THE FLORIDA BAR v. DESIREE ELLISON BANNASCH (2026)

PUBLIC REPRIMAND

Ms. Desiree Ellison Bannasch, the Supreme Court of Florida, by Order dated July 16, 2026, directed that you receive a public reprimand, administered by personal appearance before the undersigned Referee. Accordingly, the public reprimand was administered in person on August 14, 2026, at the Guy A. Race Gadsden County Judicial Complex, Courtroom 3, 24 N. Adams Street, Quincy, Florida 32351. The Respondent appeared in person with counsel. Counsel for the Florida Bar also appeared in person.

You were found to have violated Rules 3-4.3, 4-1.3, 4-1.4(a), 4-1.4(b), 4-1.7(a), 4-3.2, and 4-5.5(a) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

You engaged in the unlicensed practice of law in Tennessee by representing your aunt in a personal injury action against your father. Your conduct also created a conflict of interest because you possessed firsthand knowledge of your father's insurance policies and assets. Although you were not counsel of record, you drafted and filed the complaint that your aunt signed as a pro se litigant and engaged in settlement negotiations with counsel for your father's insurance carrier. While you did not conduct discovery or file additional pleadings, your actions nevertheless constituted the unauthorized practice of law. Nearly five years later, your aunt retained Tennessee counsel to represent her and ultimately resolve the case. After Tennessee counsel filed a notice of appearance, you nevertheless emailed counsel for the insurance carrier and urged that the settlement proceeds be sent to you rather than to your aunt's newly retained attorney.

Ms. Bannasch, your conduct demonstrated a disregard for the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. By engaging in the unauthorized practice of law in another jurisdiction, placing yourself in a conflict of interest, and continuing to involve yourself in the representation after your aunt retained counsel, you failed to uphold the professional and ethical obligations expected of every member of The Florida Bar. Such conduct undermines public confidence in the legal profession and the administration of justice and is unacceptable.

Members of the public and members of the legal profession have the right to expect that their colleagues will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for the profession and promotes public confidence in the legal system. You are expected to adhere to these standards at all times and to ensure that your future conduct is consistent with the obligations and responsibilities of all members of The Florida Bar.

This reprimand is now a part of your permanent record with The Florida Bar. You are further advised that, while this reprimand does not affect your privilege to practice law, further misconduct will. From this point forward, you must conduct yourself in accordance with your oath and the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

DONE AND ADMINISTERED this 14th day of August, 2026.

Hon. Anthony B. Miller, Referee