It was announced November 30, 2010 by The Florida Bar, the state’s guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, that the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders has disciplined 18 attorneys, disbarring eight and suspending seven. Some attorneys received more than one form of discipline. Two attorneys were publicly reprimanded and three were placed on probation. One attorney was also ordered to pay restitution.

The Florida Bar, an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court, and its Department of Lawyer Regulation are charged with administering a statewide disciplinary system to enforce Supreme Court rules of professional conduct for the 90,000-plus lawyers admitted to practice law in Florida.

The Court orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion and, if filed, determined. The filing of such a motion does not alter the effective date of the discipline. The disbarred lawyers may not re-apply for admission for five years. They are required to go through an extensive process that rejects many who apply. It includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam. Historically, fewer than five percent of disbarred lawyers seek readmission.

This information was obtained from The Florida Bar’s website.

The Soreide Law Group, PLLC,  represents those seeking admittance to the Florida Bar, and existing lawyers, for both investigative hearings and formal hearings in front of the Florida Bar. For more information about our services please visit: www.floridabarhearing.com or call (888) 760-6552.