Bad Business

From the July 2023 Florida Bar discipline summaries

RoseMarie Feller, 745 Primera Blvd, Ste 1001, Lake Mary, public reprimand and completion of Ethics School effective following a June 15 order. (Admitted to practice: 2001) Feller and a former client entered into a business relationship where they created a new law firm in which the former client, a nonlawyer, had an ownership interest. Such a business arrangement is prohibited by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Although Feller took steps to change the ownership interest in the law firm to comply with the rules, her former client continued marketing efforts that did not comply with the Bar’s rules. After Feller ended the business relationship with her former client, the former client filed suit against her. Feller told opposing counsel in the suit that, unless it was dismissed, she would file criminal charges against the former client and his family members. The Bar rules prohibit an attorney from threatening criminal charges to gain an advantage in a civil matter. (Case No. SC2022-1779)

(Mike Frisch)