February 1, 2025 Disciplinary Actions
The Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 17 attorneys, disbarring one, revoking the license of four, suspending nine, and reprimanding three.
Claudia M. E. Atkinson, P.O. Box 1980, Ft. Myers, suspended from the practice of law for three years, a FLA, Inc., evaluation, and recommendation in support of reinstatement prior to petitioning; and payment of disciplinary costs, effective immediately following a January 9 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Between August 2022 and November 2022, while employed at the Public Defender’s Office, Atkinson had ongoing work and behavioral issues that impacted her ability to practice. Atkinson failed to respond to Bar inquires during the investigation and failed to participate in the disciplinary proceedings. (Case No. SC2024-0940)
Harold M. Bacchus, 1950 Lee Rd., Suite 100, Winter Park, public reprimand by publication and review by The Florida Bar’s Diversion/Discipline Consultation Service effective immediately following a January 2 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2009) While representing a client in a family law case, Bacchus failed to attend a hearing regarding lack of prosecution, failed to respond to the court’s order to show cause, and failed to appear for the subsequent hearing on the order to show cause. Bacchus did not formally withdraw from the case, and instead filed a Notice of Conclusion of Representation when the case had not concluded. (Case No. SC24-1218)