THE FLORIDA BAR v. LIDYA GOLDSTEIN (2017)

The Florida Bar filed a petition charging Respondent with the unlicensed practice of law. The Court issued an order on March 23, 2017, directing Respondent to show cause why she should not be enjoined from the unlicensed practice of law based on the allegations contained in the Bar's petition. Respondent filed an “Answer to Petition Against UPL and Compulsory Counterclaim with Motion to Strike.” The Bar filed a motion to strike Respondent's counterclaim and a motion for judgment on the pleadings.

Upon consideration of the Bar's petition, Respondent's response, and the motions filed in this matter, the Bar's motion to strike Respondent's counterclaim is granted. Respondent's “Compulsory Counterclaim” is hereby stricken. Respondent's “Motion to Strike for Sham” is denied. To the extent Respondent motions this Court to dismiss the Bar's petition, the motion is denied. The Bar's motion for judgment on the pleadings is granted, and

IT IS ORDERED that Respondent, Lidya N. Goldstein, is permanently enjoined and restrained from engaging in the acts complained of and from otherwise engaging in the unlicensed practice of law in the State of Florida.

The Bar has requested that the costs of this proceeding be taxed against respondent. See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 10-7.1(d)(2). The Court reserves ruling on the request until the Bar files an affidavit of costs.

NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION AND, IF FILED, DETERMINED.

A True Copy

Test:

John A. Tomasino Clerk, Supreme Court

dd

Served:

JACQUELYN PLASNER NEEDELMAN

WILLIAM A. SPILLIAS

LORI S. HOLCOMB

JUAN J. PEREZ, MDPD, DIRECTOR

(for service on LIDYA N. GOLDSTEIN)

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and LAWSON, JJ., concur.