Florida Bar v. Vernell

EHRLICH, Justice.

This disciplinary proceeding is before us following a complaint by The Florida Bar and hearings thereon before a referee appointed by this Court. Both the bar and respondent petition for review of the referee’s report. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.

The facts culminating in the bar’s complaint arose from respondent’s representation of William Fahrenkopf. In 1978 Fah-renkopf was rendered a paraplegic after having surgery performed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Fahrenkopf unsuccessfully attempted to secure legal representation to pursue his claims…