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Covering legal ethics, judicial ethics, bar admissions in Florida, Tennessee, and nationally. See our Subject Index to past postings.
The Third DCA affirms denial of a post-conviction motion alleging ineffective assistance of trial counsel relating to a juror challenge . . . (see more) [Added 1/20/25]
The Third DCA affirms a criminal contempt finding against a lawyer who failed to comply with a court-approved settlement agreement in a case based on an allegedly defamatory internet post, but reverses an order awarding fees to the defamed party’s counsel as “restitution” for prosecuting the contempt charge . . . (see more) [Added 1/15/25]
The First DCA strikes a criminal defendant’s Anders brief, criticizes Florida’s Anders briefing procedures, and certifies a question to the Florida Supreme Court . . . (see more) [Added 1/13/25]
The Supreme Court revises the court rules amendment process spelled out in Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.140 . . . (see more) [Added 1/10/25]
A trial court did not err in denying a motion to reinstate a criminal defendant’s retained counsel, where counsel had a disqualifying conflict . . . (see more) [Added 1/8/25]
The 2024 Florida Legal Ethics Review by Tim Chinaris is now available upon request . . . (see more) [Added 1/3/2025]
An order awarding fees after an ore tenue motion citing F.S. 57.105(1) is reversed . . . (see more) [Added 12/31/24]
The Fifth DCA reverses a fee award containing a contingent fee multiplier because there was no competent substantial evidence to support a multiplier . . . (see more) [Added 12/24/24]
A court did not abuse its discretion in dismissing a criminal case after the state “invited” the dismissal . . . (see more) [Added 12/20/24]
The Supreme Court suspends a judge for “engaging in abusive and intemperate conduct during two separate court proceedings" . . . (see more) [Added 12/17/24]
The Supreme Court issues its opinion addressing the need to increase or decrease the number of judgeships for fiscal year 2025-2026 . . . (see more) [Added 12/13/24]
Breaking with other DCAs, the Sixth DCA concludes that F.S. 742.045 provides no basis for entitlement to fees incurred on appeal . . . (see more) [Added 12/10/24]
A conviction is reversed because a juror violated the court’s instruction and researched the defendant on the internet . . . (see more) [Added 12/6/24]
The Third DCA affirms a non-final order granting a litigation finance company’s motion to order a debtor lawyer to turn over his law firm stock to a non-lawyer creditor to satisfy a judgment . . . (see more) [Added 12/2/24]
The Supreme Court amends Rule 6-10.3 to allow lawyers to obtain CLE credit for performing pro bono service . . . (see more) [Added 11/1/24]
The Supreme Court affirms denial of a convicted defendant’s motion to interview a juror 40 years after the trial . . . (see more) [Added 10/24/24]
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for charging a “clearly excessive and unconscionable fee” and conduct contrary to honesty and justice . . . (see more) [Added 10/22/24]
The University of Florida leads the state's law schools in first-time taker pass rate for the July 2024 general bar examination . . . (see more) [Added 9/23/24]
The Supreme Court orders a lawyer who was permanently disbarred after unprofessional conduct to serve jail time for indirect criminal contempt of court . . . (see more) [Added 9/20/24]
The Supreme Court rules that a trial court did not err in denying a motion to disqualify filed by defense counsel after the court raised the possibility of holding counsel in contempt . . . (see more) [Added 9/17/24]
Responding to a petition from the Bar, the Supreme Court amends several Rules of Discipline in Chapter 3, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar . . . (see more) [Added 9/9/2024]
The Supreme Court approves changes to rules regarding lawyers’ use of generative artificial intelligence, advertisements with celebrity clients or former clients, “zealous” representation, and lawyers indefinitely suspended for more than 91 days . . . (see more) [Added 9/2/24]
The Supreme Court disbars a former judge for misrepresentations in campaign filings and an application to fill a judicial vacancy, as well as misconduct during the disciplinary proceedings . . . (see more) [Added 7/22/24]
The Supreme Court approves a Bar petition for changes to rules governing practice pending admission, Bar membership information, Bar-approved referral services, and others . . . (see more) [Added 5/13/24]
The Supreme Court acts on Bar recommendations designed to improve professionalism in the legal profession, including amending CLE requirements . . . (see more) [Added 7/10/23]
The Supreme Court grants the Florida Bar’s petition to amend the confidentiality rule in two respects, including adding a provision addressing responses to negative online reviews . . . (see more) [Added 3/16/23]
Responding to a petition from the Bar, the Supreme Court amends bar rules various subjects including lawyer advertising, dealing with clients with diminished capacity, inventory attorneys, and confidentiality in the disciplinary system . . . (see more) [Added 3/4/22]
The Supreme Court amends Rule 4-5.5 to conform to the UPL advisory opinion permitting lawyers licensed in other states to work remotely from Florida for extended time periods on matters not involving Florida . . . (see more) [Added 2/18/22]