9/8/20 Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments: The Florida Bar v. Charles Paul-Thomas Phoenix SC17-585

In this disciplinary case, The Florida Bar accused Phoenix of violating multiple ethical standards for lawyers, including engaging in activity involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The judge-referee recommended that Phoenix be diverted to a practice and professionalism enhancement program. In 2019, this Court disapproved the findings and referred the case back to the referee for additional proceedings. A second judge-referee recommends that this Court suspend Mr. Phoenix from the practice of law for 90 days and require him to pay Bar’s costs in the disciplinary proceedings. The Bar is seeking a one-year suspension and payment of costs. Mr. Phoenix argues that the original referee’s diversion recommendation was appropriate.