THE FLORIDA BAR v. STEVEN KENT HUNTER (2018)

Upon consideration of the report of referee and the briefs filed in this case, the Court hereby approves the referee's findings of fact and recommendation as to guilt for violations of Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.7. However, the Court disapproves the referee's recommendation as to guilt for violations of Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.9, and finds both respondents guilty of violating rule 4-1.9. The Court disapproves the referee's recommended discipline and instead imposes thirty-day suspensions from the practice of law, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondents can close out their practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondents notify this Court in writing that they are no longer practicing and do not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making their suspensions effective immediately. Respondents shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3-5.1(h). In addition, respondents shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until they are reinstated. Respondents are further directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report.

Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Steven Kent Hunter and Phillip Maurice Gerson, with each respondent being responsible for payment of one-half of the total amount of $3,015.00, for which sum let execution issue.

Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this suspension.

A True Copy

Test:

John A. Tomasino Clerk, Supreme Court

as

Served:

THOMAS ALLEN KROEGER

JOHN A. WEISS

CHRISTOPHER J. LYNCH

STEVEN KENT HUNTER

ADRIA E. QUINTELA

HON. MICHAEL ALLEN HANZMAN, JUDGE

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