Sarcasm Not Appreciated

The Florida Supreme Court imposed a public reprimand of an attorney who had made "unprofessional" and "sarcastic" remarks in multiple matters.

From the referee report accepting a consent judgment

During the representation, Respondent sent emails to multiple different people involved in the litigation in which she made unprofessional and sarcastic remarks about opposing counsel and witnesses. Respondent’s emails about opposing counsel referred to them as “out of control,” and “overly hostile,” among other things. Further, in emails with opposing counsel respondent stated that the depositions of two of the witnesses in the case were “going to be epic” and great “entertainment.”

In a separate matter

During the representation in these cases, Respondent made unprofessional and sarcastic remarks about opposing counsel and witnesses.

In addition, Respondent made unprofessional statements orally and in emails and court filings impugning the integrity of Circuit Court Judge Michael Gates and Circuit Court Judge Peter D. Blanc. Respondent filed a Judicial Qualifications Commission Complaint against Judge Gates and then publicly filed the complaint in the Outreach Housing case and the Nationwide Pools case, seeking Judge Gates’ disqualification.

Avoid "reply all"

Respondent has also explained that one of the emails containing unprofessional comments was intended only for co-counsel and was inadvertently sent via “reply all” to other recipients. In other words, the email was sent in error to opposing counsel.

(Mike Frisch)