Two-year suspension recommended
The judge in the disbarment trial of South Florida plaintiff insurance lawyer Scot Strems has recommended to the Florida Supreme Court that Strems be suspended for two years, followed by one year of probation with special monitoring, plus costs and fees. Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Dawn Denaro in her final Referee Report recommended Strems be found guilty of violating 11 Florida Bar rules involving misconduct, unlawful obstruction of another party’s access to evidence, meritorious claims, expediting litigation, supervising lawyers, communication, and candor towards the tribunal. The Bar had sought disbarment alleging Strems “sits at the head of a vast campaign of unprofessional, unethical, and fraudulent conduct that now infects courts and communities across the state.” Televised hearings were held over the Circuit’s YouTube Channel.
The Supreme Court will make the final ruling on Strems’ case. The following is a list of publicly-noticed lawsuits and issues involving Mr. Strems:
- The Florida Bar v. Scot Strems Petition for Contempt;
- The Florida Bar v. Scot Strems Complaint for allegedly betraying his ethical obligations to an elderly client regarding a global settlement;
- Citizens Property Insurance Corporation v. Scot Strems Complaint alleging Strems and his firm, along with several associates, conspired to defraud Citizens into paying for sham first-party property insurance claims. This includes two civil violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), including conspiracy, as well as two violations of the Florida RICO Act; and
- Sonia Ortiz v. Scot Strems Class Action Complaint involving fraud.
The Florida Bar has another complaint against a colleague in the former Strems Firm, Gregory Saldamando, also regarding a global settlement. The Florida Bar appears to be engaged in scrutinizing those practicing insurance law with the recent public release of another case, this one involving defense counsel.
For further background, you can read our June 22, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31, September 14, and September 28 newsletter stories. These ongoing cases are being closely watched by many and we will keep you apprised.
LMA Newsletter of 10-12-20
