Florida Bar Discipline Summaries
From the May 2025 Florida bar discipline summaries
Xenia Hernández, 6923 NW 77th Ave., Miami, suspended effective 30 days following an April 25 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2017) The Bar sought the emergency suspension based on Hernández’s misappropriation of client funds, her use of the funds for her own benefit or the benefit of her firm, shortages in her trust account ranging from at least $169,000 to $381,000, and improper disbursements for a client using other clients’ funds. (Case No. SC2025-0556)
Suzanne Mandich, 360 Columbia Dr., Suite 100, West Palm Beach, suspended for 91 days, effective 30 days following an April 24 court order. (Admitted to Practice: 2013) Mandich allowed her assistant to take the court-mandated parenting course online for a client, and thereafter filed with the court a certification that the client completed the course. At a later deposition, Mandich did not prevent her client from testifying that he had completed the course himself, nor did she correct the record in that regard. Mandich presented significant mitigation. (Case No. SC2025-0515)
Gregory F. Pillon, 730 NW 40th Ave., Miami, disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission effective immediately following an April 10 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2004) Pillon petitioned for disciplinary revocation without leave to seek readmission following allegations that while disbarred, Pillon worked as an independent contractor with a licensed attorney in a real estate transaction and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. Pillon participated in the sale negotiations, communicated directly with the client-buyer and answered seller-complainant’s emails giving legal advice. Pillon did not file the required quarterly report with The Florida Bar. The court granted the petition, effective immediately. (Case No. SC2025-0319)
John J. Vasti, 27615 US Highway 27, Suite 109, Leesburg, public reprimand and ordered to attend Ethics School effective on April 10, the date of the court order. (Admitted to practice: 2010) Vasti failed to timely produce his client’s drug test results in accordance with a court-ordered timesharing agreement. In response to questioning and discovery requests by opposing counsel regarding whether the drug test was taken as well as the subsequent results, Vasti repeatedly objected and instructed his client to not answer. Vasti’s actions resulted in unnecessary delay and prejudice to the other party. (Case No. SC2024-1295)
Paul Gerard Wersant, 40575 California Oaks Rd., Suite D-2, Box 327, Murrieta, CA, felony suspended effective 30 days following an April 1 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2008) On January 31, Wersant pled guilty in Georgia to two felony counts of interstate interference with custody and one felony count of filing false documents in violation of the Georgia criminal code, and he was sentenced to 10 years. Wersant must serve two years in confinement to be deemed satisfied by entry and compilation of 180 days in the detention center and must serve the remaining eight years on felony probation as well as complete a substance abuse and mental health evaluation. Wersant must also complete 120 hours of community service and surrender his Georgia bar license. The Bar filed a Notice of Determination or Judgment of Guilt, and Wersant was suspended pending disposition of the case. (Case No. SC25-0455)
(Mike Frisch)