The Florida Bar v. Blunt
The Florida Bar v. Blunt
Opinion of the Court
We have for review the referee’s report on three consolidated complaints against Robert W. Blunt, a member of The Florida Bar. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 15, Fla. Const. Although we approve the recommended findings of guilt, we reject the recommended discipline and, instead, disbar Blunt from the practice of law.
The three complaints include a total of seven counts and charge neglect of legal matters, improper trust accounting, and misuse of client funds, among other things. It appears that Blunt participated in the
After reviewing these cases, we agree that disbarment is warranted. Blunt repeatedly ignored his clients’ interests and misused their moneys and, ultimately, abandoned them without notice. We have not hesitated to disbar attorneys who injure their clients and abandon their practice. E.g., The Florida Bar v. Setien, 530 So.2d 298 (Fla. 1988); The Florida Bar v. Ribowsky-Cruz, 529 So.2d 1100 (Fla. 1988); The Florida Bar v. Murray, 489 So.2d 30 (Fla. 1986). Given the magnitude of Blunt’s misconduct, the referee’s recommended punishment is insufficient.
Therefore, we disbar Robert W. Blunt, effective immediately upon the filing of this opinion. Judgment for costs in the amount of $3,027.85 is hereby entered against Blunt, for which sum let execution issue.
It is so ordered.
The specific provisions are: former integration rule 11.02(3)(a) and 11.02(4); former disciplinary rules 1-102(A)(5) and (6), 2-110(A)(1) and (2), 3-104(C) and (D), 6-101(A)(3), 7-101(A)(2), 7-104(A), 9-102(B)(3); and Rules Regulating Fla. Bar 4-1.3, 4-1.4, 4-1.4(a) and (b), 4-1.15(d), 4-1.16(d), 4-3.2, 4-5.3(b), 4-8.4(a), (c), and (d), 5-1.1, and 5-1.1(a).
Reference
- Full Case Name
- THE FLORIDA BAR v. Robert W. BLUNT
- Status
- Published