The Florida Supreme Court recently handed down disciplinary actions against 12 lawyers across the state, addressing various instances of professional misconduct. Penalties ranged from disbarment, the most severe sanction, to suspensions of varying lengths and public reprimands. The cases highlight the court’s commitment to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession.

Notable Cases of Misconduct

Threats and Disciplinary Revocation

One of the most serious cases involved Barry Robert Gainsburg of Coral Springs. The court ordered disciplinary revocation, tantamount to disbarment, with the possibility of seeking readmission after five years.This decision followed a May 15 court order. Gainsburg pleaded no contest to making written or electronic threats,a second-degree felony. According to a Florida Bar news release, the threats included to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.

Neglect and Lack of Diligence

David H. Stoller of Orlando received a public reprimand and was ordered to attend Ethics School. The Florida Bar’s Diversion and Discipline Consultation Service mandated this within 30 days of a May 15 court order. The court found that Stoller failed to adequately manage his cases, notably in immigration matters.The Supreme Court ruling stated that Stoller engaged in a pattern of lack of diligence, neglect, and failure to follow court orders and local rules, resulting in a case dismissal and multiple orders to show cause being issued to Stoller.

Felony Conviction and Interim Suspension

Mendel Zilberberg, a lawyer from Monsey, new York, faced an interim felony suspension, effective 30 days after a May 8 court order. Zilberberg was convicted of multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to make false statements to a bank, making false statements to a bank, and embezzlement and misappropriation of bank funds.

other Disciplined Attorneys

• Alexis Trischa-Day Benjamin of Hollywood: Suspended for six months.
• Danielle Justine Butler of Fort Lauderdale: Suspended for 30 days.
• Taylor Wayne Casey of Jacksonville: Suspended for 30 days following a May 7 court order.
• Jerry D. Haynes: Suspended for 30 months, effective 30 days after May 8.
• Bruce Jacobs of Miami: Permanently disbarred.
• T. Lorraine Johns of Dade City: Suspended for 10 days a month after a May 15 court order.
• Natalie Renee Jones of Orlando: Disbarred following a May 22 court order.
• Walker J. Smith IV of Orlando: Public reprimand, completion of ethics school, and 50 hours of pro bono legal services.
• Kenneth Clark Steel, III of Jacksonville: Reprimand.
• Pamela Therese Calderon of Venice: Disciplinary revocation.
• James Lawrence Torres of Satellite Beach: Disciplinary revocation with leave to apply for readmission after five years.