FLORIDA BAR v. EKONOMIDES, 915 So.2d 1197 (Fla. 2005)

Case No. SC04-2298.Supreme Court of Florida.
October 20, 2005.

Lower Tribunal Nos. 2002-11,553(6D), 2003-10,204(6D), 2003-10,481(6D), 2003-11,547(6D).

After reviewing the uncontested referee’s report, the Court disapproves the language in paragraph IV (4). That paragraph shall now read “Mr. Ekonomides will pay for all of the above and will also pay the costs of The Florida Bar for this proceeding. In the event of allegations that respondent has violated his probation, The Florida Bar shall file a petition in this Court pursuant to Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3-5.1(c), by which the respondent may be punished for contempt or further sanctioned.” See Florida Bar v. Scopinich, SC04-2191 (Fla. Sept. 8, 2005).

Otherwise, the uncontested report of the referee and conditional guilty plea for consent judgment are approved. Respondent is suspended from the practice of law for thirty (30) days, effective thirty (30) days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty (30) days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until the suspension expires.

Respondent is further placed on probation for three (3) years under the terms and conditions set forth in the report and conditional guilty plea.

Respondent is further directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report and conditional guilty plea.

Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Anthony Chris Ekonomides in the amount of $2,906.11, for which sum let execution issue.

Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shallnot alter the effective date of this suspension.