In a press release the Florida Bar Association has released details of recent disciplinary actions taken against Florida attorney’s. The following attorney’s have all been disciplined for their actions in relation to real estate transactions.

1. Caswell Adington Hart, of P.O. Box 546941, Surfside, Florida.

Hart has been disbarred permanently, effective retroactive to July 14, 2008. following a July 23 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1998) Hart is further ordered to pay restitutionin the amount of $7,500 to one party in a real estate transaction; $17,500 to another party in a different real estate transaction and $104,733.42 to an estate. Hart misappropriated funds, he abandoned client files after being evicted from his law office and he provided false information to the Bar. Hart was suspended in 2008 for failing to respond to a grievance committee subpoena. (Case No. SC08-1383).

Florida Bar Complaint
Florida Supreme Court Order

2. Guillermo Napoleon Lopez, of 759 NW 22^nd Ave.,Miami, FL

Has been suspended until further order, following a July 28 court order. (Admitted to practice: 2005) According to the petition for emergency suspension, Lopez appeared to be causing great public harm. Lopez facilitated the misappropriation of trust funds by his sister, Maria T. Lopez, an attorney who was placed on emergency suspension in October 2008. Additionally, Lopez was the settlement agent for real estate actions in which he failed to disburse monies as required. In at least one instance, Lopez failed to record a deed and mortgage for a transaction. (Case No. SC09-1360)

Florida Bar Petition
Florida Supreme Court Order

3. Donald Joseph Murray, 2000 Towerside Terrace, Apt. 1807, Miami,FL

Has been suspended for three years, effective 30 days from a July 16 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1969) Murray failed to properly supervise a suspended attorney who subsequently committed real estate fraud while employed by Murray. (Case No. SC09-111).

Florida Bar Complaint (7.5mb)
Florida Suprement Court Decision