, the only attorney with signatory authority for the firm’s trust accounts, failed to maintain the minimum trust account records or follow the minimum trust account procedures as required, resulting in client trust funds being used for purposes other than those intended. (Case No. SC19-711)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission to The Florida Bar after five years, effective immediately from a September 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) Attorney submitted a Petition for Disciplinary Revocation of Admission based upon allegations that he took fees from his clients and did not perform any significant legal work. He did not refund any of the unearned legal fees. (Case No. SC19-1059)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective immediately, following an August 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2015) Attorney represented her firm as a New York City law firm, when it was located in Jacksonville. She used non-lawyers in Florida to improperly solicit clients. They also offered legal advice to those clients, throughout the United States, for foreclosure defense and bankruptcy. Attorney’s firm would accept fees and either refer a client to a lawyer in the client’s locale without paying the lawyer or would accept the fees and abandon the client altogether. The non-lawyers filed pleadings and engaged in the unlicensed practice of law in those other states. attorney’s firm failed to communicate with clients about the extent of the firm’s representation or failed to communicate with the client altogether. Her firm also failed to maintain minimum trust accounting procedures. (Case No. SC19-1148)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from an August 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) The Bar received notice that a check drawn on attorney’s law office trust account was dishonored because of insufficient funds. A compliance audit revealed attorney failed to maintain the account in substantial compliance with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, resulting in shortages. (Case No. SC19-991)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 60 days from July 1, following an August 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) The Bar received an insufficient funds notice regarding two checks issued from attorney’s trust account. Attorney said the checks had been paid and no clients harmed. After the Bar issued subpoenas to audit his trust account, attorney submitted a Petition for Disciplinary Revocation. (Case No. SC19-1121)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation effective immediately following an August 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) Attorney misappropriated more than $200,000 of client funds from his trust account. (Case No. SC19-640)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective immediately following a June 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) It is alleged that attorney settled a client’s case without the client’s approval. Settlement funds in the amount of $21,500 were remitted to attorney and deposited by him in his trust account on February 7, 2018. Attorney thereafter misappropriated the settlement funds. On or about December 21, 2018, attorney repaid the $21,500 to the client’s subsequent counsel. (Case No. SC19-787)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from a June 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Charges pending against attorney at the time of the court order included his misuse of trust funds from a real estate closing and misrepresenting the status of a pending legal action. (Case No. SC19-534)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to apply for readmission, effective 30 days from a June 27, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Charges pending against attorney included failure to perform services after being retained in one client matter; direct solicitation of a client in a high-profile criminal case; and pending criminal charges for driving under the influence in one matter and possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license in another matter. (Case No. SC19-781)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a June 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Attorney had three disciplinary cases pending before a referee alleging that he engaged in disrespectful and confrontational behavior with two separate traffic magistrates; that he failed to comply with discovery requests leading to sanctions being imposed in a personal civil matter; and that he failed to appear before a grievance committee and produce documents. Attorney also had two other matters pending before a grievance committee alleging that after accepting a fee to represent two criminal defendants, he failed to properly communicate and diligently represent them. (Case No. SC19-717)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately, following a June 20 court order. At the time of his disciplinary revocation, charges pending against attorney in a Bar grievance involved misappropriation of client trust funds. (Case No. SC19-534)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective immediately following a May 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) In 2009, attorney was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with felony grand theft of personal property. On July 13, 2010, he entered a no contest plea to one count of felony theft. The court accepted the plea and found him guilty. Attorney was sentenced to three years’ probation, 45 days of community service, and ordered to pay restitution of $221,775 to the victim. He failed to report his felony arrest and conviction to The Florida Bar as required by The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. (Case No. SC19-410)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010) Complaints pending against attorney included allegations of lack of communication, neglect, and excessive fees. (Case No. SC19-205)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave for readmission after five years, effective 60 days from March 19 following a May 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1973) At the time of his disciplinary revocation, charges pending against attorney in two Bar complaints involved misappropriation of client trust funds. (Case No. SC19-447)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective immediately, following an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney pleaded guilty to the felony of engaging in a monetary transaction affecting interstate commerce by, through, and to a financial institution, in criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 that is, property derived from health-care fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1957 and 2. (Case No. SC19-345)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective 30 days from an April 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Following the initiation of contempt proceedings in federal court caused by his failure to appear at court hearings, as well as an unrelated allegation of lack of communication and diligence in a client matter, the court granted attorney’s petition for disciplinary revocation. (Case No. SC19-284)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective 30 days from an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Attorney filed a petition for disciplinary revocation, which was granted, after he entered a plea to three felony charges and was sentenced to five years of probation. (Case No. SC19-274)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek admission after five years, effective 30 days from a March 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney was alleged to have failed to provide two separate clients with diligent representation and failed to maintain adequate communication with them. Attorney was further alleged to have failed to respond in a timely manner to the Bar’s investigative inquiries. (Case No. SC18-2068)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective April 6 following a March 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) In March 2018, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida filed a superseding 35-count indictment charging attorney with among other offenses Conspiracy to Commit Securities and Wire Fraud; Securities Fraud; Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and Money Laundering. Following a December 2018 jury trial, he was found guilty of 33 of the 35 counts and sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay more than $19 million in restitution. (Case No. SC18-2123)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective 90 days from a Feb. 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997). Attorney improperly disbursed funds from his trust account. He tendered a Petition for Disciplinary Revocation, which was granted by the court. (Case No. SC18-2038)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective 30 days from a February 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1970) Attorney was discourteous and unprofessional in civil proceedings, resulting in a mistrial. Upon retrial, additional misconduct occurred. (Case No. SC19-176)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately following a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1983) In 2012 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, the U.S. Attorney charged attorney with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering; and Money Laundering. The charges were part of a 40-count indictment charging 12 people with participating in a large-scale international “boiler room” stock fraud scheme. In 2018, Attorney pleaded guilty to the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and was sentenced to three years of probation with the first six months home detention and restitution of $134,261.53. (Case No. SC19-18)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective immediately following a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) Attorney filed a Petition for Reinstatement following a three-year suspension. The Bar’s investigation discovered that attorney had client contact during his suspension. Attorney dismissed the Petition for Reinstatement and filed a Disciplinary Revocation. (Case No. SC19-144)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 30 days from a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Attorney neglected client matters and made misrepresentations to clients concerning the status of their cases. One of the matters included an allegation of misappropriation. (Case No. SC18-2052)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation effective immediately, following a March 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001). While suspended from the practice of law by the Florida Supreme Court, attorney acted as escrow agent and negotiated funds through his trust account. (Case No. SC18-2067)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective March 14, following a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) The Bar was investigating complaints that attorney collected excessive fees and falsified invoices and failed to provide competent representation. He was arrested for theft of client funds and entered a plea to the charge of Grand Theft in excess of $100,000, a first-degree felony. After his Petition for Disciplinary Revocation was filed, attorney was sentenced in January to 22 months in prison and 10 years of probation. (Case No. SC18-2132)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation effective immediately, with leave to seek readmission after five years, following a February 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Charges pending against attorney involved the misappropriation of client trust funds. (Case No: SC18-1976)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective 30 days from a December 13, 2018, court order, with leave to seek readmission after five years. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary charge pending against attorney involved trust account violations. (Case No: SC18-1774)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation effective 60 days from a January 3 court order, with leave to seek readmission after five years. (Admitted to practice: 1973) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. A disciplinary charge pending against attorney involved allegations of trust account violations. (Case No: SC18-1854)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, with leave to seek readmission after five years, effective 60 days from a November 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Disciplinary charges pending against #!$` involved the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to a third-party. Attorney failed to confirm the purpose for which the funds were deposited into his trust account, and his authority to disburse the money. (Case No. SC18-1474)
The court granted attorney’s petition for a disciplinary revocation, effective immediately, with leave to seek readmission after five years, following a December 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment. Attorney was found guilty in federal court of three felony counts including conspiracy to commit false statements. While acting as the attorney and escrow agent of a title company, attorney made or caused to be made false statements and reports to federally insured financial institutions while his co-conspirators provided buyers with incentives to purchase condominium units and concealed the incentives from the financial institutions. He was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. (Case No. SC18-1677)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a November 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney failed to respond to both an official Florida Bar inquiry and an Order to Show Cause issued by the Florida Supreme Court. (Case No. SC19-1349)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court effective 30 days from a November 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) The Florida Supreme Court struck attorney’s untimely response to a June 28 order to show cause why he should have not been held in contempt for failing to fully respond to Florida Bar inquiries and held him in contempt. Attorney will remain suspended until he has fully responded in writing to official Bar inquiries. (Case No. SC19-1077)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court effective 30 days from a November 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1997) Attorney failed to respond to an official Florida Bar inquiry and the Bar filed a Petition for Contempt and Request for Order to Show Cause with the Florida Supreme Court. The court issued an Order to Show Cause and attorney failed to respond. (Case No: SC19-1703)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court effective 30 days from a November 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Attorney was found to be in contempt of court for failing to comply with an official Florida Bar subpoena requiring his appearance to provide testimony for a sworn statement. He is required to respond to the Bar’s subpoena. (Case No. SC19-1513)
Attorney suspended until further court order effective 30 days from an August 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Attorney was adjudicated guilty of two third-degree felonies and two misdemeanors related to throwing a flagpole into a residence and damaging a truck and a SUV. In a related case, attorney was adjudicated guilty of Aggravated Stalking With Credible Threat, a third-degree felony, and Battery, a first degree misdemeanor. For both crimes, attorney was sentenced to two years of community control and two years’ probation. After release from jail, he is to enter an inpatient treatment facility for at least 30 days. (Case No. SC19-1459)
Attorney suspended until further court order effective 30 days from an August 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney failed to respond to official Bar inquiries and the Bar filed a Petition for Contempt and Request for Order to Show Cause. The Florida Supreme Court issued an Order to Show Cause and attorney failed to respond. (Case No. SC19-565)
Attorney suspended until further court order effective immediately, following a June 6 court order, and the matter referred to the Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit to appoint a referee. The referee will make a recommendation as to discipline. Attorney was adjudicated guilty in Escambia County Circuit Court of the felony charge of racketeering and sentenced to 34.5 months in state prison. (Case No. SC19-927)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective 30 days from a July 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) The Bar received a notice of insufficient funds from attorney’s bank, relating to his firm’s trust account. The Bar conducted an audit during which attorney failed to provide monthly reconciliations or compliant client ledgers. The audit revealed that during a four-month period, he had misappropriated at least $14,071 of client funds. (Case No. SC19-1144)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective 30 days from a July 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) In February 9, 2018, in Hillsborough County, attorney was charged with Introduction of Contraband to a Detention Facility and Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution. On May 15, he pleaded guilty to the contraband charge and was sentenced to 56 months of probation. Adjudication was withheld. On February 16, 2018, in Pinellas County, attorney was charged with Introduction of Contraband to a Detention Facility and Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution. He pleaded guilty in February to the contraband charge and was sentenced to five years of probation. Adjudication was withheld. attorney also pleaded guilty to the solicitation charge and was sentenced to 12 months of probation. Adjudication was withheld. (Case No. SC19-1163)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a July 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Attorney is charged with misappropriation of settlement funds held in trust; use of unrelated funds to satisfy a trust fund liability; making misrepresentations to The Florida Bar in response to the Bar’s investigation; and failing to produce and maintain required trust accounting documents and other required records. (Case No. SC19-1014)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court effective 30 days from a July 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney did not respond to multiple inquiries from the Bar during an investigation into allegations of his misconduct and failed to respond to the Supreme Court’s Order to Show Cause. He will remain suspended until he fully responds in writing to the official Bar inquiry, and until further Order of the Court. (Case No. SC19-734)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective 30 days from a July 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1980) In May 2018, the state filed its Amended Felony Information charging attorney with Possession of Cocaine, a third-degree felony, and driving under the influence and refusal to submit to drug testing, misdemeanor offenses. Attorney pleaded guilty to the three charges, with the court withholding adjudication on the felony offense. In January, he violated his probation for the felony charge and entered a plea of guilty to the possession of cocaine felony, a third-degree felony. (Case No. SC19-1154)
Attorney suspended until further order of the Florida Supreme Court, effective 30 days from a May 31 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) Attorney was held in contempt of the Florida Supreme Court for failure to comply with the Bar’s December 18, 2018, subpoena. (Case No. SC19-331)
Attorney suspended until further court order effective 30 days from a June 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) In a pending case, attorney failed to respond to the Bar’s inquiries. As a result, the Grievance Committee found no good cause for his failure to respond and the Supreme Court held him in contempt. (Case No. SC19-395)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective 30 days from an April 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) Attorney failed to respond fully to an official Bar inquiry. The Florida Supreme Court held him in contempt and ordered his suspension. (Case No. SC18-2101)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective 30 days from an April 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Attorney abandoned his law practice, neglected client matters, lacked competence, failed to maintain adequate client communication, failed to earn his fees, failed to return documentation to his clients, and engaged in an ongoing pattern of behavior that presented a threat to his clients and the judicial system. He also failed to respond to the Bar’s investigative inquiries. (Case No. SC19-628)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective May 8, following an April 8 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 1996) Attorney was placed under emergency suspension for misappropriating client funds and failing to maintain required trust account records. (Case No. SC19-503)
Attorney suspended until further notice, effective immediately following a March 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney appears to be causing great public harm based upon his misappropriation of at least $82,647 in client funds. (Case No. SC19-430)
Attorney suspended until further order of the Supreme Court of Florida, following a February 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Attorney abandoned his law practice without taking any steps to protect his clients’ interests. In three separate matters, his failure to appear in court caused arrest warrants to be issued for his clients. Attorney also failed to respond to any of the Bar’s investigative inquiries. (Case No. SC19-190)
Attorney suspended until further order of the court, effective immediately, following a March 19 court order. (Admitted to practice 2003) Attorney failed to respond to two official Florida Bar inquiries. (Case No. SC18-2112)
Attorney suspended until further notice, following a February 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2016) Attorney engaged in an escalating harassment campaign against two attorneys representing the opposing party in a civil matter, as well as disparaging a circuit court judge. Because of her social media attacks and threatening behavior, one attorney obtained an Injunction for Protection Against Stalking against her and the other filed a defamation lawsuit against her. (Case No. SC19-277)
Attorney suspended until further notice, effectively immediately until further order of the Supreme Court, following a March 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney was suspended and his law office trust account frozen after a Florida Bar audit showed he misappropriated client funds. He was previously suspended indefinitely by a December 10, 2018, Supreme Court order for failing to fully comply with The Florida Bar’s subpoena for his law office trust account records. He also failed to maintain his trust account in substantial compliance with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. (Case No. SC19-283)
Attorney suspended until further notice, following a March 12 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) Attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by misappropriating client funds. (Case No.SC19-332)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a February 19 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Attorney failed to respond to official Bar inquiries and a subpoena. (Case No. SC18-2122)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective January 9, following a December 10, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with a subpoena to produce trust account records. (SC18-1788)
Attorney suspended until further order, following a December 27, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by misappropriating client funds and abandoning his law practice without taking steps to protect his clients’ interests. (Case No. SC18-2069)
Attorney suspended until further order effective 30 days from a December 10, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with a subpoena issued by The Florida Bar for production of his law office trust account records. The records were needed to complete a compliance audit of his trust account following an insufficient funds notice from the bank. (Case No: SC18-1662)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective 30 days from a November 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) According to a petition for emergency suspension, Borland is delinquent in his Continuing Legal Education Requirements and his Florida Bar annual membership fee, and therefore ineligible to practice law. He also abandoned his law practice and client files, and he failed to respond to the Bar’s investigative inquiries. (Case No. SC18-1947)
Attorney suspended until further order effective December 28, 2018, following a November 28, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1988) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney abandoned his law practice without notice to his clients and without taking reasonable steps to protect their interests. Attorney has consistently and continually failed to appear for court proceedings since about early October 2018 in at least three counties — Lee, Pinellas, and Collier. He also failed to appear at the show cause hearing. (Case No. SC18-1944)
Attorney suspended until further order, effective 30 days from an October 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2003) According to a petition for emergency suspension, attorney appeared to be causing great public harm by misappropriating client trust funds and neglecting client matters. While representing a homeowners’ association, attorney had a shortage of $37,000 in her trust account. She used the client trust funds for her own benefit or the benefit of her law firm, and she failed to maintain minimum required trust account records. (Case No. SC18-1646)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective 30 days from an August 8, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney had shortages in her trust account and commingled trust funds with operating funds. The Bar’s audit also revealed technical trust account violations. Attorney handled her firm’s administrative and financial affairs, and her law partner was unaware of the shortages. Attorney’s partner removed her from the firm’s trust account and retained a CPA to perform bi-monthly reviews. All shortages were refunded. (Case No. SC19-1240)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective nunc pro tunc to March 25, 2018, following a July 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) Attorney engaged in a short sale transaction in which his ex-wife was the seller and a limited liability corporation in which attorney held exclusive ownership interest was the buyer. Four years later, ownership was transferred to attorney. The short sale was required to be arms length, but attorney’s interest in the limited liability corporation was not disclosed to the lender. Additionally, attorney failed to timely respond to the Bar’s official inquiries regarding the matter. (Case No. SC18-813)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective July 27, following a June 27 court order. Attorney hired a bookkeeper, who was recommended by her then husband, the CFO of her law firm. attorney gave the bookkeeper signatory authority over her trust account and did not conduct a background check, which would have uncovered a criminal record for theft. The bookkeeper misappropriated more than $100,000 from attorney’s trust account. After becoming aware of the thefts, attorney made immediate efforts to repay all monies that were misappropriated. (Case No. SC19-919)
Attorney suspended for three years effective immediately, following a July 12 court order. (Admitted to practice 1986) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s orders dated November 1, 2018, and January 2, 2019, for failing to comply with Rule 3-5.1(h) requirements of notifying clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of her suspension. (Case No. SC19-564)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective immediately, following an April 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1987) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s May 31, 2018, order for failing to notify clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of her suspension. (Case No. SC19-201)
Attorney suspended for three years effective immediately, following a May 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1982) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s order dated August 24, 2018, for failing to notify clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of his suspension. (Case No. SC19-226)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective 30 days from an April 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) In one case, attorney failed to adequately investigate and file a proper personal injury claim. Although given multiple opportunities to amend his lawsuits, he failed to do so, and the case was dismissed with prejudice. In another case, attorney was appointed as a personal representative in a probate case. Even though the case settled at mediation, he failed to timely disburse the estate’s funds and attempted to charge the estate an excessive fee, which was denied by the court. The court removed attorney as personal representative of the case. (Case No. SC18-1027)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective 30 days from an April 23 court order. Upon reinstatement, attorney will be placed on probation for one year (Admitted to practice: 1990). Attorney improperly dealt with trust funds involving five client settlements. Further, he did not properly maintain trust accounting records. (Case No. SC17-1234)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective immediately following an April 11 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s November 2, 2017, and May 3, 2018, orders for failing to fully comply with requirements of notifying clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of his suspension. (Case No. SC19-208)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective immediately, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Attorney was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault by possession of a firearm and was sentenced to three years in prison. (Case No. SC16-741)
Attorney suspended for three years, effective immediately, following a December 20, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2016) Attorney pleaded no contest to a first-degree misdemeanor charge of petty theft, and the remaining charges were dismissed. Adjudication of guilt was withheld, and attorney was placed on probation for 12 months under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. Before being reinstated to practice law, attorney must prove she has been rehabilitated. (Case No. SC17-55)
Attorney suspended for 18 months, effective 30 days from an August 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1989) During an extended absence because of illness, attorney permitted her office manager to run her title company with minimal oversight and supervision. The office manager misappropriated more than $400,000 from attorney’s trust account. (Case No. SC19-1268)
Attorney suspended for 18 months effective 30 days from a July 18 court order, with probation for a year upon reinstatement. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney and another attorney represented a plaintiff in a case in June 2015. After the jury returned a verdict for the defendant, they offered tickets to a professional baseball game to the presiding judge, which he accepted. They soon after filed a motion for a new trial. After the judge accepted a second set of tickets to another baseball game, he granted the motion for a new trial. Following formal charges being filed by the Judicial Qualifications Commission in 2016, the judge resigned from the bench. (Case No. SC17-490)
Attorney suspended for 18 months effective 30 days from a July 18 court order, with probation for a year upon reinstatement. (Admitted to practice: 1985) attorney and another attorney represented a plaintiff in a case in June 2015. After the jury returned a verdict for the defendant, they offered tickets to a professional baseball game to the presiding judge, which he accepted. They soon after filed a motion for a new trial. After the judge accepted a second set of tickets to another baseball game, he granted the motion for a new trial. Following formal charges being filed by the Judicial Qualifications Commission in 2016, the judge resigned from the bench. (Case No. SC17-574)
Attorney suspended for 18 months, effective 30 days from a June 27 court order. Attorney is also directed to attend The Florida Bar’s Ethics School and Trust Account Workshop. (Admitted to practice: 2004) While representing a couple fighting a foreclosure, attorney failed to maintain a trust account, made deliberate and knowing misrepresentations to the presiding judge, and failed to communicate with her clients the basis for her fees. (Case No. SC18-1619)
Attorney suspended for 18 months with conditions and restitution, effective immediately, following an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) In two separate matters, attorney made unprofessional, disparaging and threatening statements in emails to an opposing attorney and a judicial assistant. In two other matters, attorney took on legal representation, received payment and provided little or no action in the matters. (Case No. SC18-1592)
Attorney suspended for one year effective 30 days from a September 12 court order. Attorney also must take the Ethics portion of the Florida bar examination before reinstatement. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Hired by a client to handle a bankruptcy, attorney did not communicate with the client, who terminated his legal services. Attorney failed to return the client’s legal documents, as well. Hired by another client to handle a name change for a minor child before the beginning of the school year, attorney took no action for more than a year. In both cases, he failed to respond to Florida Bar inquiries. (Case No. SC18-2082)
Attorney suspended for one year effective 30 days from a July 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Attorney accepted fees from three clients but provided insignificant services and inadequately communicated with the clients. Additionally, he had insufficient fund payments from his trust account and did not respond to repeated inquiries from the Bar. (Case No. SC19-153)
Attorney suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a June 6 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) This is a reciprocal discipline action, based on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals April 5, 2018, order. Attorney was appointed to represent a criminal defendant on appeal and failed to communicate and adequately represent him, with the court finally vacating his appointment. He also made a false statement to a tribunal. (Case No. SC18-2104)
Attorney suspended for one year and ordered to pay restitution, effective August 2, following a July 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney engaged in the unlicensed practice of law in Alabama while representing a client in post-conviction matters. In a second matter, while attempting to appear pro hac vice in Virginia, attorney filed a certification that falsely stated he had not been reprimanded in any court, nor had there been any action in any court pertaining to his conduct or fitness as a member of the Bar. (Case No. SC18-1458)
Attorney suspended for one year, effective immediately following a May 20 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2003) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s order (Aug. 27, 2018) for failing to comply with requirements about notifying clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals of her suspension. (Case No. SC19-234)
Attorney suspended for one year, effective immediately following a May 17 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney failed to comply with the court’s December 26, 2018, order to notify clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of his suspension. (Case No: SC19-394)
Attorney suspended for one year and ordered to attend a trust account workshop, effective June 3, following a May 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney failed to diligently represent and communicate with a client in his dissolution of marriage proceeding; failed to include the mandatory arbitration clause in her fee agreement; and failed to deposit costs collected into her trust account. In that and other cases, she also improperly charged and collected credit card processing fees. (Case No. SC17-1320)
Attorney suspended for one year, effective 30 days from a March 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1994) Attorney was appointed to represent his client on a criminal appeal. He failed to diligently represent or communicate with his client, to comply with appellate rules and orders, and to timely respond to The Florida Bar. (Case No. SC18-1107)
Attorney suspended for one year, effective retroactive to December 3, 2018, following a January 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of an August 3, 2017, court order in which she was suspended for 30 days and placed on probation upon reinstatement. Attorney failed to complete a diversion discipline consultant service review, and she failed to remit monthly monitoring fees associated with her Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., contract. (Case No: SC18-872)
Attorney suspended for six months, effective 30 days from a November 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010) While working as an associate at a law firm, attorney represented clients outside the firm and misrepresented the truth when he was confronted by two partners. He also deleted, exported, and altered files related to the outside cases that were stored on the firm’s system. (Case No: SC19-1263)
Attorney suspended for six months, effective immediately, following a November 21, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Without authorization or prompting, Attorney obtained protected health information by impersonating the opposing party in a contested family law matter being handled by his former boss. Attorney also attempted to extort $75,000 from his former boss in exchange for his requesting that the Bar dismiss the complaint he filed against the former boss and recommend that the former boss receive only a two-week suspension from the practice of law. Attorney permanently retired prior to the suspension; however, he was still subject to discipline for prior conduct. (Case No. SC18-1715)
Attorney suspended for six months, effective 30 days from a December 27, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1984) Further, attorney shall provide a written letter of apology to four assistant state attorneys, and upon reinstatement, he shall be placed on probation for three years. (SC16-2048)
Attorney suspended for six months, effective 30 days from November 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Attorney’s business relationship with a non-lawyer employee resulted in a six-month suspension for violating Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Upper Canada. This is a reciprocal discipline action, based on an employee’s misconduct while at attorney’s firm, and his failure to supervise. Attorney hired the man, who claimed to have a law degree from Florida, to work on immigration matters. He never requested credentials or a background check, and subsequently learned that the employee was neither a paralegal nor a lawyer, and he had a criminal record. After leaving the firm, the nonlawyer employee went to prison for stealing more than $5,000 from attorney. (Case No: SC18-1173)
Attorney suspended for 180 days, effective 30 days from a May 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1983) Attorney used the services of a non-lawyer legal research and writing company to draft a post-conviction relief motion for a client and failed to adequately supervise the company’s work or their communications with the client. Upon filing, attorney signed the motion on the client’s behalf without authorization and without identifying to the court that it was attorney’s own signature on the motion and not the client’s. Attorney also incorrectly calculated the deadline for the filing of the motion, failed to adequately communicate with the client, and improperly shared fees with the non-lawyer entity. (Case No. SC18-1249)
Attorney suspended for 91 days effective 30 days from a November 21 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2008) Attorney agreed to represent a client at an hourly rate of $100, however, he presented the client with a bill reflecting a rate of $175. When confronted, attorney backdated the agreement to reflect $175. (Case No: SC19-375)
Attorney suspended for 91 days with proof of rehabilitation required for reinstatement effective 30 days from an October 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) While a judge, attorney engaged in multiple judicial campaign violations while running for re-election. Based upon information obtained from internet searches and without corroborating it, attorney disseminated defamatory and inaccurate allegations about his opponent and his opponent’s family. (Case No. SC19-1243)
Attorney suspended for 91 days with proof of rehabilitation required for reinstatement effective 30 days from an October 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) While a judge, attorney engaged in multiple judicial campaign violations while running for re-election. Based upon information obtained from internet searches and without corroborating it, attorney disseminated defamatory and inaccurate allegations about his opponent and his opponent’s family. (Case No. SC19-1243)
Attorney 91-day suspension with one year of probation upon reinstatement, effective 30 days from a June 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney violated the terms of his probation in a Bar disciplinary case. (Case No: SC18-1477)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a May 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) This is a reciprocal discipline action. By Order of Suspension from the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, dated February 8, 2018, attorney was found to have violated the District of Columbia Rules of Professional Conduct by knowingly revealing client confidences and/or secrets during her tenure as an in-house lawyer for General Electric Consumer & Industrial in 2006. Attorney did not participate in the disciplinary proceedings and was suspended for 60 days with reinstatement subject to a showing of fitness based on her assertion of a disability. (Case No. SC18-1869)
Attorney suspended for 91 days and ordered to attend a trust accounting workshop, effective June 1 following a May 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1989) Attorney failed to turn over a referral fee that was due to her former law firm when she had an interest in only a portion of the fee. She deposited those funds into her own operating account rather than holding them in her trust account, and she asked the referring attorney to reissue the check to her own law firm and to void the initial check written to her former law firm. (Case No. SC19-510)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an April 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1970). Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s May 24, 2018, order for failing to notify clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of his suspension. (Case No. SC19-255)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a March 21 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney failed to respond to three of four insufficient funds notices and to provide additional information regarding client credit card fees to The Florida Bar, resulting in a subpoena for trust account records. Attorney failed to cooperate with the auditor’s requests for trust account information and failed to maintain the minimum required trust accounting records. (Case No. SC18-1494)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective May 18, following an April 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2000) Attorney was hired to handle immigration matters. After doing minimal work, he failed to communicate with the clients, failed to respond to requests for information and failed to complete services. While on probation ordered by the Supreme Court in September 2016, a new disciplinary complaint was filed against attorney, thereby putting him in contempt of that order. (Case No. SC18-744)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from an April 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010), In two cases, attorney accepted fees from clients, but did little to no work. He failed to respond to the clients’ and The Florida Bar’s repeated inquiries. (Case No. SC18-1656)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days from a March 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney was held in contempt of the court’s Dec. 20, 2018, order for failing to fully comply with notifying clients and the judiciary as ordered by the court. (Case No. SC19-233)
Attorney suspended for 91 days, effective immediately, following a November 8 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2007) Attorney failed to provide the services for which he was retained or to communicate with the client. He also failed to respond to Bar inquiries regarding the client’s grievance. In a second matter, attorney failed to advance the client’s matter, effectively communicate with the client, or to respond to the Bar inquiries regarding the grievance. (Case No. SC18-883)
Attorney suspended for 90 days with a three-year probation upon reinstatement, following a December 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1981) An investigation of two insufficient funds notices for attorney’s trust account found only technical violations of the rules, with no intent to defraud or disadvantage clients. Additionally, attorney served as ward for a client and that client’s jewelry was stolen by attorneys’ roommate, who also took care of the ward. Attorney was unaware of the theft and reported it when discovered. (Case No. SC19-1448)
Attorney suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from and August 22 court order and after afterward placed on probation for three years. (Admitted to practice: 2013) Attorney represented a client in a medical malpractice case and a personal injury case. She allowed the statute of limitations to run on the medical malpractice case, withdrawing from representation days before it expired and not responding to the client’s emails or phone calls. Responding to the Bar, attorney falsely stated that the statute of limitations was four years, instead of two years. (Case No. SC19-605)
Attorney suspended for 90 days and ordered to undergo an evaluation with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., effective 30 days from a May 30 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney represented the plaintiff in two jury trials concerning the client’s personal injury case. The first jury trial resulted in a mistrial and the entry of an order of civil contempt against attorney, which was the subject of a separate Bar disciplinary matter (SC15-2190). Upon the conclusion of the second jury trial, the jury returned a verdict in factor of the plaintiff. Thereafter, the defendants filed a motion for mistrial, which was granted. The trial court found that attorney engaged in various acts of misconduct during the trial, and that it had erred in allowing in certain evidence she introduced. (Case No. SC18-1961)
Attorney suspended for 90 days and then put on probation for two years requiring participation with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc., effective 30 days from a June 13 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) In three unrelated criminal matters, attorney failed to appear in court on behalf of her clients. In addition, attorney failed to adequately communicate with her client and filed a Motion to Continue without consulting the state. Record also failed to timely respond to the Bar’s inquiries in these matters. (Case No. SC19-867)
Attorney suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Attorney repeatedly failed to respond to notices from the appellate court, requiring him to submit a filing fee or paperwork for a client’s appeal in a criminal case. He was subsequently found in contempt for violating a prior Supreme Court order. (Case Nos. SC18-255 & SC18-481)
Attorney suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a December 20 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2003) Further, he shall pay restitution of $2,500 to three separate clients. After being retained, attorney did very little work on one case, and nothing on the other two cases. He also failed to respond to The Florida Bar regarding the complaint. (Case No. SC18-971)
Attorney suspended for 90 days and placed on probation for two years, effective 30 days from a November 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney was negligent in managing her trust account and supervising a nonlawyer employee while working as a title and settlement agent. As a result, trust account records were not properly maintained. (Case No. SC18-1720)
Attorney suspended for 60 days followed by a five-year period of conditional probation, effective 30 days from a July 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Attorney was the successor trustee for a trust but was negligent in performing routine accountings for the trust’s assets and, as a result, failed to notice a fraudulent charge against the trust’s bank account from an outside source. By the time attorney performed an accounting of the trust’s assets two years later, it was too late to recover the lost funds. Attorney refunded the amount of the fraudulent charge. The Bar’s ensuing audit of attorney’s law office trust account revealed technical recordkeeping violations. Attorney’s misconduct violated the terms of her probation entered in a previous discipline case. (Case Nos. SC19-71 and SC19-104)
Attorney suspended 30 days from a September 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1985) In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, attorney was adjudicated guilty in 2018 of Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, both felonies, and sentenced to four years’ probation and ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the IRS. (Case No. SC19-1504)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from an August 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) In his brief regarding a trial court’s findings, attorney made what appeared to be a material misrepresentation and did not correct this when opposing counsel pointed it out. In response to the Fifth District Court of Appeal order to show cause why he should not be sanctioned, attorney provided a written apology, assuring the court his conduct was not intentional and would not be repeated. The court entered an order accepting his apology. (Case No. SC19-1217)
Attorney suspended30 days from an August 15 court order and a referee ordered appointed to recommend discipline. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Attorney pleaded guilty to three felonies in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. The charges related to attorney’s role as city commissioner and a co-defendant paying him on behalf of companies to influence votes in their favor. (Case No. SC19-1373)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from an August 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2015) Attorney was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance after attempting a purchase from an undercover detective. Thereafter, attorney was accepted into the drug court program. Upon his successful completion of the program, all criminal charges are expected to be dropped. (Case No. SC19-1230)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a July 17 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1989) Attorney did not respond to the Bar’s request for trust account records. After the Bar filed a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause, the Florida Supreme Court issued an Order to Show Cause, which attorney failed to respond to. The court then held her in contempt. (Case No. SC19-722)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a March 7 court order. In addition, attorney is ordered into a two-year rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc., fee arbitration and payment of disciplinary costs. (Admitted to practice: 1999) In three separate client matters, Attorney did not perform work after accepting fees and failed to respond to clients. She also failed to respond to official inquiries by Bar counsel and a grievance committee. (Case No. SC19-238)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, to run concurrent with an ongoing suspension, effective immediately, following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $1,700 to one client. Attorney was retained to represent a client in 2015, but in 2018, the client learned that she had never filed anything on his behalf. (SC18-1733)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1986) Attorney failed to inform his client that the opposing party (lender) in a foreclosure case filed a motion for summary judgment or that the trial court granted the opposing party’s motion for summary judgment. (Case No. SC18-153).
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective January 22, following a December 20, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $4,000 to one client. After collecting fees for his services, attorney failed to diligently pursue a client’s claim against a city utility company, failed to properly communicate with the client, and failed to timely respond to the Bar’s official inquiries regarding the grievance filed by the client. (Case No. SC18-284)
Attorney suspended for 30 days, effective 30 days from a November 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1990) Attorney failed to timely pay restitution ordered in a previous disciplinary matter. On January 23, 2017, he failed to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. Instead, Attorney contacted the judicial assistant and requested a continuance. After learning that he was ineligible to practice law, the judge asked several times if he needed to inform the court about anything, and attorney declined each time. He only admitted his ineligible status after being directly asked by the judge. (Case No: SC18-807)
Attorney suspended for 10 days, with probation and completion of a rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc., effective July 22, following a June 20 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Attorney became delinquent in his Bar membership for failing to pay his diversion fee. He initially was unaware of the delinquency and continued to practice law. He incorrectly stated on his petition to reinstate his license that he had not practiced law during his delinquency. (Case No. SC19-904)
Attorney suspended for 10 days and placed on a three-year period of supervised probation, effective 30 days from an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010) Attorney was arrested twice in October 2017 for driving while under the influence. In Duval County, he entered a no contest plea to the amended charge of reckless driving, a second-degree misdemeanor, and in St. Johns County, he entered a no contest plea to the charge of driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. The trial courts in both cases adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him to 12 months of probation with conditions of supervision. (Case No. SC19-521)
Attorney suspended for 10 days, effective 30 days from a December 27, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) attorney neglected two separate client matters and failed to timely respond to The Florida Bar’s inquiries regarding his conduct. (Case No. SC18-1074)
Attorney, suspended for 10 days, effective 30 days from a November 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) Attorney failed to properly review a file before his title company handled a property closing. It resulted in the improper transfer of the title. (Case No: SC18-1786)
Attorney publicly reprimanded, and ordered to pay restitution of $9,600, effective immediately following an October 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2011) Attorney is also ordered to attend ethics school. In two cases, attorney did not diligently handle client matters and did not adequately communicate with them regarding their cases. In another matter, attorney did not clearly communicate with the client regarding the goals of representation. (Case No. SC18-2110)
Attorney publicly reprimanded, effective immediately by an August 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1991) Attorney, in representing clients in federal court, was negligent and failed to comply with a court order regarding discovery and made disparaging comments in rebuttal to opposing counsel’s allegation of committing fraud upon the court. (Case No. SC18-1100)
Attorney publicly reprimanded by publication, effective immediately by an October 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney represented an injured party. The client and her prior legal counsel signed a Letter of Protection (LOP) with two medical providers. The client’s case settled at mediation, and following the client’s wishes, Attorney disbursed the settlement proceeds without paying a company that had acquired the client’s medical bills. Hernandez did not sign the LOPs but knew, or should have known, that her client and the client’s prior attorney had signed them and that a provider was claiming a portion of the settlement proceeds. (Case No. SC19-1612)
Attorney publicly reprimand by publication effective immediately by October 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Beginning in early 2019, The Florida Bar received several complaints alleging that attorney’s law office had neglected client matters and failed to adequately communicate with clients. The complaints coincided with misconduct by attorney’s non-lawyer assistant. Attorney proactively contacted clients to make restitution and attempt to rectify the matter. (Case No. SC19-1613)
Attorney publicly reprimanded and a two-year probationary period with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. effective immediately following an October 3 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2014) Attorney was arrested for Driving While Under the Influence. In June, he entered a plea of no contest to reckless driving, alcohol-related. The judge withheld adjudication and sentenced attorney to one year of probation with conditions. (Case No. SC19-1609)
Attorney publicly reprimanded by publication, and a two-year probationary period, effective immediately, following an October 10 court order. Attorney is also ordered to attend a Trust Accounting Workshop. (Admitted to practice: 1990) After receiving notification of insufficient funds in attorney’s trust account, The Bar initiated an audit that revealed numerous technical trust account violations as well as shortages caused by attorney’s law partner. The partner was responsible for handling the firm’s administrative and financial affairs, and attorney was unaware of the shortages until the Bar’s involvement. (Case No. SC19-1242)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, by an August 29 court order with probationary conditions. (Admitted to practice: 1992) In departing his law firm and in a subsequent legal dispute with his former law partner, attorney sent disparaging and defaming communications. After being enjoined from doing so by court order, a judge found that he violated the court order. In an unrelated matter, attorney was also accused of calling another lawyer a derogatory name. (Case No. SC19-60).
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded by publication and directed to attend Ethics School, effective immediately following an August 22 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Attorney self-reported that his former firm’s trust accounts were not in substantial compliance with The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. While listed as a partner of the firm, Attorney was not a signatory on the trust accounts. He did not exercise reasonable diligence to determine the compliance of the firm’s trust accounts. (Case No. SC18-1598)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, by an August 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1989) Attorney represented the personal representative in an estate proceeding involving considerable litigation. The probate court assessed the full amount of the opposing party’s attorney’s fees and costs against attorney personally, but not his client. In his appeal, attorney included his client in the style of the appeal without obtaining a waiver from the client of the conflict of interest created by inclusion as an appellant. The appellate court granted the opposing party’s motion for attorney’s fees against attorney and his client. (Case No. SC19-1225)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded by publication, restitution, and two-year probation, effective immediately following an August 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1976) Attorney represented a homeowners’ association and failed to diligently handle the case and to maintain clear and adequate communication. In a second matter, The Florida Bar’s audit of his trust account revealed technical violations, but no evidence of misappropriation, and no client lost any money. (Case No. SC19-159)
Attorney to be reprimanded following a July 18 court order. Attorney was also ordered to pay restitution of $6,500 to one client. (Admitted to practice: 2002) Attorney charged an impermissible fee in a foreclosure case and failed to comply with technical requirements for managing trust accounts. He voluntarily attended a trust account workshop to avoid future trust account problems. He was ordered to make restitution to the client in the amount of the impermissible fee. (Case No. SC18-1953)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded and a two-year period of probation, effective immediately following a June 27 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Over an extended period of time, attorney failed to respond, in writing, to three separate Bar inquiries. Subsequently, respondent appeared and provided testimony during a sworn statement taken on February 12, 2019. (Case No. SC19-886)
Attorney to be reprimanded, effective August 3 following a July 17 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) Attorney was also ordered to attend Ethics School. Attorney failed to disclose the death of her estate client to either the court or opposing party before a scheduled mediation. She was unaware of her duty to do so and was of the mistaken belief that under Florida Statute, the putative personal representative could take actions for the benefit of the estate prior to appointment by the court. (Case No. SC19-259)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, effective immediately following a July 18 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Attorney is also required to complete The Florida Bar’s Ethics School and Trust Accounting Workshop. In a divorce case, a client paid the fee by credit card but soon after changed her mind about proceeding and asked attorney for a refund. In the subsequent fee dispute, attorney asked the client to sign a settlement agreement for the return of the unused cost deposit that included an improper clause requiring the client to waive her rights to file a Bar complaint. Attorney ultimately made a full refund of the unused cost deposit. In a second case, after a client filed a complaint with the Bar, attorney sent the client emails with disparaging remarks. (Case No. SC19-312)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, effective immediately, following an April 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007). Attorney failed to notify clients, opposing counsel and tribunals of his suspension. attorney was found to be in contempt for failing to timely respond to official bar inquiries (Case No. SC19-213)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded by an April 4 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1983) Attorney represented himself in a matter and did not serve the opposing party with a copy of the pleadings he filed, nor copy them on communications with the judge’s judicial assistant. Responding to an adverse ruling, he made intemperate remarks about the judge. (Case No. SC18-2018)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a February 7 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1995) Further, attorney is suspended for 15 days, and upon reinstatement, he shall be placed on probation for one year. After completing duties as standby counsel in a state court criminal proceeding, attorney filed a notice of appeal on behalf of the pro se defendant, without the filing fee or certificate of indigency status. Attorney ignored numerous orders from the Second District Court of Appeal to follow protocol. He was subsequently removed as counsel by the Second DCA. (SC18-625)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, following a March 14 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1982) Attorney failed to fully disclose a potential conflict of interest with a client who was seeking an investor visa in the United States. The client invested funds in a company co-owned by attorney, but he failed to inform the client of the potential for a conflict, advise the client to seek independent counsel, or secure informed consent. (Case No. SC18-1866)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a March 26 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Attorney failed to timely respond to a Bar inquiry. The Supreme Court of Florida held him in contempt and publicly reprimanded him. (Case No. SC18-2083)
Attorney to be publicly reprimand, to be administered by the Board of Governors, following a November 8, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney made defamatory comments toward the opposing party, one of whom was also a lawyer, in a civil suit. In a letter attached as an exhibit in the civil complaint, attorney used unprofessional language, made unfounded allegations, and threatened criminal and Bar disciplinary investigations. (Case No. SC18-1710)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a February 7 court Order. (Admitted to practice: 1996) Further, attorney shall attend a trust accounting workshop. A Florida Bar audit found that attorney commingled personal funds with client funds in his trust account. The audit also determined that attorney’s trust account was not in substantial compliance with Bar rules. (Case No. SC18-1378)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a December 20, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Further, attorney shall attend ethics school, and pay restitution of $2,000 to one client. attorney failed to diligently handle her client’s criminal appeal. She also failed to adequately communicate with her client regarding the status of the matter, despite repeated requests. (SC18-636)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a November 1, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Further, attorney shall attend ethics school. Three separate complainants said attorney neglected their matters during his association with a company that cancels timeshare contracts. They alleged that attorney and the company did not perform the work promised, failed to return calls, and failed to promptly refund fees when they were unsuccessful in terminating timeshare contracts. The Bar also received a complaint from an attorney about attorney’s association with the company. (SC18-1684)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a November 8, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2007) Further, attorney shall be placed on probation for two years, effective immediately. Attorney failed to properly supervise his bookkeeper, resulting in a check being returned due to insufficient funds in the trust account. During the audit period, attorney also commingled his personal funds with client trust funds and failed to maintain his trust account in minimal compliance with Bar rules. (SC18-1719)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, following a November 29, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Attorney was found in contempt for failing to respond to inquiries by the Supreme Court and The Florida Bar in a timely manner. (Case No. SC18-1551)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded by publication, following an August 23, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 1974) Further, attorney shall pay restitution of $2,500 to one client, and he shall complete ethics school. After being retained, attorney failed to diligently pursue a client’s post-conviction matter and failed to maintain adequate communication with the client. (Case No. SC18-1268)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded by publication in the Southern Reporter, following a December 20, 2018, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Further, attorney shall be placed on probation for six months, and register with Florida Lawyers Assistance. Court personnel reported that attorney appeared in court impaired on at least two occasions, looking gaunt, nervous, and with dilated pupils. Another time he failed to timely appear in court for jury selection, causing the jury panel to be released. He arrived 15 minutes late for another court appearance. (Case No: SC18-564)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a November 15 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1999) Further, attorney shall complete ethics school. Attorney failed to timely file a brief or otherwise inform the appellate court that the appeal was being diligently prosecuted. As a result, the appeal was dismissed. Attorney also failed to advise the client of the dismissal of the appeal, nor did he respond to the Bar’s inquiries regarding the client’s grievance. (Case No. SC18-574)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded, following a November 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2006) Dixon was found in contempt for failure to comply with a prior court order. He was required to produce trust records from July 2015 to the present, that are compliant with Florida Bar Rules Regulating Trust Accounts. (Case No. SC18-1281)
Attorney to be publicly reprimanded following a November 8 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Further, attorney is placed on probation for one year. Attorney was court-appointed to represent a client in a criminal case. During the course of representation, he sent inappropriate, flirtatious text messages to the client’s girlfriend. The client brought the messages to the attention of the court, and the court subsequently removed attorney as counsel. (Case No. SC18-1708)

Summary of Florida Bar 2019 Disciplinary Actions

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